AN: Odd chapter title, I know. It's getting very hard writing this story
and obsessing over LotR at the same time. I keep wanting to put Merry and
Pippin in somewhere, but I know that wouldn't work out too great.
~~
By the end of January, nobody had heard a word from Caradoc Dearborn since escorting the several Death Eaters from the Christmas attack on Hogsmeade to London for their prosecution at the Ministry of Magic. Indeed, none of them had shown for their trial, and it was assumed that Dearborn's disappearance was linked with their releases.
By the end of the first week of February, there was no longer any doubt that he was dead - although they never found his body.
When Severus Snape received the news that the teaching position for Defense Against the Dark Arts was open, he saw it as the opportunity he had been waiting for ever since he was a little boy at Hogwarts. Of course, his master saw it as an equally opportune chance, but for different reasons entirely.
There was nothing Voldemort wanted more than to bring down Albus Dumbledore, and in order to do that, he would need a spy closer to him than Peter Pettigrew was. He needed to get past the castle walls that protected Dumbledore's knowledge. He needed to get someone inside Hogwarts.
And Severus Snape was the perfect candidate, for no one knew (including Dumbledore) that he was a skilled Legilimens, taught by the Dark Lord himself.
His ambition and thirst to prove himself worthy of his master's praise led Snape to the all too familiar grounds of Hogwarts, seeking out the Headmaster in response to the open teaching position. But the fate he sealed by stepping into the office of the most powerful wizard in the world was one he had not expected, even after carefully considering the consequences of what he was about to do.
~~~~~~~~~~
Snape was too busy to notice that Dumbledore was keeping far too much eye contact because he, himself, was trying to keep that eye contact in order to effectively raid Dumbledore's thoughts.
But little did he know, that's exactly what Dumbledore was doing to him. "Which teaching position are you applying for?" he asked after a while.
"I was hoping to get a job as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," he replied, still boring into his mind, but to no avail. Was he an Occlumens? Was that why he couldn't get any information?
Once again, he didn't notice how intently the Headmaster had been looking at him until he spoke again. "I like to know the background of a wizard before I have him work for me," Dumbledore said finally, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly with triumph.
Snape still wasn't able to read his mind, but couldn't help but feel as if he were an egg cracked open - mainly because of the way Dumbledore was watching him imperiously. "You know my background. I was one of your students." This was, of course, obvious - but an adequate answer to evade any problems that might arise if Dumbledore knew what he was up to.
And yet, he couldn't help but suspect that Dumbledore already knew everything. More than he did, in fact.
"Yes, but I'm sure an ambitious Slytherin as yourself would have found something to get involved with since graduating."
"I'm hoping to get involved in a teaching career, if that's what you mean," Snape answered firmly.
Dumbledore stopped, ponderously stroking his beard. "It's a pity how many students turned out to become followers of Voldemort, don't you agree?" Dumbledore hinted, and Snape flinched at the sound of his master's name. He nodded, and Dumbledore squinted his eyes, as if trying to read small writing from a distance - yet, he was looking directly at Snape.
"I hope you don't mind me speaking frankly, Severus, but I do not commonly hire Death Eaters to teach my students." Snape's eyes widened in panic. "And Defense Against the Dark Arts, I dare say. . ."
"You have no evidence towards your accusation!" Snape exclaimed, pretending to appear insulted in order to hide the dread and alarm that was growing in his throat, making it hard for him to swallow.
"Indeed," Dumbledore said, bringing out his pensieve. Snape watched in horror as he extracted a thought from his head, into the pensieve, and in turn, conjuring one of Snape's own memories - more precisely, his Legilimency lessons with Voldemort himself.
A series of alibis rushed through his head, each of them increasingly harder to believe. Finally, after racking his brain into exhaustion, Snape allowed himself to recognize defeat. He mouthed wordlessly, but Dumbledore held a hand up to silence him.
"I am a trusting man, and a man that believes strongly in second chances. I will employ you here as well as in the Order of the Phoenix, as we may have use for you. Of course, you will have to renounce your life as a Death Eater."
Snape felt his jaw drop.
"Or, I can turn you in to the Ministry, and let them deal with you now."
It was not an appealing plan to Snape, especially because it wouldn't work. "I would be killed." He sat up proudly, ready to die or rot in prison, knowing it would earn him the glory of his master's approval. "The Dark Lord would never let me back out, and I will not."
And, Snape thought, surely Voldemort would grow more powerful over time and save his worthy followers from Azkaban.
"Don't think I haven't killed dark wizards before," Dumbledore said finally, his kind demeanor quickly being replaced by that of an aura of great power. He was, of course, speaking of Grindelwald. Snape said nothing, all thoughts of honor and glory fleeing from his mind.
"Now, I suggest you reconsider my proposition. I can offer you Occlumency and confidentiality to ensure your safety in Lord Voldemort's presence, as long as you reveal nothing to his side, and everything to ours."
Snape wouldn't let himself nod his head for fear of moving, but didn't shake his head either, for fear of what might become of him if he did.
"There is no need to promise me with your word - I'll know exactly when you are lying. I have a certain likeness to Voldemort in that aspect, yet I doubt he would be this forgiving."
Yes, something did make them immensely different - compassion. And that compassion was what kept Dumbledore from killing him on the spot. There was no doubt he would have deserved it - thinking he could walk into this school without any risks or consequences. Yet, in the end, it was compassion that saved him not only from this, but from a loose werewolf two years ago. . . It was, altogether, an unfamiliar concept to him, but still, he couldn't help but feel grateful that it existed at all. Finally, he heard himself say, "Yes."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Consider it binding, then. I'm afraid the position has been filled for Defense Against the Dark Arts by Mr. Fenwick, but don't even think about backing out now. I'll fill you in for Potions teacher, if you don't mind."
~~~~~~~~~~
Despite the growing fear of his master coming for him, silencing him with death, Snape found it oddly satisfying to reveal so many secrets he had withheld for so long. Surely, he wouldn't be accepted by the members of the Order, but it didn't matter to him. He certainly hadn't done this to make friends.
He went down the list of names he knew, leaving a few out of course, but in the process, he hit a snag.
Peter Pettigrew, the ever-so-faithful friend of James Potter.
Everything discussed in Death Eater meetings was disturbing to him, he had to admit, but there was one thing he took pleasure in. And that was the planned destruction of James Potter. He could almost taste the sweet irony revenge would bring if he were the one to bring James Potter to his death.
For that reason, he told no one about Peter Pettigrew, and using the Occlumency Dumbledore had recently taught him, no one ever found out that he was holding back anything at all.
Of course, he couldn't give the names away all at once - that would be too conspicuous, and surely the Dark Lord would quickly grow suspicious. But there were some names he didn't intend on giving away at all.
~~~~~~~~~~
James scowled at the table. He couldn't bring himself to look at the nasty traitor before him. Couldn't Dumbledore tell that everything Snape said was a lie? Almost everyone around him seemed to be thinking the same thing.
Moody was gritting his teeth and shooting furtive glances at Dumbledore, Sirius was extraordinarily silent, Peter looked horrified, Frank and Alice were sharing worried looks, and yet Dorcas Meadowes seemed incredibly trusting.
"Have you heard anything about Dearborn?" she asked with rapt attention and unwavering confidence. Sirius was slightly stunned - especially since she'd gone to Hogwarts with them and knew exactly how much of a creep the slimy git was.
Snape was also surprised that she trusted him so much. "Yes, actually. Dead. Heard some people bragging about it not too long ago," he said casually.
Emmaline joined the number of people glaring at the convert. She'd been on the brink of engagement with Caradoc, it was true, and she loved him deeply - and to hear this man speak of his death so lightly was an insult to his memory. Hate showed clearly from her eyes - only slightly blurred by her growing tears.
Peter was struggling to keep his body from shaking. He was doomed - Snape, and Snape only, knew the truth about him. He would surely turn him in.
"It has been agreed that we will not track down the death eaters all at once," Dumbledore said. Snape nodded. "Especially since half of them I don't know," he muttered.
"Exactly how many are there?" Gideon Prewett asked skeptically, as if challenging Snape to make something up off the top of his head.
"No one knows every name - exactly for these reasons I stand before you today - but I'd say roughly four hundred, not counting the dementors and giants."
Hagrid lowered his gaze to the floor. A weighty silence stretched while the members struggled with disbelief, distrust and mild panic. The odds were against them twenty to one - that is, if Snape was being honest.
"Another reason to be wary of who we welcome in our home," Dumbledore said gravely, despite the statement's somewhat amusing nature.
The group nodded numbly, except Snape and Peter - who shared a brief glance. Peter swallowed loudly, yet no one seemed to notice. This was Snape's chance to turn him in.
"I declare this meeting over," Dumbledore broke the silence with a casual air, yet concealed worry. "Good day to you all." Dumbledore lingered until everyone had left, and with a grave nod at Remus, finally Disapparated.
Sighing deeply, Remus stepped into the next room, and saw that someone was already there.
"Oh, hello Remus," Rebecca said offhandedly as if she were busy with something, but was standing solitary in the center of the room with nothing better to do than watch her shoes.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, stalled in mid step.
"Nice welcome you have there for me," she said coolly, but otherwise smiled at him.
"Were you listening to the meeting?" he asked in mild surprise.
Becca shook her head. "I'm a Seer, I wouldn't need to eavesdrop to know what's going on. And besides, what's wrong with having a friend visit you every once in a while?"
"Well, nothing," Remus said uncomfortably. "I was just surprised."
Rebecca smiled. "I need a name," she said in a business-like tone. Remus only blinked, not having a clue as to what she might be talking about. "For my child," she added.
Remus shrugged. "James is a good name." To this Rebecca laughed. "Of course if I asked James he would say the same thing," she said with a wry smile. "But no, it's a girl, I can tell."
"Well, then. . . Jasmine. That's a good name."
"Jasmine?" Rebecca repeated incredulously.
Remus looked slightly disappointed. "Stupid, I know,"
"No," Rebecca said, cutting him off. "Jasmine," she mused. "I like it. We can call her Jamie for short."
Remus gave a small nod before actually catching her words. He almost blurted out 'we?', but thought better of it. It was strange how she was coming to him for advice over anyone else, and yet it seemed perfectly natural at the same time.
And yet, Remus knew she hadn't come over just to come up with a good name. "Becca," he said.
"Hm?" she replied distantly.
"What'd you come here for?" he asked.
She suddenly turned on him with an odd look on her face. It seemed like a cross between stubbornness and concealed anticipation. "You confuse me," she said bluntly.
"How so?"
Rebecca sighed, as if hoping she wouldn't have to explain further. "Well, you kiss me, and then - and then you act like nothing happened."
Remus froze. Was this his fault? "Er. . . sorry?"
Rebecca shook her head. "No! No, it's a good thing. . ." She paused and looked back up at him. "I just didn't know if it meant anything to you."
Was she nuts? "Of course it did. If it didn't mean anything I wouldn't have done it."
"Then?" Rebecca asked.
Remus shrugged. "What else is there to it? It's not like we have to keep it a secret."
Rebecca let a wide smile spread across her face. All the worries about death and terror left her mind. It almost felt like she was at Hogwarts again.
~~~~~~~~~~
Peter met with the Death Eaters because he had to, and only because he had to. Snape, however, had a purpose. It almost made Peter resentful, and yet the thought of telling Dumbledore what he'd been doing all the while terrified him beyond reason.
Peter gave Snape a sidelong glance full of disdain. Why did he get to escape from death while Peter sold his soul? Gathering all the courage and bitterness he could muster, Peter stepped up to Snape's side.
"I ought to turn you in to him right now," he whispered shakily, nodding towards the Dark Lord, who was currently speaking to the assembled group.
Snape smiled grimly without turning his head. "I'll turn you in to Dumbledore if you do."
"Not if you're dead," Peter retorted out of the corner of his mouth, surprised by his own words.
Snape turned his head slightly, his eyes still fixed on his master. The smile was completely gone from his face now. "I believe we have an agreement, then?" Snape said, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice.
But before Peter could answer, his master stepped forward, speaking directly to him. "But we won't let that happen again, will we, Wormtail?"
Peter shook his head, and lowered his eyes - even though he had no idea what he was agreeing to.
"It's suspicious how quick the Order found me," he said, and Peter didn't look up, for fear of eye contact. His master would surely know of his betrayal if he brought his head up.
"Face me, Wormtail." Overcome with a spasm of fear, Peter collapsed to the ground, trembling and muttering desperate pleas.
To his relief, his master said, "I will not kill you, for I still have use for you." With that, he resorted to torture.
Of the countless times Peter had watched his fellow Death Eaters suffer this very curse, he'd never imagined the pain would exceed the horror that showed from his face. After what seemed like an eternity, the feeling of twisting knives stopped, and the air rushed back into his sore lungs.
The Dark Lord dismissed the assembled group, and didn't even wait for Peter to stand before Disapparating, himself. To his surprise, when Peter stood, he found that Snape remained behind.
Snape glanced around to make sure they were alone. "You will *not* tell the Dark Lord about me," he whispered dangerously. "Will you?" he added uncertainly as Peter hesitated.
Wincing with pain, Peter replied, "As long as in return. . ." He stopped to catch his breath, "You teach me to defend my mind." Snape sighed heavily. He didn't know what to call himself - a traitoring traitor, a double agent, or just a confused man. This certainly wasn't a friendship, but a silent agreement to spare each other. Finally, he nodded his head.
~~
AN: There. Whatcha think? I've been stuck halfway through the next chapter for weeks, and I'm not any closer to finishing it. So please review. I need the encouragement.
Reviews! Woohoo!
Nixiy: Yeah, I guess Michael Potter *does* have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Thanks for the compliment on writing about Remus. It really gets hard after a while to keep him in character.
DragonPrincessNikki: Hey, you! How could I be so STUPID?? You *told* me in your review what was going to happen in your story - I just noticed that now. Please forgive me? Pweeze? Haha, anyhoo. . . I guess now you know that the child is (??) Jamie. Yeah, she's the main character of the first story, so, yeah. Don't go jumping to conclusions *just* yet. James and Lily still have a year, and regarding Rebecca's life, I'm only half-way through. *sighs* What have I gotten myself into??
L. Meylan: OMG! Another review! *hugs reviewer to death* Thank you so much! Sorry it took so long to update. My grandma came down to visit and she's been making me work like a hamster on a wheel. (Does that simile make any sense to you? Because I'm not so sure myself)
Rebecca Lyn: You have such a cool name. Honestly, you do. Anyhoo, yeah, as you can tell, the baby's Jamie. Yay! Now I can finally get this story *going*!!
Flyingpiggy: *pokes head around the corner* hello?
~~
By the end of January, nobody had heard a word from Caradoc Dearborn since escorting the several Death Eaters from the Christmas attack on Hogsmeade to London for their prosecution at the Ministry of Magic. Indeed, none of them had shown for their trial, and it was assumed that Dearborn's disappearance was linked with their releases.
By the end of the first week of February, there was no longer any doubt that he was dead - although they never found his body.
When Severus Snape received the news that the teaching position for Defense Against the Dark Arts was open, he saw it as the opportunity he had been waiting for ever since he was a little boy at Hogwarts. Of course, his master saw it as an equally opportune chance, but for different reasons entirely.
There was nothing Voldemort wanted more than to bring down Albus Dumbledore, and in order to do that, he would need a spy closer to him than Peter Pettigrew was. He needed to get past the castle walls that protected Dumbledore's knowledge. He needed to get someone inside Hogwarts.
And Severus Snape was the perfect candidate, for no one knew (including Dumbledore) that he was a skilled Legilimens, taught by the Dark Lord himself.
His ambition and thirst to prove himself worthy of his master's praise led Snape to the all too familiar grounds of Hogwarts, seeking out the Headmaster in response to the open teaching position. But the fate he sealed by stepping into the office of the most powerful wizard in the world was one he had not expected, even after carefully considering the consequences of what he was about to do.
~~~~~~~~~~
Snape was too busy to notice that Dumbledore was keeping far too much eye contact because he, himself, was trying to keep that eye contact in order to effectively raid Dumbledore's thoughts.
But little did he know, that's exactly what Dumbledore was doing to him. "Which teaching position are you applying for?" he asked after a while.
"I was hoping to get a job as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," he replied, still boring into his mind, but to no avail. Was he an Occlumens? Was that why he couldn't get any information?
Once again, he didn't notice how intently the Headmaster had been looking at him until he spoke again. "I like to know the background of a wizard before I have him work for me," Dumbledore said finally, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly with triumph.
Snape still wasn't able to read his mind, but couldn't help but feel as if he were an egg cracked open - mainly because of the way Dumbledore was watching him imperiously. "You know my background. I was one of your students." This was, of course, obvious - but an adequate answer to evade any problems that might arise if Dumbledore knew what he was up to.
And yet, he couldn't help but suspect that Dumbledore already knew everything. More than he did, in fact.
"Yes, but I'm sure an ambitious Slytherin as yourself would have found something to get involved with since graduating."
"I'm hoping to get involved in a teaching career, if that's what you mean," Snape answered firmly.
Dumbledore stopped, ponderously stroking his beard. "It's a pity how many students turned out to become followers of Voldemort, don't you agree?" Dumbledore hinted, and Snape flinched at the sound of his master's name. He nodded, and Dumbledore squinted his eyes, as if trying to read small writing from a distance - yet, he was looking directly at Snape.
"I hope you don't mind me speaking frankly, Severus, but I do not commonly hire Death Eaters to teach my students." Snape's eyes widened in panic. "And Defense Against the Dark Arts, I dare say. . ."
"You have no evidence towards your accusation!" Snape exclaimed, pretending to appear insulted in order to hide the dread and alarm that was growing in his throat, making it hard for him to swallow.
"Indeed," Dumbledore said, bringing out his pensieve. Snape watched in horror as he extracted a thought from his head, into the pensieve, and in turn, conjuring one of Snape's own memories - more precisely, his Legilimency lessons with Voldemort himself.
A series of alibis rushed through his head, each of them increasingly harder to believe. Finally, after racking his brain into exhaustion, Snape allowed himself to recognize defeat. He mouthed wordlessly, but Dumbledore held a hand up to silence him.
"I am a trusting man, and a man that believes strongly in second chances. I will employ you here as well as in the Order of the Phoenix, as we may have use for you. Of course, you will have to renounce your life as a Death Eater."
Snape felt his jaw drop.
"Or, I can turn you in to the Ministry, and let them deal with you now."
It was not an appealing plan to Snape, especially because it wouldn't work. "I would be killed." He sat up proudly, ready to die or rot in prison, knowing it would earn him the glory of his master's approval. "The Dark Lord would never let me back out, and I will not."
And, Snape thought, surely Voldemort would grow more powerful over time and save his worthy followers from Azkaban.
"Don't think I haven't killed dark wizards before," Dumbledore said finally, his kind demeanor quickly being replaced by that of an aura of great power. He was, of course, speaking of Grindelwald. Snape said nothing, all thoughts of honor and glory fleeing from his mind.
"Now, I suggest you reconsider my proposition. I can offer you Occlumency and confidentiality to ensure your safety in Lord Voldemort's presence, as long as you reveal nothing to his side, and everything to ours."
Snape wouldn't let himself nod his head for fear of moving, but didn't shake his head either, for fear of what might become of him if he did.
"There is no need to promise me with your word - I'll know exactly when you are lying. I have a certain likeness to Voldemort in that aspect, yet I doubt he would be this forgiving."
Yes, something did make them immensely different - compassion. And that compassion was what kept Dumbledore from killing him on the spot. There was no doubt he would have deserved it - thinking he could walk into this school without any risks or consequences. Yet, in the end, it was compassion that saved him not only from this, but from a loose werewolf two years ago. . . It was, altogether, an unfamiliar concept to him, but still, he couldn't help but feel grateful that it existed at all. Finally, he heard himself say, "Yes."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Consider it binding, then. I'm afraid the position has been filled for Defense Against the Dark Arts by Mr. Fenwick, but don't even think about backing out now. I'll fill you in for Potions teacher, if you don't mind."
~~~~~~~~~~
Despite the growing fear of his master coming for him, silencing him with death, Snape found it oddly satisfying to reveal so many secrets he had withheld for so long. Surely, he wouldn't be accepted by the members of the Order, but it didn't matter to him. He certainly hadn't done this to make friends.
He went down the list of names he knew, leaving a few out of course, but in the process, he hit a snag.
Peter Pettigrew, the ever-so-faithful friend of James Potter.
Everything discussed in Death Eater meetings was disturbing to him, he had to admit, but there was one thing he took pleasure in. And that was the planned destruction of James Potter. He could almost taste the sweet irony revenge would bring if he were the one to bring James Potter to his death.
For that reason, he told no one about Peter Pettigrew, and using the Occlumency Dumbledore had recently taught him, no one ever found out that he was holding back anything at all.
Of course, he couldn't give the names away all at once - that would be too conspicuous, and surely the Dark Lord would quickly grow suspicious. But there were some names he didn't intend on giving away at all.
~~~~~~~~~~
James scowled at the table. He couldn't bring himself to look at the nasty traitor before him. Couldn't Dumbledore tell that everything Snape said was a lie? Almost everyone around him seemed to be thinking the same thing.
Moody was gritting his teeth and shooting furtive glances at Dumbledore, Sirius was extraordinarily silent, Peter looked horrified, Frank and Alice were sharing worried looks, and yet Dorcas Meadowes seemed incredibly trusting.
"Have you heard anything about Dearborn?" she asked with rapt attention and unwavering confidence. Sirius was slightly stunned - especially since she'd gone to Hogwarts with them and knew exactly how much of a creep the slimy git was.
Snape was also surprised that she trusted him so much. "Yes, actually. Dead. Heard some people bragging about it not too long ago," he said casually.
Emmaline joined the number of people glaring at the convert. She'd been on the brink of engagement with Caradoc, it was true, and she loved him deeply - and to hear this man speak of his death so lightly was an insult to his memory. Hate showed clearly from her eyes - only slightly blurred by her growing tears.
Peter was struggling to keep his body from shaking. He was doomed - Snape, and Snape only, knew the truth about him. He would surely turn him in.
"It has been agreed that we will not track down the death eaters all at once," Dumbledore said. Snape nodded. "Especially since half of them I don't know," he muttered.
"Exactly how many are there?" Gideon Prewett asked skeptically, as if challenging Snape to make something up off the top of his head.
"No one knows every name - exactly for these reasons I stand before you today - but I'd say roughly four hundred, not counting the dementors and giants."
Hagrid lowered his gaze to the floor. A weighty silence stretched while the members struggled with disbelief, distrust and mild panic. The odds were against them twenty to one - that is, if Snape was being honest.
"Another reason to be wary of who we welcome in our home," Dumbledore said gravely, despite the statement's somewhat amusing nature.
The group nodded numbly, except Snape and Peter - who shared a brief glance. Peter swallowed loudly, yet no one seemed to notice. This was Snape's chance to turn him in.
"I declare this meeting over," Dumbledore broke the silence with a casual air, yet concealed worry. "Good day to you all." Dumbledore lingered until everyone had left, and with a grave nod at Remus, finally Disapparated.
Sighing deeply, Remus stepped into the next room, and saw that someone was already there.
"Oh, hello Remus," Rebecca said offhandedly as if she were busy with something, but was standing solitary in the center of the room with nothing better to do than watch her shoes.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, stalled in mid step.
"Nice welcome you have there for me," she said coolly, but otherwise smiled at him.
"Were you listening to the meeting?" he asked in mild surprise.
Becca shook her head. "I'm a Seer, I wouldn't need to eavesdrop to know what's going on. And besides, what's wrong with having a friend visit you every once in a while?"
"Well, nothing," Remus said uncomfortably. "I was just surprised."
Rebecca smiled. "I need a name," she said in a business-like tone. Remus only blinked, not having a clue as to what she might be talking about. "For my child," she added.
Remus shrugged. "James is a good name." To this Rebecca laughed. "Of course if I asked James he would say the same thing," she said with a wry smile. "But no, it's a girl, I can tell."
"Well, then. . . Jasmine. That's a good name."
"Jasmine?" Rebecca repeated incredulously.
Remus looked slightly disappointed. "Stupid, I know,"
"No," Rebecca said, cutting him off. "Jasmine," she mused. "I like it. We can call her Jamie for short."
Remus gave a small nod before actually catching her words. He almost blurted out 'we?', but thought better of it. It was strange how she was coming to him for advice over anyone else, and yet it seemed perfectly natural at the same time.
And yet, Remus knew she hadn't come over just to come up with a good name. "Becca," he said.
"Hm?" she replied distantly.
"What'd you come here for?" he asked.
She suddenly turned on him with an odd look on her face. It seemed like a cross between stubbornness and concealed anticipation. "You confuse me," she said bluntly.
"How so?"
Rebecca sighed, as if hoping she wouldn't have to explain further. "Well, you kiss me, and then - and then you act like nothing happened."
Remus froze. Was this his fault? "Er. . . sorry?"
Rebecca shook her head. "No! No, it's a good thing. . ." She paused and looked back up at him. "I just didn't know if it meant anything to you."
Was she nuts? "Of course it did. If it didn't mean anything I wouldn't have done it."
"Then?" Rebecca asked.
Remus shrugged. "What else is there to it? It's not like we have to keep it a secret."
Rebecca let a wide smile spread across her face. All the worries about death and terror left her mind. It almost felt like she was at Hogwarts again.
~~~~~~~~~~
Peter met with the Death Eaters because he had to, and only because he had to. Snape, however, had a purpose. It almost made Peter resentful, and yet the thought of telling Dumbledore what he'd been doing all the while terrified him beyond reason.
Peter gave Snape a sidelong glance full of disdain. Why did he get to escape from death while Peter sold his soul? Gathering all the courage and bitterness he could muster, Peter stepped up to Snape's side.
"I ought to turn you in to him right now," he whispered shakily, nodding towards the Dark Lord, who was currently speaking to the assembled group.
Snape smiled grimly without turning his head. "I'll turn you in to Dumbledore if you do."
"Not if you're dead," Peter retorted out of the corner of his mouth, surprised by his own words.
Snape turned his head slightly, his eyes still fixed on his master. The smile was completely gone from his face now. "I believe we have an agreement, then?" Snape said, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice.
But before Peter could answer, his master stepped forward, speaking directly to him. "But we won't let that happen again, will we, Wormtail?"
Peter shook his head, and lowered his eyes - even though he had no idea what he was agreeing to.
"It's suspicious how quick the Order found me," he said, and Peter didn't look up, for fear of eye contact. His master would surely know of his betrayal if he brought his head up.
"Face me, Wormtail." Overcome with a spasm of fear, Peter collapsed to the ground, trembling and muttering desperate pleas.
To his relief, his master said, "I will not kill you, for I still have use for you." With that, he resorted to torture.
Of the countless times Peter had watched his fellow Death Eaters suffer this very curse, he'd never imagined the pain would exceed the horror that showed from his face. After what seemed like an eternity, the feeling of twisting knives stopped, and the air rushed back into his sore lungs.
The Dark Lord dismissed the assembled group, and didn't even wait for Peter to stand before Disapparating, himself. To his surprise, when Peter stood, he found that Snape remained behind.
Snape glanced around to make sure they were alone. "You will *not* tell the Dark Lord about me," he whispered dangerously. "Will you?" he added uncertainly as Peter hesitated.
Wincing with pain, Peter replied, "As long as in return. . ." He stopped to catch his breath, "You teach me to defend my mind." Snape sighed heavily. He didn't know what to call himself - a traitoring traitor, a double agent, or just a confused man. This certainly wasn't a friendship, but a silent agreement to spare each other. Finally, he nodded his head.
~~
AN: There. Whatcha think? I've been stuck halfway through the next chapter for weeks, and I'm not any closer to finishing it. So please review. I need the encouragement.
Reviews! Woohoo!
Nixiy: Yeah, I guess Michael Potter *does* have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Thanks for the compliment on writing about Remus. It really gets hard after a while to keep him in character.
DragonPrincessNikki: Hey, you! How could I be so STUPID?? You *told* me in your review what was going to happen in your story - I just noticed that now. Please forgive me? Pweeze? Haha, anyhoo. . . I guess now you know that the child is (??) Jamie. Yeah, she's the main character of the first story, so, yeah. Don't go jumping to conclusions *just* yet. James and Lily still have a year, and regarding Rebecca's life, I'm only half-way through. *sighs* What have I gotten myself into??
L. Meylan: OMG! Another review! *hugs reviewer to death* Thank you so much! Sorry it took so long to update. My grandma came down to visit and she's been making me work like a hamster on a wheel. (Does that simile make any sense to you? Because I'm not so sure myself)
Rebecca Lyn: You have such a cool name. Honestly, you do. Anyhoo, yeah, as you can tell, the baby's Jamie. Yay! Now I can finally get this story *going*!!
Flyingpiggy: *pokes head around the corner* hello?
