Chapter 30- The Great Hall rang with student voices; the sound being somewhat similar to, yet vastly different from what Snape privately referred to as the "morning noise."
The "morning noise" of the Hogwarts student body was raucous, brash, loud. It was a noise that reminded one of flocks of starlings screeching or dust bins being dropped to the curb on a cold winter morning; perhaps the ringing of a frying pan being rudely slammed to a stove top before the more welcome static of frying sausage filled the air.
While just as loud, "evening noise" was the more sedate sibling of the two. The echoes bouncing from the stone vaults of the Great Hall lacked the vibrancy of its more rested twin. Evening's tones were mellow with fatigue after a day filled with activity. The voice of Hogwarts' final meal spoke of tired feet trudging up the steps of home. It told of arms and shoulder cracking as muscles and tendons began to unwind. "Evening noise" was a sound that seemed satisfied with its labors and uninterested in pressing itself any further than necessary.
It was the calmer racket of a day well spent that filled the space between Professor Snape and the seat usually occupied by Olivia McGonagall. Severus had taken more time than the meal warranted while waiting for some sign of the missing instructor.
Dark eyes traveled unseeing over the feeding frenzy that boiled among the students, while slender fingers idly pinched a roll into tiny pills that were the absently dropped to a plate.Darting a glance to where Madam Pomfrey calmly sat eating, Snape debated with himself over asking Poppy if she had seen the elusive Miss McGonagall.
Snape could feel his insides cringe as he contemplated approaching Minerva to inquire after her daughter. The older witch still had a kink in her tabby tail over Severus' involvement with Olivia. Snape knew that if he were to suddenly burst into flames, Minerva wouldn't spit on him to douse the fire.
As luck would have it, Professor was spared the effort when Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall entered the hall and made their way, smiling at the students, to the teacher's table. Snape did not have long to wait before Minerva solved the question of Olivia's disappearance and simultaneously increased the Potions Master's unease.
"Albus, I am concerned for Olivia. She barely touched her breakfast. I dare say she was upset for some reason or other." Here Minerva cast Snape a cutting glare. "She never showed for lunch and now she is missing her supper." Minerva's voice was low, but Snape had sharp ears. "Not that I don't share her excitement, but the girl must eat."
"Calm yourself, my dear."Chuckled the old man, tucking his napkin into his lap and starting to fill his plate. "Olivia is a big witch, after all.She is not about to starve herself.Pass the pepper mill please, Poppy.I simply adore fresh ground pepper on my tomatoes."
Madam obliged the Headmaster while asking, "What has happened that has Olivia all excited?"
Yes, what has happened? Severus wanted to scream.
Minerva seemed to be fighting a loosing battle with her lips.They insisted on spreading in a delighted grin.Almost fidgeting in suppressed excitement, Minerva nodded to the Headmaster, "You tell it, Albus.I am close to tears."
"Of course, Minerva."Dumbledore stated, cutting the scarlet flesh of a tomato.He chewed, a look of bliss on his face.
Minerva huffed in annoyance. "Albus, please!"
"Oh," The old wizard started. "You mean now?"Dumbledore's winked in Snape's direction, clearly enjoying baitingthe witch.
"Olivia has found her champion!"Dumbledore whipped his fork dramatically through the air in front of him, while Minerva nodded and Poppy brought her hands to her lips.
"Thank the gods!" the mediwitch sighed.
The Headmaster cast a twinkling glance to his Potions Master.Snape, his features blank, stared out over the churn of students; the only indicator of his unease, the slow stroking of his index finger over the callused pad of his thumb.
"When did this come about?" Poppy questioned urgently. "Do we know this person?"
"Why, just this morning, during breakfast.I am surprised everyone in the Great Hall wasn't privy to the situation.Albus chewed his mouthful before adding, "I suppose they were attending to other matters and were blind to the main event." Laying down his fork, Dumbledore steepled his fingers, resting his chin upon their tips.
"I wonder," the old man pondered. "How many great and miraculous events are allowed to go unrecognized because we waste our precious time on the trivial and the unimportant. What do you say, Severus?" Dumbledore peered at the dark wizard.
"Indeed, I agree." Snape drawled in seeming disinterest. "While I usually take pride in my skills of observation, I admit I must have blinked at a crucial moment, thus missing the cataclyismic event involving Miss McGonagall." Professor Snape then turned his attention back to his plate.
"Really?" Dumbledore spoke in a disbelieving voice. "How odd." The Headmaster eyed Snape curiously before turning back to Minerva and Madam Pomfrey.
"But Albus," the mediwitch whispered excitedly. "Who is this champion?"
"Why, Sirius Black, of course." Dumbledore replied around a bit of soft white bread.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed, still in a whisper. "I was beginning to fret at the lack of likely candidates." Here Minerva glared pointedly in Snape's direction. Poppy appeared stunned, her mouth and eyes wide.
"It would seem that most, if not all the pieces are in place. The drama, I dare say, is about to unfold." Dumbledore stated somberly.
His heart beating thick in his chest, Professor Snape inwardly reeled from the blow Albus had delivered. Black? The Goon of Gryffindor? The bastard who had come very close to committing murder beneath the Whomping Willow? How could this be? Olivia herself had informed the shaken wizard of his divine appointment just last night. You would think SHE would be the one to know.
With casual ease, Snape pushed back in his chair and examined the nails of one hand in a bored manner. "Since you were the only one who was privy to this occasion, would you be so kind as to describe it to us?"
"Of course my dear boy!" Albus chortled. "It was at the very moment that Sirius kissed Olivia. Most amazing! A voice, like a great bell, shouted out, 'Done! Behold the Hound!' I am a bit surprised the windows are still intact." Albus buttered another roll while Minerva dabbed at her eyes with a frilly handkerchief. Poppy still appeared stunned.
"What about this voice," Severus curled his upper lip in distaste. "Convinced you that Black is indeed this long awaited champion?" The last word came out sneeringly. I must compose myself, Snape scolded in his mind. I am over reacting.
"St. Brigit herself spoke." Dumbledore stated, amused at the look of startlement Snape quickly banished from his face.
"Albus," Madam Pomfrey breathed in awe. "Are you positive?"
"Indeed I am, Poppy. I would know it anywhere." The Headmaster's eyes held a far away dreamy quality in their deep blueness.
"We have spoken many times." Dumbledore continued. "She is a saucy piece of skirt, I can tell you! OW! Minerva, whatever are you doing? My shin will be quite bruised, I'm sure." Albus gave Minerva a hurt look that faded to confusion before the old man blinked and reluctantly turned his attention back to an amazed Snape.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore glanced hurriedly at the irate witch beside him. "Um, yes. St. Brigit is not a staid, dowdy personage. You must bear in mind that before being canonized by the church in Rome, Brigit was an ancient deity in her own right. She was seen as the goddess of the dawn, The Lady of Three Waters. She brought the Spring and fertility back to the land and its inhabitants. At her command, sheep and cattle brought forth their young. She is known to have encouraged the creation of human off-spring as well." Here Dumbledore paused to sip form his cup.
"Before you take her for some flower bedecked fairy queen, remember she was also the sacred goddess of the forge. Iron is her chosen metal and she wields it fiercely."
"You say you have spoken with this...person." Snape said. "Why? If I may be so bold."
"Ask away, Severus." Dumbledore laughed, and then dropped his voice as the many eyes in the chamber fixed themselves on the Head table. "She has visited me many times over the years. Sometimes in dreams. Most often she would come in those quiet moments of contemplation we experience as the sun goes down and the day begins to fade. Alas, she hasn't been to see me in sometime now. Years really." Albus frowned. "Come to think of it, Minerva, Brigit's last call was shortly before Olivia's birth." The old wizard sighed. "Now I understand. I see so much of Brigit in our dear Olivia. The same impetuous spirit. Her lightness of heart. Her compassion."
Snape watched as Minerva's face became sad. The Headmaster reached and gently patted the witch's hand. "What will become of our girl when Brigit leaves her? Alas, I don not know." Dumbledore's voice faded to a whisper.
"Leaves her?" Snape questioned, unable to keep the sharpness from his tone. He swallowed, relaxed. "Brigit's soul, spirit, whatever, will vacate Olivia's body? What of Olivia?" He managed to keep most of his urgency out of his words and his question came out as coolly analytical. Minerva shot him a look of angry reproach.
"What of Olivia?" The Headmaster intoned thoughtfully. "That, I must confess is left to the future. Does Olivia, the lovely child Minerva raised possess a soul of her own? Once Brigit is free, will Olivia cease to exist? We can only hope and pray for the best."
Silence fell over the small group. It was a silence so profound and thick the calls and clatter of the hall could not penetrate.
Giving himself a mental shake, Snape tossed his napkin on the table. "Well," he began briskly. "I wish Miss McGonagall all the best. I have student conferences and the Dueling Club, so I best go." Rising, the dark wizard nodded curtly and turned away.
"Severus." The Headmaster's voice stopped him. "Olivia bid me say that she desired a word with you. She was most urgent that I tell you." Dumbledore eyed Snape shrewdly.
"I will of course, find a moment to see Miss McGonagall." Snape replied. "Headmaster. Professor. Madam. Receiving their parting nods in return, Snape quitted the hall.
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Professor Snape stabbed viciously with his quill, slashing blood red ink over the parchment he was reviewing. Not that the essay was particularly bad, on the contrary, it was Miss Granger's and was up to her usual standards of perfection. It was just that the conversation with Albus had so unsettled the snarky professor he felt some need to vent his frustrations. And who better to receive his vexation than Miss-Know-It-All Granger? A rapping at his office door caused him to bark, "Enter!" without breaking stride in his writing.
The heavy door opened to reveal the blond form of Draco Malfoy. The boy had dressed in his dueling costume of tight fitting pants and long sleeve, cable sweater. Olivia's insistence that her team dispense with tangling robes and cumbersome cloaks had forced her group students to transfigure articles of clothing to wear while dueling. Nor did her team stand proud and erect as befitting wizards in a duel. No, they had been instructed to duck and dive, roll and hide behind whatever convenient piece of masonry was handy. They spelled from under cover, tossed hexes from around corners and basically used guerrilla tactics when cool decorum was called for. In a word, she was teaching them to duel like thugs. Snape was disgusted. Olivia's team, which was ahead by several points, were delighted.
"Come in Mr. Malfoy!" Snape rapped out. "We haven't all night for you to linger in doorways."
Draco entered the room and placed himself in the soft leather chair before his Head of House. The tall youth reclined into the backrest, casually crossing one ankle over his knee. It wasn't that Draco was totally at ease with his Potions Master. He had, however been raised to display an icy detachment whatever the circumstances. His hooded eyes may have appeared bored, but Draco was as taut as a violin string, his entire being quivering with the possibilities of what was to come.
He watched Professor Snape work for several moments, taking the time to look over the contents of the cluttered desk. The candlelight flickered over two objects projecting out of Snape's penholder. A bright red stick of some kind with a tassel of black silk dangling from one end caught the young man's eye before he moved his attention to a wickedly gleaming letter opener. It was designed to resemble a small sword, the hilt of silver was twisted into the lithe body of a striking serpent. Fixed to this hilt was a blade of unusual sharpness. From where he sat, Draco could see the glint of firelight sliding up and down the honed length of the metal as it tapered into stiletto thinness before disappearing into the mouth of an inkwell.
"If you have finished you inventory of my personal property, Mr. Malfoy, perhaps we could get started. It was you, after all, who requested this meeting." The dangerously low tone barely reached across the cluttered desk top, but Draco clearly took Snape's meaning.
"Sir, as you may, or may not know, Father will be coming to the Quidditch match this Saturday."
"Mr. Malfoy, since your father has been to every first of season meet since his first year at Hogwarts, this comes as no surprise. Now I am sure you are not here to discuss the seating arrangements for Lucius, so please get to the point. I am, as you can see, horribly busy."
Draco licked his lips and slid forward in his seat. "Father is requesting a meeting with you, sir. He wants to discuss my...progress. I believe he has begun to look beyond my schooling and plan for my future. I thought it might be beneficial to talk this matter over with you and perhaps gain some direction." Draco paused. "For me to take, sir."
Professor Snape tossed down his quill and leaned back in his chair, causing the leather to squeak pleasantly. "You are what, seventeen years old?"
"Yes sir." Draco replied. "Eighteen in March."
"You have been an inmate of this institution for seven years now. During that time, has Lucius not received annual reports on your classes?"
"Yes sir, he has." Draco replied.
Snape rose from his chair and crossed to an ancient wood and brass filing cabinet. Pulling on a drawer, Snape's slender fingers began to quickly flick through a collection of cream colored folders. He selected one and returned with it to his desk. Flipping the file open, Snape began to peruse its contents.
"You have managed," Snape glared up sharply. "Managed to pull reasonably high grades this past year. There are a few letters of discipline, but nothing serious. Ah, yes. Running naked through the corridors. I don't know what possessed you to flaunt yourself in such a way, but I am hoping that it will not become a habit."
Draco's pale cheeks flushed and he looked down at his hands. Meanwhile, Professor Snape continued. "Seeker of your House team for six years. Nothing illustrious, but nothing to sniff at either. Prefect for Slytherin House. A high honor, I am sure you are aware." The wizard continued to flip through pages of reports and grade sheets. "I would say that your chances for passing the N.E.W.T.S. are good, if not excellent. That is, depending on how well you apply yourself to studying before you sit them in the Spring. I will be able to inform your father that you are in no danger of failing." Snape flipped the file shut and regarded Draco appraisingly. "I do not yet understand why your father finds it necessary to confer with me on your--progress."
Snape eyed young Malfoy
Draco inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I believe his discussion with you will venture into more practical, hands on aspects of my potential."
Severus heard the unspoken in Draco's words. The Potions Master tapped one finger on his upper lip, appearing thoughtful, while his gut screamed out in protest at the elder Malfoy's plans for his son.
"He wants you to take the Dark Mark." Snape stated flatly.
Draco's eyes skittered away for a second but quickly snapped back to his Head of House. In those arctic blue depths, Snape saw the questions, the unvoiced fear of choosing in error, before the young wizard shielded himself and relaxed with urban languor in his chair. Well done, young Draco. Snape thought to himself. Never let them see you uncertain.
To give himself time to think and Draco time to collect himself, Snape lazily reached across his desk and plucked the serpent-hilted letter opener from its home in the ink stand and began to idly twirl the evil looking blade between his long tapered fingers. The candle light flashing from the metal reflected in sparks of bridled fury from the wizard's black eyes.
The sound of Severus' voice breaking the tense silence caused Draco to flinch. "You are aware of the responsibilities you will be taking on should you decide to pledge your services, your life to Lord Voldemort?"
Draco looked his professor straight in the eye. "Yes sir. I have...well, Father has allowed me the honor of attending a few of the lesser Revels these past few years. While I was not permitted to participate, I gained a certain amount of knowledge concerning our Lord's mind and his plans for those deemed unworthy of the title of wizard or witch."
"You know NOTHING of that 'mind'!" Snape screamed in his head, while keeping his features passive. "You have no idea of the level of depravity, of base cruelty you will be pulled to!" Aloud, he inquired, "What of your beliefs, Mr. Malfoy? What are your feelings, opinions, concerning those who are Muggle-born?"
Draco shrugged, "I know how Father feels and what he would like...." But Professor Snape cut him off with a harsh snarl.
"I didn't ask for your father's opinion, Mr. Malfoy. I inquired about yours. You do have one, do you not? Is there some part of you that has not been totally sponged out by the thoughts and beliefs of others? What do YOU think, MR. MALFOY?"
Draco froze, then licked his lips before stammering. "I...I really have no firm belief either way. I mean, I am not planning on marrying Granger or anything like that." Then grinning wickedly, added. "Though I wouldn't mind bedding her before she buries herself in some university library for the rest of her nun-ish existence. What a waste!" He put in under his breath.
Not if Remus Lupin has anything to say about it, Snape thought nastily.
"What I mean, Professor Snape, it that if we don't care for Mudblo...sorry, sir. I mean, Muggle borns. If we don't care for them, can't we just shut ourselves away from them? Shun them in public? Doesn't all this killing and torture just make them more angry and determined to fight? Perhaps I am wrong in my thinking and age and experience could possibly change that, but I don't see the need for all the horror, the suffering." Draco broke off. In a gesture he copied from the Head of House, the young wizard studied his nails in a bored manner. "But what else I am I to do? To refuse the mark will brand me a traitor, an outcast from all the best circles. Father would be livid."
Oh little dragon! Are you still salvageable? Is this your true heart speaking my child? Snape wanted to grab the boy and crush him to his chest. Promise him safety, anything to prevent Draco from following in his bloody foot prints.
Deciding to test the young wizard further, Snape asked, "You doubt Lord Voldemort's promise to his followers?"
Feeling more confident, Malfoy rolled his head against the slick leather behind his silver head. "He has been making those promises for what? thirty-forty years now? From what I can tell, we are no closer to dominating the magical world than you and your generation. It seems such a waste of time that could be invested in other things. I suppose I could make it work. You did, didn't you, sir?"
Snape ran a finger down the razor edge of the blade in his hand. "Yes, Mr. Malfoy. I made it work." He growled.
"A faith such as yours is a poor foundation for building a life upon. Our Lord is a jealous lord. He demands and expects total submission to his will. Lord Voldemort would require a more committed servitude from you, young Malfoy. When you answer his call, you not only pledge your time and your resources, but everything you could possibly hold dear. What is not freely given, our Lord will simply take."
Snape watched as Draco paled slightly. The youth cleared his throat. "I was hoping you could guide me, sir. You have been where I am now. You made the decision to follow Lord Voldemort. What were your feelings at the time?"
"It is not my future being discussed here, rather yours. But I will tell you this." Snape paused to collect himself before grinding the words from his lips. "My feelings for Lord Voldemort, and all he stands for, have only strengthened with the passing of time." Then Snape watched as Draco's shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly. Not quite the answer you were hoping for, but I have been given more than I ever expected from you, Snape whispered silently.
One more test.
"What do you want from life, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked suddenly.
With a sly grin, Draco lolled his head to one side and flicked his hand. "The same as every wizard, I suppose. Power, money, witches." He flashed a roguish grin in Snape's direction, but it vanished in a flash as the black robed wizard surged to his feet.
"I ask you a most pertinent question and you DARE," Snape thundered, driving the point of the letter opener deep into the top of his desk. "Respond to me in that IMpertinent fashion?"
Draco gulped and shrank away from the raging force of the Potions Master, confusion written clearly across his youthful features. "Forgive me, sir. I don't know what I was thinking. Forgive me." Swallowing convulsively, he continued. "What do I want? What do I want?" Draco's eyes darted around the room and over the towering form of his teacher, seeking some place to hide. "What do I want? Sir, I don't know what I want. I...I know I want to go on to University. I want to marry one day and have a child, maybe more, I dunno. I want to live without being afraid. I am sorry sir. That's the best I can do right now. I want to live without being afraid." Draco broke off and buried his face in his hands.
He had blown it.
Father would find out and would come for him.
The Mark would be forcibly burned on his arm.
Gods, he wanted to die.
Professor Snape regarded the trembling boy before him. Wrapping his fingers about the letter opener, the wizard pulled it free from the desk and after checking the point for damage, returned it to its proper place. With a graceful gesture, Snape flicked the tails of his robes clear and lowered himself to his chair.
"After some consideration, Mr. Malfoy, I believe that the recommendation I give to your father will be that while your grades are above standard and your level of maturity high...." Draco had become very still. "You have yet to come into your full powers. Powers, which if developed properly, will be of considerable use in the coming war." Snape watched as Draco relaxed slightly. "I will suggest to Lucius that you receive 'extra' tutoring in Potions, thus allowing you to be placed more directly under my supervision and guidance."
"Do you think Father will agree to postponing my initiation until I have gained in strength?" Draco asked, somewhat doubtful.
"Lucius can only gain from this arrangement. Were you to take the Mark at this time, you would only bring disgrace upon the name of Malfoy. Knowing Lucius as I do, I doubt he would want to take the risk. He is, after all, asking for my opinion in this matter. He can be made to see reason." The tall wizard rose from his chair, indicating that the teen do the same. Snape tossed a heavy canvas bag to Draco and the boy caught it to his chest with a grunt.
"We must be off." Snape barked. "Miss McGonagall's team may be ahead but my group has been practicing nightly this past week. You will be hard pressed to win this evening, Mr. Malfoy." Slinging his heavy cloak about his shoulders, Snape moved to the door. Draco struggled to shift the bag's strap over his shoulder and quickly followed.
Once in the corridor, the two moved swiftly. They came across other members of the Dueling Club heading in the same direction and Snape slowed his pace to allow the chattering students to pass by he and Malfoy. "You have adjusted to being on Miss McGonagall's team?" The professor inquired.
"I would have preferred being on your team, sir." Draco answered truthfully. "Working with the likes of Granger and Weasly is demeaning to anyone from Slytherin House. They will always go on about the ethics of certain hexes, like someone is really going to be concerned about "human rights" during a real battle." Draco snorted in disgust. "What came as a shock, was that Miss McGonagall disagreed with them, about the ethics issue, that is. She said when it came to actual fighting, we were to go in with 'guns blazing' and let the gods sort out the rest." Draco shook his head in disbelief and Snape allowed a smile to quirk up the tight corners of his mouth.
"Miss McGonagall is correct in her instruction and if you ever tell her that, Mr. Malfoy, you will finish out your year floating in a jar upon my desk as an object lesson to all who would run their mouths."
Draco nodded. "I still think we should have been able to pick our teams rather than sorting by lottery."
"It will do you no harm to fight beside others not of your house, Mr. Malfoy. You never know who you may be forced to name ally." Snape quirked a jet brow at the teen trotting by his side.
"This is true, sir." Draco admitted. "While it is irksome to be under Miss McGonagall's thumb, I admit I was surprised by her daring when it came to transferring the concepts of battle to dueling. I was a bit embarrassed by the first few meetings and made to protest the loss of decorum and beauty that is traditional with formal dueling."
"And what was Miss McGonagall's response to your protest," Snape asked, knowing he would not be surprised by any answer he received.
Draco curled his lip in a well bred sneer. "She said that if I wanted beauty and decorum, I should take up ballet. Then she proceeded to give a lecture on a Muggle war for independence and how the Americans had 'kicked British butt.' Her words, sir." Draco added hastily, thinking he had offended his temperamental Head of House.
"Ah, the American War for Independence," Professor Snape nodded. "Miss McGonagall was referring to the manner in which the rebelling colonists adopted the fighting methods of the North American aboriginal peoples; the use of fighting from cover, harassing the enemy and picking him apart man by man. Rather inelegant, as you say, Mr. Malfoy, yet highly effective." Snape then rattled Draco by asking with a bored, casual voice, "How are you and Miss McGonagall getting on lately?"
"She threatened to 'bench' me, sir." Draco replied, a slight whine sneaking into his tone.
Snape merely nodded, "Another unorthodox, yet highly successful tactic. Your behavior is modified to the point where peace reigns in the classroom and you keep your position on the Slytherin team. The responsibility for remaining on the team falls on your shoulders. Excellent tactic."
Draco waited for Professor Snape to continue but the tall wizard just went on with his rapid striding.
Coming upon the door to the ruined West Tower, Snape and Draco discovered about thirty students milling about in the corridor. Professor Snape pulled his wand and opened the door, directing the teens inside."If anyone so much as pulls a wand from their sleeve, that student will find themselves shipped home to their parents in a matchbox."Snape yelled to the students disappearing in the gloom of the tunnel.
As Draco made to follow the others, Snape halted him by barring the portal with a black clad arm. The manner in which the older wizard glanced up and down the corridor, checking for strays, potential eavesdroppers, pricked Draco's unease.
Snape pinned Draco with the intensity of his black eyes."You are aware," the looming wizard said in a low whisper, "of Miss McGonagall's importance, are you not?"
The younger wizard flinched slightly at the unexpected question and swiftly considered his options. He could lie to Professor Snape and hope for the best, or he could tell the truth and hope for the best. Then again, he could fall back on half truths and once more…
"I have some idea, sir." Draco admitted. Snape nodded slowly, never releasing the young man from the pressure of his eyes.
"Then you are equally aware that she must be observed closely, protected at all costs." Snape watched as beads of sweat formed above the youth's lip. "Are you willing to do this thing, Mr. Malfoy?"
"She doesn't particularly care for me, sir." Draco whispered.
"Then make her care, boy!" Snape bit out viscously. "Your eyes and ears are required in my service! To be of use to me, you must be close to her! Win her trust. Curry her favor."
"Just as you did." Draco stated.
"Yes, just as I did. I complimented her, claimed shared interests, listened intently to her prattle, all of that with but one goal. I wished to win her trust. She now takes me into her confidence. She shares her thoughts with me. Miss McGonagall is far too precious to lose, Draco." Snape's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper and Draco shivered at the implied threat should he refuse to aid the Potions Master in his quest. The youth nodded.
"When I have gotten close to her, what then."
The professor smiled in grim approval of Draco's belief in himself. Despite their past history, Snape knew that Draco could win Olivia over if he applied himself to the task.
"You observe, Draco. Observe and report to me. Now go. Join the others."
Soon the tunnel swallowed Draco's form as well.
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Staccato flashes of colored light filled the night sky above
the ruined tower while the occasional explosion rattled the windows of
the school. Shouts of laughter and barks of surprised pain were abundant.
Olivia McGonagall and Severus Snape stood upon the highest turret and observed the darting figures below them; the excited witch calling advice and encouragement while the wizard snarled curses and abuse. An enchanted hour-glass stood between the pair, and a magical score card kept a running tally of hexes, spells, hits and misses. When the last shimmering grain had spilled through the glass' narrow waist, the device set up a loud clamor, causing the score card to cease its drawing even though several students continued to cast the occasional spell. Olivia and Snape checked the score and the lanky wizard gave the witch a smug grin when the tally showed Snape's team to have stolen the lead.
"Bravo, Professor Snape." Olivia acknowledged the win graciously, fighting down the urge to throw herself against his lean frame and kiss him into madness. She felt the presence of the potion just as strongly now as she had throughout the day, and while tempted to make a grab for the professor under the cover of shadows, refused to give into the urge. There had been that moment of weakness when she leaned over the low tower wall to call something to her team…
The day had been long and Olivia was beyond happy to see it finally coming to an end. Now, if they could get rid of the students and she could shake off Sirius, there were some serious, serious issues Olivia wanted to discuss with the Potions Master.
For his part, Severus Snape was not blind to the hot eyes roving over his lean frame, nor had he been totally unaffected when Olivia leaned far over the parapet, allowing the lusty wizard a tantalizing glimpse of Olivia's small, perky globes. It was obvious that she was tempting him with her lovely display and while Snape fully intended to release Miss McGonagall from the effects of his lusting potion, he would do so in his own good time. Right now, Snape needed answers more than he needed sex.
Merlin! Had he actually thought that?
Students chattered and laughed as they gathered at the foot of the stairs. Snape reduced the hourglass with a spell and dropped it into a pocket before picking up the enchanted scoreboard. "Serpents 21 points. Owls...well, let's not rub it in, shall we?" Snape's team cheered while the others rolled their eyes and rubbed the areas that had been stingingly hexed.
"All students are to vacate the dueling area and return to their Houses." Olivia called above the noise, making shooing gestures with her hands. The teens flocked to the exit. Olivia observed Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger walking towards the portal.They did not hold hands yet their bodies swayed against each other in gentle rhythm as the pair moved to the exit.Olivia envied the openness of their relationship.Though Remus and Hermione had only been walking out together for several weeks, they seemed to be closely bonded.Bending to retrieve the equipment bag, Olivia halted as someone else snatched the bag from her sight.
"I'll take that, Miss McGonagall."Said Draco Malfoy as he slung the wide mesh strap over his shoulder."I am heading for the dungeons, so it will not be out of my way."The silver haired youth turned and joined the group of Slytherins gathered at the door.
Amazed at the youth's actions, Olivia stood watching as Draco left the tower.Damn! Damn! Damn!There goes my excuse for going down to the dungeons!!Olivia's green eyes narrowed down dangerously.Certainly Draco had no knowledge of the relationship between herself and Professor Snape?It would be just like him to try to interfere by stepping out of character and doing something nice.
As the last of the children passed through the portal, Professor Snape followed closely behind to discourage those who would be tempted to linger in the shadows for a quick kissing session.
"Do you need me to do anything?" Sirius Black inquired of Olivia, leaning near enough that his breath shifted the tendrils of hair laying along her cheek.
Shivering, Olivia moved a fraction and smilingly informed Sirius, "If you will help check for stragglers, I would appreciate it.I am always afraid that someone will get locked in the tower and starve before the next club meeting."
"Sure." Sirius said with a flash of teeth.The wizard moved up the stairs to the upper level.Olivia could feel his detection spells as Sirius did a thorough job of searching.Olivia busied herself with checking the lower areas.In just a moment, her search was complete.
A firm hand sliding around her waist captured the witch's attention.She had not even noticed Sirius' return!"You smell wonderful." Sirius whispered against Olivia's nape, before boldly pressing a kiss to the same spot his breath had caressed. Olivia could not stop the shiver of pleasure that rush down her spine.
Quickly, Olivia turned.Sirius was standing so near she was forced to lean back to look him in the eyes.Moving just as quickly, Sirius stepped closer, placing his arm once more about Olivia's waist."I am just having bit of fun, Olivia." Sirius gave a wicked grin, blue eyes sparking with the light from the near by torches."Dumbledore did say we are to act the part of lovers."Playfully, Sirius swayed, moving Olivia's body smoothly along his hip as his lips slid along the curve of the laughing witch's neck.Offended, Sirius pulled back and frowned, though his eyes continued to send out sparks."You're laughing at me?"
"I can't help it!"Olivia admitted. "It tickles!"Fighting against the heat pulling at her loins, Olivia placed her palms firmly against the wizard's hard chest and pushed. "I think you are being extremely loose in paraphrasing Uncle Albus, Mr. Black.From what I remember, it was suggested that we cultivate the idea of being a couple to give more credence to the image of you being my champion.
"We don't want to leave any doubt." Sirius rolled his head back, gazing up at the black dome of the night sky. "I am a bit rusty.Really could use the practice."So saying, the wizard pivoted on one foot, maintaining his embrace.In the space of a breath, Olivia had been pressed up against the cold stone of the tower wall and Sirius Black was kissing her dizzy.
Ooo! He really is quite good at this, Olivia thought as Sirius slid his hands over her upper arms and shoulders to capture her face, tangling his long, brown fingers in the strands of Olivia's loose hair.The stunned witch made no move to repel the tall wizard fused to her lips and Sirius took this as a sign to deepen the kiss.Olivia's mouth relaxed against the gentle questing of Sirius' tongue and the black haired man moaned as he slid into the sweet warmth between her lips.
No one was more surprised by Olivia's participation in the kiss than Sirius.Remus had provided Sirius with a quick and dirty history of Olivia and Severus, including Lupin's own interpretation of the relationship between the witch and the Potions Master.The werewolf had been adamant about Sirius steering clear of Miss McGonagall, and had even threatened to "stand aside when Severus comes hunting your pelt."The meeting with Albus Dumbledore only confirmed Lupin's words as Olivia had required, no demanded, several reassurances from the Headmaster that Black's role was merely to be that of decoy.For reasons Sirius could not and would not understand, the attractive young witch was very much in love with the dungeon dwelling Snape.
Then why was Miss McGonagall wrapping an ankle around Sirius Black's leg while doing her level best to wrestle his tongue to the mat, the animagus wondered.Oh well, who was he to argue with fate?Besides, the glimpse he'd had ofSnape's shadowy figure while spinning Olivia to the wall was simply the icing on a very sweet cake.
Olivia felt herself falling deeper into the kiss. The potion in her veins cried out for...something. No, someone! Bells of fear began ringing in Olivia's brain as she felt the growing hardness of Sirius body rubbing against her pelvis. Pulling her face from his, Olivia gasped, "No, this is wrong! So very wrong!" Her face burning with shame, Olivia pushed against Black's chest and was relieved when he moved easily away from her. "Sirius, forgive me. I am so sorry I let you believe..." Olivia stopped as Sirius raised a negating hand.
"No problem." He stated quietly. "I don't know what brought all this on...well, yes I do, but only on my part. You are a lovely witch, Olivia and a man would have to be ten days dead not to want you. However, I was made to understand that you have feelings for Snape. Remus is usually a good judge of people and he believes that there is something serious going on between you two." When Olivia made no response, Sirius continued. "This afternoon in the Headmaster's office you made it pretty clear that you wanted nothing to do with me, at least nothing beyond me being your pretend champion." The wizard ran one hand through his long black hair and sighed heavily. "Would you care to explain any of this to me?"
"Sirius, I would love to be able to explain, but I don't understand it all myself. Would you simply accept for now that I am not quite myself, and that I would never have done this to you otherwise?" Olivia saw Sirius' eyes widen in shock, belatedly realizing how he would take her words. She rushed on. "I didn't mean that I could never find you attractive, it's just, well... You are a very handsome wizard and under different circumstance..." Olivia broke off, knowing that she was babbling.
Sirius laughed lightly. "Olivia, relax. You haven't broken my heart or anything like that. We will just chalk this up to the moonlight or the excitement of the club meeting, the fact you like dogs, anything. Hell, I don't know, let's blame Snape."
Olivia gasped, afraid that Sirius was getting uncomfortably close to the truth.
"Don't worry," Black assured her. "I doubt even Snape would stoop that low. Come on, let's get out of here." Taking her hand in his, Sirius led Olivia to the exit and together they left the tower to the wind and stars.
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Freshly scrubbed and flush with excitement, Olivia hurried towards the dungeons. As a precaution in case she was seen, Olivia carried the Book of Suranim clutched to her chest. She intended to give the heavy tome to Severus anyway, and now it provided her with a handy excuse for being this late in the dungeons.
The witch was slightly surprised to see the faint glow from a candle leaking from under the Potions classroom door. Severus was perhaps working late on grading or some such, Olivia decided as she made her way to the door. The portal was unlocked and the latch turned easily under her hand. Opening the door, Olivia slipped inside.
Severus did not look up from where he sat. His black hair hanging across his cheeks, the wizard appeared to be deep into the parchment laying before him on the desk. Smiling, Olivia crossed the room and moved to stand by the Potions Master's chair. When he still made no move to acknowledge her presence, Olivia reached out to tuck the shining jet strands behind Snape's ear. Only he flinched from her touch, never raising his eyes from his reading.
"Severus?" Olivia questioned, hurt.
"You smell of dog." Came the flat reply.
Stung, Olivia frowned. "What can you mean? I have just now come from my bath."
Snape raised his face and looked at her. Olivia backed away from the cold, indifference of his eyes. They were the eyes of a stranger.
"It would take more than soap and water to sluice away the stench of that mongrel." Slowly, Snape rose to his feet until he hovered over Olivia. Terribly uneasy, she still refused to be cowed by this behavior. Leaning closer, the wizard breathed in deeply through his nose. His upper lip pealed back from his teeth in a grimace of distaste. "I can smell him all over you." Snape whispered, even now his voice dangerously soft and captivating. Placing the tip on one finger on her brow, Severus traced a line downward. "Here." He whispered again. "And here." The finger continued it's motion, slipping lightly over Olivia's parted lips, descending to brush against the heated skin above the low neckline of her gown. "Here as well." There was the slightest trace of bitterness in the professor's tone, though the black eyes that held Olivia captive remained cold.
Swallowing with difficulty, Olivia spoke. "Severus, I don't know what you mean."
He interrupted her with a sharp laugh. "Not only are you a whore, but a liar as well. Get out, Miss McGonagall." Turning, Snape regained his seat.
Olivia shook her head in denial. "No!" She cried, going down on her knees beside the painfully distant wizard. "Severus, I don't know what you believe you saw, but you are wrong! It is not what you think. Please..."
"Not what I think? I watched as you let-NO, begged the bastard to touch you. If I had thought you under duress, I would have snatched Black from you and hurled him from the tower." Despite the fire of his words, Snape's voice remained dispassionate, almost bored. "However, instead of pushing Black away, fighting him, you wrapped your leg around him much like a clinging parasitic vine. I watched as you wove your fingers into his hair and pulled him closer." Leaning forward slightly, Snape finally allowed Olivia a glimpse of his madness. The lines of his face were hardened into stone, cold and unyielding, while in the black depths of his eyes, there gleamed an unholy fire. "I heard you moan." He dragged the words out in a vile caress.
"It was the potion, damn you!" Olivia cried, coming to her feet. "You drug me with your poison and then have the NERVE to castigate me for behavior beyond my control? If there is anyone who should feel angry over what has happened, it is I." To Olivia's angry amazement, Snape began to chuckle. He rubbed one hand wearily over his face, the rasping of calluses over stubble reaching Olivia's ear.
Seeming unable to stop, Snape continued to chuckle lowly, laughter rolling out of him in painful, mirthless waves. Crossing his forearms on the desk, the shaking wizard lay his head upon the sleeves. Olivia watched as Snape's shoulders convulsed with laughter, his gasping breaths resembling sobs.
Alarmed and very unsure, Olivia watched as the Potions Master brought himself under control. Relaxing back into the soft leather of his chair, Snape pulled a crisp white handkerchief from a pocket, using the material to wipe the moisture from his eyes. Folding the cloth, Snape returned it to his pocket. Fixing a piercing gaze upon the woman standing in front of him, Snape looked slowly down the length of her body. Boldly, he stripped Olivia with his eyes. There was no warmth, no wanting in his visual touch and Olivia felt shamed by the contact.
Snape rose from his chair. "You really are a stupid child aren't you, Miss McGonagall?" He sneered, holding up one long fingered hand. Suspended between the two combatants was a glistening amethyst vial. "Is this the 'poison' you are referring to? The potion that so be-webbed you mind that you would f-," Grinding his teeth in frustrated rage, Snape bit off the word. "Fornicate with SIRIUS BLACK in the open?"
Olivia flinched at the violence in his voice. "Severus, I...," she began.
""Shhh." Came Snape's gentle response as he placed a finger over his lips. "Hush." Seeing Olivia tremble, Snape gave a cruel hint of a smile. "Do you know what this little bottle contains? Do you?" Olivia nodded her head weakly. "Recall how I explained to you, Miss McGonagall, that I am capable of creating a potion," Here, Snape gently pulled the elongated stopper free. "undetectable by even the most experienced of mages." The wizard held the shimmering vial higher, observing as the firelight played along the crystal skin, sending lavender flashes into the darkest corners of the chamber. "I am able to produce a potion so subtle in its form," Snape brought the container to his nose and inhaled deeply. "As tasteless as water." To Olivia's horror, Snape put the vial to his lips and drained it of its contents. Gently, trembling slightly, he placed the bottle on his desk before raising his empty black eyes to Olivia. "And just as harmless."
Silence hung awkward and heavy. The candle flames did not dare flicker upon their charred wicks as the witch and the wizard looked at each other. Finally, Olivia could handle the weight no longer and staggering back, pointed to Severus.
"Water?" A choked whisper. "It was water?"
"Water." Snape's voice sounded distant, hollow and tired.
Olivia shook her head in disbelief. "Why, Severus? Why would you do this?"
Shrugging, Snape crossed his arms over his chest and leaned a hip against the desk. "Revenge."
"And now you have your revenge." Olivia snarled. "I hope you are happy with it." Swaying, she placed her hand on the back of a student desk. "I don't understand. I just don't understand why I felt...Damn it, Severus! This entire day I have thought of nothing but you! Having you hold me, and touch me. I burned the whole day."
"As I have always said Miss McGonagall, you are a foolish child. You will believe anything." He snorted. "It was the weakness of your own mind that teased you today. Being susceptible to the minds of others is a problem you have yet to overcome, I see." He observed the pain and doubt chasing over Olivia's face and steeled himself against wanting her.
"You burned for me? What a blatant lie! I was always second, I simply didn't realize until tonight. That is why you had such a damned difficult time believing I was your champion. It just didn't fit, did it? The Death Eater and the Goddess? What a joke!" With a powerful slap, Snape sent the tiny vial flying from his desk to explode against the far wall of the classroom.
Olivia could not stop herself from cringing from his fury. "That is not true! I love you!"
Wheeling on her, Snape growled from his chest. "Never say that to me again. Now, get out. Go to you lover. I am sure he is waiting."
Unthinking, Olivia threw herself at Severus, tears blinding her to the hate and hurt on his face. Wrapping her arms about his unyielding neck, she sobbed. "No, please don't believe this of me! Let us talk, reason this out. I love you!"
Brutal in his pain, Severus gripped Olivia painfully by her hair and pealed her from his body. Striding to the door he forced the crying witch to match his pace. Slinging the door open with enough force to snap the hinges, Snape flung Olivia from him into the dark corridor. "Get ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!" He bellowed. The volume of his voice covered the sound of Olivia's head smacking into the opposite wall with driving force.
Blazing flashes of light exploded before Olivia's eyes as numbness bloomed from the epicenter at her temple. Nausea caused Olivia to gag as her body folded to the stones.
The numbness quickly faded to grinding pain and Olivia raised fingers to probe the oozing wound at her temple. Her hand came away sticky with blood. Staggering to her feet Olivia felt a horrible rage fill her heart. It was difficult to breathe through the magma of anger that flooded her chest and whirling, Olivia lifted her fist to the Potions room door. Instantly the wood exploded inward in a thousand tiny splinters; stone dust and ash filled the air. Like the door, Olivia's rage had been erased.
Professor Snape picked himself up from where he had been hammered against the far wall. His ears rang with the after effects of the explosion but his eyes were functioning very well, so he could easily see Olivia coming towards him through the fog of debris. Snape's heart constricted painfully as he took in the blood streaming from a gash above her right temple. He had done that in his anger, he admitted shamefully.
Olivia moved slowly and gracefully amongst the remains of the door and the shattered student desks. Her calm green eyes never faltered from the black orbs of the Potions Master. Her features were wiped clean of the pain and anger Snape had seen earlier. Now she came toward him as placidly as one would approach a stranger.
Stopping before the dusty robed wizard, Olivia studied him for a long moment. Gently, yet firmly, she spoke.
"In the Forbidden Forest you hexed me, burned me. I forgave you out of love. Last night, you struck me as I lay bound and defenseless. Again, I forgave you." Raising her blood covered fingers to Severus' eyes, Olivia slowly rotated her hand, allowing him to see the scarlet dripping down into her sleeve. Looking at him, she lifted both eye brows in mock query before tenderly wiping her stained hand down his cheek and over the chiseled line of his lips.
"You will never cause me hurt again, Severus Snape." Olivia said tenderly. "That night in the library, I told you I owned your soul. I give it back to you now, freely, willingly." Turning, her back ramrod straight, Olivia moved to the shattered portal. Pausing just under the arch, she turned. "I release you from your pledge, Severus Snape. I will hold you no longer." With a final, lingering gaze, she was gone.
Pale fingers sliced through dust begrimed midnight and Snape sighed heavily. Well, he sneered to himself, that is done. Now I can get back to my life.
Ha! barked a hateful mental voice. Your life! It THAT what it was? The voice jeered. Pity.
Staggering slightly, Snape moved through a sliding panel into the short hallway leading to his private chambers. Lurching to a heavily carved cabinet, he pulled a dark bottle from the interior. With a trembling hand, he sloshed the whisky carelessly into a glass and with equal consideration, poured the burning liquid down his throat. One drink merely blazed a trail. There must be others to follow or the effort would be in vain. Pouring another healthy dose, Snape inhaled that one as well. He followed it with a third, then a fourth.
Noticing that his hand no longer shook, Snape place the empty glass on his mantle, feeling exhaustion and despair following closely behind the numbness brought on by the overly swift infusion of whisky.
Desiring nothing more than oblivion the pale wizard moved into his bed chamber.
His elliptical eyes wide in fear, Cat crouched on the bed. The room was bitter with the smell of urine.
The Potions Master felt something in him snap at the sight of the terrified animal, the odor hanging on the air evidence of Cat's fear. You should be afraid! Fear is all I need from anyone.
Striding to the bed, the wizard grabbed the cat by the scruff of his neck and roughly hoisted the terrified animal into the air. Giving Cat a hard shake, Snape bellowed, "You wretched animal! You wretched, worthless creature! When will you learn that this bed is mine? You come into my chamber and slink about as if you are welcome here. You are not. You have never been welcome. I never wanted you, stupid cat."
Curling the fingers of his free hand about Cat's throat, Snape began to squeeze. "I am finally going to do what I should have done in the beginning." A chilling smile hovered on the thin lips of the wizard as he tightened his grip. Shocked, Cat hung limp in Snape's grasp.
The tiny thread of a pulse ticked under Snape's sensitive fingers and he could see the furry chest struggling to bring air into starving lungs. With evil pleasure, Snape watched as the glow of life in Cat's eyes dimmed to a tiny flicker that wavered, faded and then vanished. The once vibrant eyes began to glaze.
Horror washed over Severus as he watched the life in Cat blink out of existence. "NO! NO!" Pressing the still body to his chest, Snape peered into Cat's face. "No, I will not accept this. Do not let me be guilty of your death as well my friend." Rubbing his fingers deeply into the soft tabby fur along Cat's back, Snape buried his face into the unmoving, white belly, unashamed of the hot tears pouring from his eyes.
Holding Cat close, Severus Snape cried.
Cat hiccuped.
And all Hell broke loose.
Had Severus Snape been a student of Muggle culture, he would have appreciated the image of someone trying to shave with a weed eater. As it was, the wizard had enough on his plate attempting to subdue the panicking Cat, who laid out in every direction with tooth and claw, howling in anger and fear.
Finally gaining the upper hand...ahem, paw- Cat raked Snape wickedly as the climbed into the wizard's hair and with a lunge, propelled himself from the top of the black head. With a last hiss, Cat pelted from the chamber, leaving Snape panting, the many claw marks stinging angrily.
"Remus! What in the world?"
Snape groaned. Hermione-Damn-Granger and her pet werewolf were obviously in the Potions classroom. Hopefully, they would just go away.
Not likely, Snape acknowledged wearily.
"Whoa! What was that?" Granger's voice cried. "Something just darted past me!"
Cat! Snape cried to himself, and then aloud. "Cat! Stop him! Don't let him out the door!" Snape was already running.
He entered the remains of the Potions room to see Remus Lupin and Miss Granger looking about them in horrified confusion. Remus was the first to notice the panting Master.
"My god, Severus! What has happened to you? You are bleeding." Remus quickly moved to Severus to inspect the nasty marks running along Snape's cheeks and neck, but Severus hurriedly pushed him aside.
"Cat, where is he?" Snape asked anxiously of Hermione.
Before she could reply another form entered the room. One that Severus was loath to see, especially now.
"Hey Snape," Sirius Black called, leaning slightly backwards to peek down the dark dungeon corridor. "One of your ingredients is getting away."
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Alone in her Slytherin dormitory, Pansy Parkinson smiled. Under her bed, snug in a box, lay Professor Snape's cat. She had stunned the animal as it had attempted to dart from her and flee back into the damaged Potion's classroom. For now, he would remain in Pansy's tender care. The young woman had a use for the animal.
While sneaking to the Potion's room to leave yet another gift for the dark professor, Pansy had witnessed Professor Snape throw Miss McGonagall across the hall. She had seen the blood coming from the trashy witch's head and was silently cheering when Miss McGonagall had suddenly turned and blasted the chamber to to oblivion. Trembling, Pansy had cowered in the dark, hearing the softly spoken words of the Muggle instructor and had watched Miss McGonagall exit the chamber to walk steadily and gracefully out of sight.
Thinking over the events, Pansy was wondering how this might be turned to her favor when the Slytherin spied Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger coming down the still smoky corridor. The pair hastily entered the classroom and began calling to one another, confused over the mess.
A black and white form raced from the room and took off down the corridor. Pansy had quickly and silently followed.
Ok, chickies. I have no beta for this chapter so you will just have to over look any spelling or typo errors. I am sorry it has taken me so long to up date, but this chapter has been very tiring. For some reason, the necessary breakup of Severus and Olivia was difficult to put down. I cried last night, but was rewarded when I had a lovely dream of being at a play featuring Alan. He remembered me from NYC and we had a marvy time together.
And NO I will not tell you about my dream. Some things are sacred.
Hopefully, the next chapter will not be so long in coming.
Be kind and leave a review.
gotsnape