I have included the ending of Chapter 34 in this one to make the transition for readers easier. This way, none of you have to go back and re-read Chapter 34.
That is unless you really want too.
She made to return through the tunnel but hesitated, her eyes once more rising to the diamond dusted night sky. Maybe not wasted after all, Olivia reasoned and unclasping her cloak, allowed it to fall in a pool at her feet. Shivering, she skittered to the remains of a low wall running around three sides of the tower. Like an agile squirrel, Olivia climbed atop the piled stone and let her eyes take in the view. It seemed the whole world lay spread at her feet, cast in silver and black. A sudden, harsh gust of wind pushed against her body and startled witch felt the stones beneath her roll and tumble away. With barely a gasp, she vanished into the night.
Severus Snape crumbled and fell, much like the stones below Olivia had fallen, the skin on his knees breaking from the force of the impact. His mouth wide in a silent scream of denial, Snape pointed his wand at empty air.
Too late!
Too late!
His lungs burned as the horror of the event pulled the air from his body. The pile of rock where Olivia had stood and the empty sky beyond began to waver and blur from the tears of raging grief that boil up within him. Flinging back his black head, Snape screamed.
There were no words, just a wail of anguish that lanced upwards and outwards, bounding from the broken tower walls, echoing back, amplifying the Potions Masters pain.
And then there was silence, save for the weeping of the wind that covered
the weeping of the black figure huddled in the snow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Over the keening of the wind Snape's ears captured a new sound. It had nearly crept by his awareness, but years of surviving on the point of a wand had honed his senses to glittering hardness. It came again, krow-ow rik-rik-rik , threading in and out of the buffeting gale and Severus raised his eyes to see a magnificent snowy owl rise above the shattered wall and soar over the crumbling upper level of the tower where Snape knelt.
Cupping wings turned silver in the moonlight, the bird circled the black-robed figure once, twice, then landed, the talons scraping like iron upon the cold stone. The large yellow eyes glowed with intelligence as the rounded head tilted this way and that. With a rolling, hopping stride, the bird advanced on the wizard until it stood proudly before him. From where he knelt, Severus was nearly eye to eye with the queenly predator. Sucking in great mouthfuls of air, Snape rasped, "Olivia?" and sagged with relief when the bird chirruped and began nipping at the ties of his cloak.
Snape scraped the heels of his hands over his eyes, swiping away the evidence of his pain, then slid the back of his fingers along breast feathers so soft as be nearly indiscernible. "Go! Fly, you vexing woman!" He ordered, pointing skyward. "Fly and I-- I shall await your returning." Struggling to his feet, Snape swayed, then looked sternly at the owl. "Olivia, I must inquire. Did you do that on purpose?" Here, Snape flapped a hand in the direction of the stone wall.
The owl actually rolled its yellow eyes at the wizard before unfurling its darkly barred white wings and leaping into flight.
Severus holstered his wand up his robe sleeve and limped down the ruined staircase to the lower level of the tower. He caught sight of Olivia's cloak lying in the snow and gingerly made his way over to snatch the garment up, thrusting it inside his own cloak. It shall be warm upon her return. This done, Snape clumped to the sheltering overhang offered by the remains of the stair casing, its massive wooden beams protruding from the collection of stone upon stone.
The biting chill of the night was seeping through the Potions Master's heavy cloak and his ire by the time Olivia decided to rejoin him upon the ruins. Severus watched the lovely white form drop from the jeweled sky and settle on the stones. For a few seconds the owl was lost within a blast of white-blue light and then Olivia stood shivering in nothing but her thin flannel pajamas.
The plaid material was molded to her body by the force of the wind and Olivia clenched her arms protectively over her breasts as her eye sought Snape in the shadows. Pushing himself from the wall, Snape strode quickly towards the shivering witch and without a word, tossed her cloak about her quaking shoulders. The silence continued as the wizard worked the buttons into their holes, his lips forming a thin line of concentration as his cold-stiffened fingers struggled with the task. Finally, still not meeting her eyes, Snape raised the hood over her head, pulling the sides close to her reddened cheeks, before smoothing the material over Olivia's shoulders.
His task complete, Snape slowly raised his eyes to find Olivia regarding him intently. He could read the questions in her green gaze and despite his earlier resolve to explain his emotional retardation, Snape's courage wavered. For want of an easier topic, he stepped back slightly and said in his usual sardonic tone, "I thought the killer feline to be your only animal form. Once more, Miss McGonagall, you out maneuvre me."
"I didn't set out to do that you know?" Olivia responded, then thought to add, "Out maneuvre you, I mean. Or frighten you, either. That tumble from the wall was as much a shock to me as it was to you. I about peed my pants before the change came over me." Her cheeks reddened even more with the bald confession and Severus made no attempt to hide his smile at her embarrassment.
"I would have been most put out with you, had that been the case." Snape replied with a smirk.
The wind swirled snow around their still forms as Snape and Olivia stood
silently facing each other. After a long moment, Snape tore his eyes
from Olivia with a jerk, choosing instead to peer out into the empty sky
that enveloped them.
"Why were you here? Why did you come...here?" He finally
asked.
Olivia shrugged deeper into the fading warmth of her cloak. "I couldn't sleep after our 'chat' in the day planner. Initially, I set out for the dungeons, but something made me come up here instead."
Snape quirked a brow. "You were going to the dungeons? You
were, perhaps, looking for me?"
"Well yes," Olivia answered. "I kept thinking about what you had written. You said you wanted to apologize."
His chin jutted forward and upward, like a balking stallion. "Ah! So the opportunity to have me groveling at your feet was enough to lure you from your bed?" He growled in pained triumph.
Snape cursed himself as disappointment clouded Olivia's eyes and her lips twitched downwards. With a heavy sigh, she turned to leave but her escape was halted by a weight pulling at her cloak. Glancing over her shoulder, Olivia saw that Severus held tightly to the fabric, his own eyes fastened to his clenched fingers almost in amazement. Snatching at the garment, Olivia complained, "My cloak, Professor."
When Snape did not respond, Olivia pulled harder. "Release me!" she demanded.
The wizard slowly shook his head, the knuckles of his hand whitening as he increased his grip. "I cannot." Snape whispered then swallowed. "For some inexplicable reason, I have been offered something rare, lovely and shining." His voice was low with a touch of wonderment in the tone. "Many would call me deluded, even mad to believe I deserve such an offering." He laughed bitterly. "Perhaps I am."
Snape lifted his gaze to Olivia, his features hardening with resolve. "Yet, even knowing that I am the least deserving of men, still I will have that which has been offered to me. With these hands, stained and filthy as they are, I will reach out and take the prize and press it to my breast." A fire had been rising in those glittering, obsidian eyes and now Olivia could feel the flames move over her skin, burning into her flesh straight to her quivering heart. Severus' next words rolled out in a dangerous growl. "I cannot- will not, release you Olivia!"
Olivia's breath came in shallow pants and a trembling that had little to do with the cold, raced over her body. She could offer scant resistance when Severus began to tug gently on the cloak, drawing her nearer. Snape's breath was hot on her face as he pulled her flush against his frame. " In the library those many weeks ago you proclaimed that you possess my soul, and indeed you do. Were I to free you now Olivia, you would fly from this tower, taking my soul with you and without it..." He paused, squeezing his eyes tightly shut. "I would die."
Olivia could only stare at the wizard holding her. Severus's arms had moved quickly, wrapping themselves about her waist and shoulders. Pressing his forehead to hers, he continued with his plea. " Olivia, I am truly the bastard. I know no other way." The grip on her body tightened. "For what I accused you of and for my words earlier, I am ..." His husky voice broke off, then forged on. "I have done nothing, can do nothing, to earn your forgiveness, yet I am willing to try."
A shiver ran through Olivia's body and she shut her eyes against the tears that threatened to pour down her already freezing cheeks.
She brushed the wetness from her lashes . "You can't earn forgiveness, Severus." Olivia told him then rushed on when Snape turned his face from her, the angles along his cheeks hardening. "Forgiveness isn't something you earn, like galleons. If it were, we would all be working ourselves to death to be forgiven. It is a gift," she said, her tone becoming soft. "A gift given freely, without reservation."
Raising a hand to his face, Olivia turned him so that she could look into the luminous black depths of his eyes. "And like a gift, it has to be accepted." She paused, letting him digest this information.
He searched her face, looking for a flaw in the argument, but found none, only tenderness, compassion, understanding and love. Severus closed his eyes once more, nodding his head. "I accept it, and gladly."
Olivia melted against his chest while Snape rested his chin atop her head. He held her thus, content to spend the remainder of the night on the tower in Olivia's arm. The icy wind that danced around the couple seemed incapable of penetrating the nimbus of peace that enveloped them...
Within my pounding heart
Which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
Beneath the cedars all my love I gave.
From o'er the fortress walls
The wind would brush his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
Caressed my every sense it would allow.
Oh night thou was my guide.
Oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover to the beloved one
Transforming each of them into the other.
...until Olivia shoved Snape away with a snort.
"And yes, you are a bastard! A real nasty one, to boot!"
Poke!
Snape found the hard tips of Olivia's fingers planted firmly on his breast bone.
Poke!
"You played a cruel, hateful trick on me!"
Poke!
"Accused me of sleeping around!"
Poke-POKE! "Twice!"
"You even thought so little of me to imagine,"
Poke!
"That I would kill our baby!"
"I was shocked, I spoke in haste. I was confused..." Severus stumbled over his plea.
A sob escaped the woman as Severus slid closer, slipping his hand to her nape. The wizard drew Olivia to him, pressing her face to his breast, his lips moving over her wool covered head, murmuring. Through the layers of material, Olivia's stubborn voice floated up, muffled but accusing. "And you were forever pulling my hair!"
Snape chuckled at her tenacity. "While you have your teeth sunk into my heart dearest, give it a good chew. You will feel better for it."
Olivia pushed back to peer into Snape's smirking face. "I would not feel better for it, Severus. I for one, do not take my pleasure from injuring those I ...love." So saying, she returned her head to his chest, bringing her arms up to encircle Snape's waist.
Well, not bad. Snape admitted to himself. I was contrite, offered my apologies with sincerity and the witch is once more in my arms! He felt a well deserved gloat coming on.
"Don't think this means that you're back in my bed, mister!" Olivia snapped, hugging him tighter still.
Damn!
Olivia snuggled closer while Severus pulled his voluminous cloak around them both, sealing in their shared heat.
"Olivia?" His voice viberated deeply in his chest beneath Olivia's ear.
"Yes?"
"Kiss me. Kiss m..." His words froze as Olivia stiffened in his arms. She raised her head and peered at him from the dark overhang of her hood. Her eyes were unreadable.
Olivia's thoughts whirled. She had been through hell and back over the past several months because of this wizard. He had brought her pain and joy in equal measures. Could she, should she offer up what was left of her remaining days to Snape's mercurial temperament? Was it fair to her?
Oh gods! Was it fair to Severus? She had decided against telling anyone other than Minerva of the fate that awaited her and she would not burden Severus with the knowledge that his seed had brought her to this pass. He must never learn of it, never!
Olivia saw the price her hesitation cost the dark wizard. The tiny light of hope in his black eyes was dimming and he was already releasing the pressure of his arm from about her body. Olivia could not shelter him forever from pain, but at this moment in time, she knew that she would ease his heart.
Oh crap, Olivia concluded. You only go around once in this life...
Carpe Diem!
Carpe Noctis!
Hel!
Carpe Hominis!
Rising up on her toes, Olivia sealed Snape's mouth with her own. The contact was tender, searching. She kept her eyes open to gauge his reaction and so was able to see her questions mirrored in his own. Cupping his face in her hands, Olivia moved her lips slowly over Severus', feeling them soften under her touch. He tilted his head to provide a better angle for contact, one hand rising to circle Olivia's nape as he tenderly plucked at her lower lip.
All of Olivia's fear and anxiety spilled over into her kiss and her
heart throbbed with the knowledge that she carried this wizard's child
and that with its birth she would be leaving Severus to carry on without
her. She wanted to gather as many pleasant moments as possible in
the time remaining so Olivia clung to Snape's rangy form, her tongue
plunging desperately
into his mouth, memorizing the texture, the flavor, storing the sensations
away for remembering when she finally passed through eternity's portal.
She felt him shiver in her arms while a low groan leaked from his throat.
She would leave precious memories for him as well.
I lost myself to him
And laid my face upon my lover's breast.
And care and grief grew dim
As in the morning mist became the light.
And there they dimmed amongst the lilies fair.
Oh night thou was my guide.
Oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover to the beloved one
Transforming each of them into the other.
Severus moved his ministrations from Olivia's clinging lips to trace a line of kisses along her jaw and over her cold cheek. He paused at Olivia's hair line, the fading scar barely visible in the dim light. As his mouth moved over the wound, Snape murmured upon her skin, "Forgive me. I was a rash fool to do this. Forgive me."
Against his ear he could feel her whispered declaration, " I love you, Severus! I love you so much."
When Snape continued to use his mouth only for kissing, Olivia pulled back, a confused, questioning expression on her face.
Severus sighed in resignation. "Olivia, having proclaimed my feelings towards you once, I see no need to reiterate that which you know to be fact." Smirking internally, Snape watched as mutinous fire began to ignite in Olivia's green eyes. "Besides, I also recall the disastrous events which immediatly followed upon the heels of my declaration. I have no desire to be hood-winked by you again."
Olivia growled, pushing the infuriating wizard from her, only to have him snatch her back to him. She gasped as Severus slid his hand inside her cloak, resting the large appendage over her lower abdomen. His eyes, shining brighter than the stars above them, traveled over her features before he whispered, "It is true then? You carry my child beneath you heart?" At her silent nod, a possessive smile tilted the corners of his lips. "I am pleased." A chuckle rose from his chest spilling from his mouth. "Olivia, you have managed to accomplish a task many thought an impossibility in this lifetime. You have made me indescribably happy and for that, I thank you." He increased the pressure of his hand on her flesh as if he would place his mark on her body. Olivia shivered with the sensation.
"How is this possible?" Snape murmured to himself and felt Olivia's laughter against his chest. "I know how it happened, madam! I merely question the situation." He snapped, but his tone was belied by his tender stroking of Olivia's tummy. She shivered with the sensation.
"You are cold, as am I; let us go inside. Morning will be upon us soon and you need to rest." So saying, Snape pulled Olivia's hand into his and led her to the tower exit.
The trip to Olivia's chambers was made in silence, neither desiring to shatter the peace that closed in on them. Once inside her door, Severus pressed another kiss to Olivia's waiting mouth while his large hands pulled her hips closer, allowing her to feel his need rising. He did not attempt to seduce her, only prove that his desire had not waned.
Olivia's tongue and hands were busy as well, traveling over the Potions Master's rangy form, relearning the hard planes, the heat his body generated.
"Will you sleep with me tonight?" She whispered against his adam's apple, his smell filling her head.
"I remember hearing you say that I was not yet welcome in your bed, Miss McGonagall. Has something occurred which has altered your thinking?" Despite his words, Severus was already slipping from his cloak.
"I am not asking that we...you know." Olivia responded hotly, removing her own cloak as well. "What?" She demanded as she caught the frown of distaste that moved over his face.
"That outfit is terrible!" Snape replied, waving his hand at her attire.
"They are warm." Olivia retorted, running her hands over the well-worn fabric.
Snape grimaced. "Horrid! I suppose Minerva provided them for you?"
"Nope, picked them out myself." Olivia tossed over her shoulder as she moved towards her bed chamber. "You coming?"
Pulling at his tie, Snape made to follow. The smile growing on his face turned to a glower as an unwanted tingle wormed its way up his left forearm.
"No!"
"What?" Olivia turned, shock becoming alarm when she saw him clutching at his arm. "No! No, you cannot! Severus, don't go!" She rushed back to his side, anger and fear mingling on her face.
"I must, Olivia. Already the pain grows. He is angry. Very angry." Snape growled, reaching for his discarded cloak.
"All the more reason to stay here, Severus. He must know something. Perhaps he knows about the baby. He could kill you."
"How could he possibly find out?" Snape demanded angrily, then paused. "Who have you told?"
"Just you and Mama." Olivia responded. "I have only really acknowledged it myself this weekend."
A jolt of pain caused a muscle in Snape's cheek to spasm. "I must go, Olivia! Tell the Headmaster; I dare not linger." Pulling Olivia roughly to him, Snape kissed the witch hungrily. Her eyes were still closed when the latch on her door clicked and he was gone.
Moving to the fireplace, Olivia tossed in a pinch of floo powder, calling out for Albus Dumbledore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snape exhaled a curse through clenched teeth as he flung aside the carefully stored garments within the wardrobe, his deft fingers locating the hidden panel concealing his Death Eater robes and mask. The sensations radiating from Voldmort's brand had rapidly excalated from the initial warning itch to a grinding burn that left the wizard gagging and gasping for air.
Dragging the despised costume from the wardrobe, Snape hastily wadded the items under his cloak and staggered from his bed chamber.
Another caustic blast from the Dark Mark dredged a bellow of agony from Snape and his normally agile hands palsied as he fumbled for his wand. In moments the wizard was striding through the dim corridors of the dungeons, heading for the secret exit that would take him beyond the apperation barrier.
Outside, the snow continued to fall and the Potions Master resisted the temptation to press a handful of the frosty substance to his throbbing inner arm. Gripping his wand tightly, Snape closed his eyes.
His mind barely registered the twitching, black-clad figure of Lucius Malfoy before the Cruciatus impaled him, pinning his body to the stones.
Later, it was unclear to Snape whether he lost consciousness or if perhaps the Dark Lord merely tired of his sport, for the curse ended sooner that was the norm. As the final dregs of pain flared along raw nerve endings, the silibent tones of evil incarnate moved over Severus's skin.
"Lucius has brought me some rather disturbing information."
Rolling painfully to his hands and knees, Snape bowed his head to the damp stones. "My lord, I am yours to command. Ask of me what you will."
There was the hiss of robes moving over stone and Snape could sense the presence of Voldemort directly above him. Obligingly, the kneeling wizard removed his silver mask and lifting the hem of the dark lord's scarlet robe, pressed a fervent kiss to the cloth.
"Rise Severus." Voldemort commanded as he moved to Lucius Malfoy, who had managed to bring himself to his knees as well, his silver head pressed humbly to the floor. Upon receiving Malfoy's obeisnace, the black wizard commanded that he too, rise and then bid both men to draw nigh.
Voldemort placed himself upon an ornate throne of dark wood while Snape and Malfoy stood before him, neither wizard masked. The glowing embers of Voldemort's eyes seared his disciples, savoring the aftertaste of their pain. When he finally spoke, the chill voice was directed at Snape.
"Tell me of Sirius Black."
Snape dipped his head, acknowledging the master's request. "Black arrived at Hogwarts just over three weeks ago. He came in the company of Remus Lupin. Black had received a full pardon in the deaths of the Potters and various Muggles. He informed Dumbledore of his desire to meet the witch who had brought about his freedom."
"Our dear Miss McGonagall." Voldemort chewed out the words.
"Precisely, my lord." Snape agreed, filling his tone with spite. "Later that same day, the headmaster informed me that Sirius Black was the long awaited champion."
Voldemort continued to glare at the pair before him, even as he summoned a trembling house elf bearing a heavy silver chalice filled with wine. He sipped the beverage and let the silence stretch on painfully.
"When were you planning on telling me this bit of news, Severus?" The lipless face was polite, calm.
Knowing he was in a dangerous, possibly lethal predicament, Snape kept his tone equally calm, all the while damning the blond wizard at his side. "My lord, no one knows of your whereabouts and I dared not trust such information in the talons of an owl. Dumbledore has his eyes everywhere. I took what steps I could to insure that Black will never be alone with Miss McGonagall. I could only watch, wait for your summons and then place myself at your mercy."
The force of the curse threw Snape into the opposite wall where he crumbled to his knees before pitching face first to the cold stone floor. Choking back screams of agony while trying to draw air into his seizing lungs, the black-haired wizard thrashed and convulsed before the dark lord and his minion.
Releasing the spell, Voldemort murmured over the rim of his cup. "But Severus, I have no use for mercy." Banishing the empty cup with a flick of his hand, he called the crumpled, gasping wizard with a cajoling tone. "Come, come and tell me of the steps you have taken in regards to my bride and her erstwhile champion."
His bones screaming in protest, Severus Snape levered himself against the wall and painfully gained his feet. He pulled a white handkerchief from his breast pocket and spat the blood from his mouth. Keeping his frame as erect as possible, Snape approached the throne and its vile occupant. Snape caught the look of gloating triumph on Malfoy's face before the canny wizard molded his noble features along sterner lines.
"My lord," Snape began, his voice straining to contain his pain. "As soon as Dumbledore made his announcement, I set about placing wards on Miss McGonagall's chamber. Black cannot enter, invited or no, without my knowledge. Since he keeps his lodging in the village, I altered the wards around the castle to alert me if Miss McGonagall attempts to leave the grounds. As of yet, she has not done so."
"So," sneered the black, corpse like figure. "You place a few wards; you managed to charm the school alarms. How clever you are, Severus." Voldemort brought his fists crashing down upon the thick arm rests, lunging forward as he screamed, "Why have you not killed Sirius Black.?"
"I am your servant, my lord. I merely waited for your order. When I brought you the news of the woman's presence at Hogwarts, your command at that time was that I remain close to her side, gain her trust, await your summons. If I have erred, forgive me." Snape bowed his head in contrition and waited for the blow to fall.
Long moments passed.
"Yes," Voldemort hissed. "You were indeed instructed to watch and wait. Very well, Severus, you are forgiven."
Somehow this absolving lacks the tender consideration of Olivia's charity, Snape thought with a mental grin, but he clasped his hands to his ebony breast and bowed low. "Thank you, my lord."
"Why Black, my lord?" Malfoy growled. "Of all the possible wizards, why Sirius Black?"
Snape raised his head slightly. "My lord, if I may presume...?"
Reclining once more into his throne, Voldemort indicated with a flick of his rotted fingers that Snape continue.
"It has long been my opinion that the circumstances regarding the hearing and my release were too contrived, too easy." Stroking his chin, Snape began pacing before the throne. It is now my belief that Miss McGonagall was not working for my freedom as much as she was attempting to clear Black's name so that he might join her at Hogwarts. It was all too convenient, do you see?" Severus swept his hand towards Voldemort. "She appeared in your chamber, my lord, gaining Wormtail's confession. Somehow, she managed to goad you into admitting to the killings of the Muggle girls."
Voldemort was nodding slowly in dawning comprehension. Snape continued.
"She entered into that hearing with the knowledge that there was not sufficient evidence to charge me with the crimes. The presiding judge did make this known at the onset. Yet when offered my meager freedom, she insisted the hearing proceed. She was not there for me; she was there for Sirius Black."
Each wizard pondered the information in the silence of their minds for a moment until Lucuis inquired, "That explains the how, but neglects the why. What attributes does Black possess that would benefit such a woman?"
It was Voldemort who supplied the answer. With a screech of rage the scarlet robed wizard threw himself from the throne with enough force to topple the heavy piece backwards. It landed with a resounding crash that reverberated from the stones, mingling with the maddened wizard's screams.
"Silvanus!" The bitch is championed by Silvanus!" Explosions of magic flew from Voldemort's wand and both Snape and Malfoy dived for whatever cover they could find. A chunk of stone, blasted from its mooring by the dark lord's wild spells struck the Potions Master above the right eye, cutting through to the bone. Blinded by the blood freely streaming from the wound, Snape threw himself flat down and cast a Deflecto charm over his body.
Through the milky haze of his protecting charm Snape watched as Voldemort staggered madly about the chamber, wild magic detonating all around him. Lucius had taken refuge behind a nearby sofa, his icy blue eyes now glazed in pain. The usually bold wizard panted as he attempted to heal the charred remains of his wand hand.
Wizard fire seared tis way through Snape's shield and he spent several seconds exposed to the rampage as he extinguished the flames eating up the back of his robes. Smoking and cursing, Snape reinstated the magical barrier and hoped fervently that Voldemort would not bring the chamber down about their heads before the tantrum abated.
Finally, stray sparks trailing in his wake, Voldemort magically righted his throne and cast his heaving frame into the seat. For long moments there was no sound save for the harsh rattle of the dark lord's breathing. Neither Snape nor Malfoy ventured forth.
With a loud POP! a terrified house elf appeared bearing a tray with three goblets. As the creature vanished, Voldemort spoke, his voice one of chilling playfulness. "Come out, come out where ever you are!"
Both wizards staggered from concealment, Snape wiping at the blood that continued to pour into his eye and Malfoy clutching his burned hand to his chest.
"Sit, refresh yourselves. Oh Severus, do see to Lucius before he faints." Voldemort calmly drank from his cup, watching in a bored fashion as Snape pulled a vial from his robes, snapping the top of with his thumb.
"Drink it." Snape ordered quietly, when Malfoy eyed the vial in askance. "It will ease the pain somewhat."
Lucius swallowed the contents and visibly relaxed as the potion took immediate effect. Snape pulled his wand and muttered a minor healing spell over Malfoy's charred flesh. No need to repair the damage entirely, Snape mused wickedly to himself.
The task complete, both wizards turned to their dark master. Two chairs instantly appeared and Voldemort indicated that they be seated. The remaining goblets floated to his damaged guests and silence reigned as the three drank in urbane civility.
"You must be wondering at my unfortunate outburst." Voldemort stated off-handedly.
"I do admit to a singular curiosity over that rather unusual display." Snape drawled. "It was most unlike you."
"I know, I know, Severus." Voldemort sighed dramatically. "My behavior was totally out of character, however it had suddenly occurred to me that those to whom I had appointed the task of investigating the lore of Brigit have failed me greatly."
"How so, my lord?" Malfoy inquired.
"If the vessel, the McGonagall wench, houses the spirit of the goddess, then it may stand to reason that her champion be inhabited by an equally divine presence."
"This Silvanus you spoke of, " Snape began, then took a long drink of the achingly sweet wine that Voldemort favored. "Who is this person and how might he be thwarted?"
"According to legend, the bitch took a paramour, the god of the forest and the hunt. How might we thwart him? Therein lays the rub Severus, for how does one go about killing a divine guardian? WORMTAIL!" The dark lord's bellow rang through the chamber, further emphasis of the tenuous grip the demon had on his temper.
"My lord?" The balding, filthy wizard apperated on his knees before the throne.
"Lucius' book. Bring it."
"Instantly, my lord." Wormtail vanished. He reappeared in a moment, a heavy volume, bound in green, in his arms.
"Give it to Severus!" Voldemort commanded.
"S-S-Severus?" Wormtail squeaked.
"Boo!"
Wormtail screamed, whirling about, his face twisted in fear.
"Hello again, Peter." Snape growled dangerously, his black eyes narrowing to angry slits. Malfoy was chuckling, despite his pain.
Snorting in flustered anger, Peter jabbed the green book into Snape's hands. "You don't frighten me, Snape!" He whispered through yellowed teeth.
The smile on Snape's face caused the smaller wizard to back away, stumbling over the hem of his tattered robes. "Of course not." Snape agreed mockingly.
"You may leave, Wormtail." The creature on the throne barked and the bent wizard promptly vanished.
Masking the shock and alarm running through his brain, Snape studied the thick tome that Peter had thrust upon him. He had seen such a book, held it in his hands.
Olivia's book!
"My lord, that book has been in my family..." Lucius began, his face no longer pale with pain but flush with rising ire.
"For generations, yes I know. And little value does it have in your hands, Lucius!" Voldemort snapped.
Malfoy slouched in his chair, fuming, then thinking of appearances, turned the posture in to one of studied negligence.
"You are holding one of the only known copies of the Prophesies of Surinim, Severus. See that you make better use of it than your predecessors."
"I strive to serve you, my lord." Snape intoned, catching the look of loathing shot at him from Malfoy's chair. Knowing better than to inquire into the nature of the "use" the tome would be put to, Snape cracked the cover and began to peruse the heavily lettered pages. If this was one of the only known copies... How had Olivia obtained her text? She had originally intended to seek his advice concerning her book yet had changed her mind after Snape's raging tantrum. Were the volumes the same? As these questions and more buzzed in Snape's brain, he paid scant attention to the conversation moving between Malfoy and the scarlet robed dark lord. Until, a particular name was mentioned.
"Your son did well in seeking out Severus as his confidant." Voldemort
remarked dryly over the rim of his now replenished cup.
"Young Draco, while still callow, is coming along . He holds
much promise. When he is ready, you will bring him to me, Lucius."
"It will be my pleasure and my honor, my lord." Malfoy purred.
Severus' gut tightened with revulsion.
Sitting his drink upon a nearby table, Voldemort rapped out sharply, "Now that we know the location of the McGonagall bitch, your son needs to destroy the globe lest it fall into enemy hands."
"That has been seen to, my lord." Malfoy replied. "As soon as Draco informed me that the enchantment would not function within the boundaries of the school, I removed it from his keeping. It is not a threat to you, rest assured."
"Very well. Severus!"
Snapping his eyes from the page he had not been reading, Severus responded promptly. "My lord!"
"Return to your duties, Severus. Be my ears, my eyes. Learn what you can from the tome. Use that knowledge to kill Sirius Black!"
A cold light flared in Snape's black eyes, one that was answered by Voldemort's glowing, red orbs. "With pleasure, my lord. And thank you for this honor. I will not fail you." With feigned humility, the wizard sprang to his feet before bending deeply at the waist.
Voldemort regarded the Potions Master impassively. "See that you do, Severus."
"Have I your permission to withdraw?" Snape questioned.
"You do."
"Thank you for your trust and this great honor." Rising, Snape whirled to exit the chamber, but was stopped by Voldemort's cold words.
"Do not fail me, Severus. Should Sirius Black get the bitch with child, all of my plans will be for naught."
Snape felt an icy chill travel down his spine.
"I would be...most displeased."
"Understood, my lord." Severus replied calmly, pulling his wand. Nodding once to Malfoy, the black-haired wizard vanished.
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Whew! Man, what a booger this one was to write. Thought I had it finished a few times only to have the characters scream, "NO! More!"
Or perhaps I misunderstood them and they were actually pleading, "No more!!"
Big wet kisses for Zee for her outstanding patience with my crummy speling. She is unfailingly kind. She has also posted her new Snape/OFC on my yahoo group. You should really check it out. I am just amazed with her skill.
Once more, thank you to all who have reviewed:
shadowycat- Thanks for sticking with me. I know you are glad to see that we won't be picking Olivia up with a stick and a spoon! I am more gentle with my toys than some people I could mention. I thought a glimpse into Snape's upbringing would help make clear his problem with relating to people. Parents can be loving and unattached to their children, with painful consequences. I loved the last chapter of your story. I don't know if I could have Evangaline's will to go on.
Shelob- As you can see, Olivia did not go SPLAT! I wouldn't do that to y'all or to Severus, for that matter. Oh yea, I wouldn't do it to Olivia either. My sister had a cow about the tumble from the wall. It was worth the writing just to have her reaction. Thanks for the review. Hope you continue to enjoy.
And for the remainder of my reviewers- SMOOCH!
The poem, once again, is by St. John of the Cross. See chapter 34 for more information.
Has everyone finished reading OotP? I am going to continue as if nothing ever happened. In my story, Sirius is still alive and well.
For now.
Love you!
gotsnape