Epilogue
Three years later
The sun rose on two cloaked figures atop the star-gazing tower and seemed to watch them as closely as they watched the two figures moving below. They jogged past at a pace that was almost a run, circling under the tower for the third time.
"With all due respect, sir" whispered the smaller cloaked figure, "I think we should take her now and get back home."
"You're underestimating her," was the quiet response of the elder. "Let her exhaust herself. It will make our task much less demanding."
"They've been at this for almost an hour. Surely, she's..."
The elder shook his head slightly, but it was the look he gave the young man that silenced his argument so effectively. "It's unlikely she's even winded. If you watch closely, you'll see that she's moving slowly so that her less athletic companion can keep pace," he instructed calmly. "The fact that she's still speaking at great length indicates that fact quite clearly. As a matter of fact..." He watched them round the copse of trees and cursed silently. "Keep watch, Draco."
"Yes, sir."
With a whispered spell, Severus' consciousness rode the wind beside Alex and her companion, and he smiled to hear her voice again.
"I don't know, Wes," she was saying. "I guess I just get bored."
"But, you're beyond rich, Alex," her companion argued gently, panting for breath as he spoke. "I mean, I appreciate your interest, but you don't even take a cut of the goods, anymore. The rest of the guys... that makes 'em edgy."
"Well, let 'em be edgy," she shot back. "It won't kill them. Might even improve their focus. I told you before, I'm not in it for the gold. I just need to keep in the game. If I'm not busy I get... twitchy." She hopped over a log in the path. Her companion skirted around it. "Besides, you guys were absolute jokes when I found you. You were ridiculous."
Wes stopped jogging and faced her with hands on slightly rotund hips. He was breathing heavily. "Look, Alex, you've been good for us. There's no denying that. We were barely lifting enough to survive when you found us."
"But..." she prompted.
"But, you're way out of our league and everyone knows it. You push too hard, and it makes the boys nervous. They figure it's only a matter of time before you get us in over our heads."
She considered this for a moment, idly twisting a ring on her finger - her poison needle ring, Severus noticed. He'd have to warn Draco about that.
"So, you want me out?"
He had the decency to look ashamed, a slight blush rising to his full cheeks as he stared at the ground.
"I don't believe this!" Alex said with an exaggerated roll of the eyes. "I'm being ousted by the Three frickin' Stooges! Wes, how could you do this to me?"
"I'm sorry, Alex," he said softly, and honestly looked like he meant it. "If it were up to me..."
"It is up to you, Wes," she interrupted. "It's always up to you. You're the only one in your pathetic trio with an IQ higher than your shoe size." She popped him beneath the chin with a single finger, prompting his gaze back to hers. "Be honest with me. Is this because I wouldn't sleep with you? Because if it is..."
He took a surprised step back, and looked away. "It has nothing to do..." He stopped, took a breath, began again. "I know there's someone else. I would never presume..."
"Two others, actually," she corrected.
"Of course. In England. You've mentioned that a few dozen times," he chuckled nervously. "Excessive risk seems to be your religion, Alex."
"Lay off that," she snapped. "I can't help that you and your boys are too weak to keep up. It's your loss."
Shortly thereafter, they parted company and Severus returned to his young companion in the tower.
"It's time," he whispered briefly. "Are you ready?"
"Absolutely," he replied confidently.
"She's wearing the same ring she used to incapacitate you. It can be primed with poison, sleeping draught - anything. Be careful," he said kindly, laying a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Don't get too close. I don't detect any protection spells, but if the first stunning spell should fail, you will disapparate immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Just keep her off of her guard long enough for me to get close."
Alex walked gloomily back to the main park by way of the lake and sat beneath a tall oak with her chin on her bent knees, contemplating the failing of yet another pet project. All this trouble to keep at bay the memories and unbearable longing for her two wicked lovers.
It was ironic that she fought so hard to be rid of Lucius Malfoy, but all she could think about was being chained in his dungeon, screaming for his pleasure and her own. Severus, she had left behind for his own safety, explaining in a long letter that she couldn't risk another loved one. He could choose a quiet life with her or a life of power at Malfoy's side, but she wouldn't carry on a covert relationship that could get them both killed. Zephyr had returned without a response. Still, she dreamed of powerful nights in his arms, his kisses searing a trail down her body in the deep of the night.
Sweet Merlin, she missed them!
Apparently, though, they were doing quite fine without her. Lucius and Severus had made certain that they and their associates were given full credit for the destruction of Lord Voldemort, and were thus considered heroes in the European wizarding community. Lucius had been reinstated to the Board of Governors, Severus had retired to concentrate on pure research, and both had received the Order of Merlin. The Ministry was too blind to see the new power rising, or too controlled by Lucius to do anything about it.
Half an hour later, she heard the approach of footsteps on the dry grass. The uneven gait approached her hesitantly, as if in fear. She tensed for a quick disapparation, then heard her name spoken softly, tentatively, by a cultured voice. She started and looked up into a face that brought an enormous smile to her own.
"Draco!"
Almost immediately, she was on her feet and in his arms. Snug in his embrace, she whispered into long, pale, baby-fine hair. "Draco, I can't believe it's you. I missed you so much!"
"I missed you, too, Rose." He chuckled lightly. "And, I'm really sorry about this."
The irony was lost on her as she fell limp in his strong arms. To his credit, he guided her very gently to the ground.
Severus appeared from out of the shadows in an instant.
"What in Merlin's name happened?" he asked, clearly exasperated.
Draco held up his right hand and wiggled his ring finger which now sported a ring very similar to Alex's. "Knockturn Alley, Professor," he said proudly. "I've discovered that a bag of gold can buy damn near anything there, including one of these." He looked at the prone body before him. "I thought it was poetic justice, and she'll probably agree... when she wakes up."
The world was a blur of bright light and muffled voices. Alex closed her eyes quickly and remained still until she could determine more about what the hell was going on. The last thing she remembered was Draco, and his mimicking her words before she...
Damn.
Draco had done this. She wanted to be angry, had every right to be, but couldn't stop the slow spreading of a proud smile.
My little dragon, all grown up and drugging people.
Suddenly, the room was dead silent.
"What, precisely, do you find so amusing, pet?" asked a far-too-familiar voice.
Damn.
Did she have to be so immediately torn between exhilaration and dread? Still, she knew that this was what she had missed, this stripping away of safety, the grasping of any available weapon, whether tangible or not, to get some degree of control over the situation. It was the challenge of loving Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape, the most dangerous creatures she'd ever known, that made her feel alive.
She opened her eyes and blinked away the fog in her head.
She was lying on her back in, of all places, the Malfoy conference room, though it was very changed, and even more decadently decorated than before. Surrounding her in a very organized circle were Malfoy's associates, all of the old faces and a few new ones. She curled into a sitting position, legs folded, and stretched languidly. It gave her time to mentally check for weapons, of which there were none, not even her ring, and survey her surroundings more closely. It was just her, decked out in ratty gray jogging pants and a Darth Maul t-shirt. Not quite what she would have chosen for a reunion with her former lovers. But, at least, if she got the chance to run, she was ready.
Lucius sat in an elaborate chair at the head of the room, looking very cold, and as perfect as ever. Severus sat at his right hand, his black hair even longer now, spilling over his shoulders to his narrow waist. She missed a breath. Mab's heart, they were both so beautiful! Flawless roses with poisoned thorns. You couldn't help but touch the petals... and hope to Mab your hand didn't slip. There was no antidote for these two.
"What the hell do you want?" she began simply, addressing them both.
Lucius smiled sweetly. "I want you, pet, as always," he purred.
Alex looked to Severus instinctively for some clue, but his face was completely blank. He might as well have been staring through her at one of the men behind her.
"Oh, don't look to Severus for assistance," Lucius said. "His loyalties are not what they once were. You should've known better than to give him an ultimatum."
"That's none of your business," she snapped, starting to her feet.
"You may rise to your knees, pet, but do not stand," Lucius said calmly. "Only those who've earned the right may stand in our presence.
Making certain to look him in the eye as she did so, Alex rose to her feet with a smirk and shook the hair from her face.
Immediately, she was hit with a Cruciatus curse from somewhere in the room, and fell back to the floor... this time, screaming.
"That's enough," Lucius chuckled, lifting the curse with a wave of his hand. "Give me an hour alone with her and she'll kneel of her own volition," he purred. "Won't you, pet?"
She refused to answer, staring stubbornly at the wall behind his head as the men around her chuckled darkly.
Lucius continued, "My associates are less than fond of you... for obvious reasons. When I told them that we had finally located you, they wanted to travel to Salem en masse and... well, I'm sure you get the idea. Instead, I sent the only two I could trust to bring you home alive. I'd hoped that you would appreciate that."
"Draco," she prompted, returning to a sitting position on the floor. She absolutely refused to kneel.
"Draco had to return to the Ministry." Severus said. "He has other responsibilities."
With her attention focused on Severus, now, she found herself unable to speak. He was so beautiful, so cold. Her mind was already conjuring a million different ways to warm him.
I missed you as well, my love, his voice spoke softly within her mind.
Her eyes went dangerously wide, and he spoke again. Devote your attention to Lucius, Alex. You'll give us away.
Her gaze shifted to Lucius who beckoned her forward. She couldn't help but obey, curiosity ruling out over her pride. Still, she remained standing when she reached him, refusing to have him hovering over her. He smiled, but there was no warmth behind it, and pulled a familiar serpentine choker from an ornate box on the table beside him.
"Kneel."
She raised her chin and squared her shoulders. "Fuck you."
Lucius gave an irritated sigh. "Obviously, freedom has affected your common sense. You're in no position to be obstinate." He raised an eyebrow when she didn't respond. "I kept your coffin, Alexandria. Would you like to see it again?"
She was on her knees before he completed the question.
"That's my girl," he purred, "Now, turn around." She did as he instructed and faced a dozen or so black looks. "I have a task for you, pet," he added, running his hands through her hair as though she were indeed some favored animal. "It requires your renown thieving skills, and utter devotion to me. But, since you are in short supply of the latter, I fear I must resort to this." The cold metal slid around her throat and as it locked into place, she felt a shock of magic course through her veins. Whatever he'd done to the choker, it was potent.
Don't be afraid, Severus whispered into her mind. It's not harmful unless you disobey him, and it can be deceived.
You seem pretty sure of that, Sev.
I designed it, you silly girl.
Oh.
Okay.
"My friends," Lucius said to the men who watched. "This is Alexandria Borgin, my personal assassin. Anyone who harms her will answer to me. Anyone who falls from my favor will answer to her. Face me, Alexandria."
When she had settled herself again, he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "Severus and I have decided that, as grown men, we can share our toys without quarreling about it. Never forget that you have returned not only to my service, but his as well." Her breath quickened at his nearness, the warning in his voice sending chills down her spine.
Severu's voice warmed the cold. "Welcome home, Alex."
She pulled back with an angry toss of her head and gave them a furious glare. But, just under the defiant surface, her heart leapt with joy. The tentative peace between her two lovers would not last... not now, and without loyalty to the Order or to Voldemort to consider, Severus could be as brutal with his old friend as he chose. Things were going to get very nasty, very fast.
This was going to be fun.
Author's last note: Let me just say that I have been overwhelmed by the support I have found here, and each one of you have contributed more to this story than I can express. Thank you all for your steadfast kindness, advice, and patience. You have made an enormous difference in my life.
Emerald Sparrow: Thanks. I hope the ending and epilogue don't disappoint.
mary: I hoped you guys would appreciate Lucius burying her alive. One wouldn't want to forget how nasty his temper can be. It's also good to know that you appreciated Severus being so worried about her. I hope you like the ending.
Quietude: I agree. Mentally storing an idea like that to use against someone is a very Malfoy thing to do. I can appreciate that. Lucius is also much easier to write when he's being a 'cruel bastard.' So, good for both of us. Thanks for elaborating about your dislike of Rose. I found that really fascinating. So, you don't like Rose's submissiveness? That's interesting. Not big into the BDSM scene, I take it? That's understandable. Liking Severus over Lucius explains a lot, as well. I hope to see you when I begin my next fic. It will be almost exclusively Severus and a non-submissive OC, so hopefully more people will be pleased. Lucius is not big here at fanfic. net, and that makes me sad. He is by far and away my favorite. Interesting point of view about Draco. Wonder if the ending changed your view of their friendship at all.
Lady Jenilyn: I'm proud that I could do anything at all to help your overworked brain. Okay. As sick as I can be, I'm still yucked out by your happy dance when Lucius buried Rose. Yet, I can certainly understand where you're coming from. Something about Lucius being really nasty just gives you goose bumps. You get that feeling that that's the way he's supposed to be. Oohh... The Cask of Amontillado. That story is so creepy - definitely Poe's most horrifying work. But, The Fall of the House of Usher was a freak show, too. Loved it! Answer my mail when it's easy for you sweetie, and not a moment sooner. I don't want you stressing yourself out over something trivial. 'kay?
Queen of the Faeries: Okay, a huge part of me just wants to give a big hug because I made you tear up, (I hate to upset people) but another part wanted to do the happy dance. Yay! After twenty million revisions, I finally made that scene work!!! Yay for me! Okay. Enough celebration at your expense. That's not very nice. Sorry... but YAY!!!
Silverfey: You darling! What a sweet set of reviews! I'm so glad you finally chimed in. I was worried about you... again! I want so badly to answer all of those questions in your review, but I guess I already did. Oh, except for the one about Draco's big beef with Harry. Aside from just a general loathing, you guessed right. It was the landing his father in prison. Draco's a little messed up about that. I'm glad you enjoyed that buried alive scene. It seems to have gotten more of reaction than anything I've written so far. Groovy. I hope that the ending and epilogue are good for you. Let me know, eh?
Fleur K: Alex is a little hell-bent on vengeance, that's true. I think in this chapter, she gets over that. I feel that Rose and Alex were a single unit before she went under cover, though one was buried a bit by the other. I wish I could apologize about the shivery spine, but like I told Queen of the Faeries, after so many revisions on that chapter, I'm glad it got such a big reaction. That was well worth the work.
PPP: One should never, ever forget that Lucius can be vicious when he feels betrayed. I'm glad he never got the chance to really react to the revelation that Rose was Alex all along. That would have been ugly.
Intel Ewok: Sorry about having to insert the brat who lived. It was necessary. Hope you aren't too pissed. I get sick of seeing him, too. You know, I find that interesting. In almost every book I read, the main character makes me want to puke, but there's some sinister side character who catches my interest and holds it. Wonder why that is... That was a pretty funny point about not being shocked when a dark wizard does something dark. I had a hearty chuckle at that.
Lost Emerald: Lucius is not slimy, darn it! He's a very well-manicured baddy. I'm glad you are so happy about seeing Severus again. Now that I'm writing a Severus story, I hope to see you there.