Chapter Five

Frozen hands slipped on the icy railings of a ladder that was propped against the battered walls of a worn apartment building, which was really a crumbling Victorian home, whose many additions and repairs had left its appearance in a state of foreboding far more frightening than ever. Lopsided additions hung off at strange angles, and new shingle or plaster only marred the decaying paint and rotted wood frames of the doors and windows; appearing garish no matter what the light. It didn't help that the yard surrounding the home itself was as dry and scabbed over with rusted tin cans and broken furniture; crab grass could hardly get a stranglehold on the cracked earth that was seen from blocks away, and the gnarled branches of trees hung naked in the sky, their withered limbs begging for relief from their starved existence.

After the five hour long train expedition and walking endless miles in heels, the women were more than depressed at the sight of the halfway house; their red-rimmed eyes gazing morosely up at the grimy windows and darkened rooms that held occupants of more questionable liability than they themselves could ever dream. Their greasy-haired, sallow skinned companion was attempting to retain balance and still rummage through the muck-infested gutters of the house; after claiming he knew of a set of keys that were hidden there neither of them had protested his search. Both women were rather wary of knocking on the front door and asking for room and board uninvited—it simply wasn't in their nature to do so. And they had been reassured that their male counterpart had stayed here loads of times, explaining if they entered quietly, they could just discuss everything later on in the day. After they all had a shower and a nice long rest. Plus, it was really much better this way, he had told them; to just enter stealthily and not chance the risk of being turned away.

He had been rummaging for a half an hour now.

The darker of the two women fished a torn pack of cigarettes from her coat pocket, lighting the last of her precious smokes and taking a deep drag as she surveyed the skinny young man with narrowed eyes. His shoulders had begun to fill out in the past few years, his arms and legs gaining strength, though how he was managing to find the time to do so was niggling in the back of her mind whenever she least expected it to be, and his hands had become less clumsy. But he was still sickly in appearance, his skin still had that rather unpleasant tinge, his ribs still far too visible for her taste, the dark circles under his eyes never truly fading. And the creatures he called friends that were constantly popping up at the most inconvenient times were not in the least a comforting aspect of his life, still, he made her soulkin smile, even laugh, far more than shed tears. That had to count for something. Not to mention the fact that he was bloody brilliant and one of the best potions masters she had ever met  and he was about to break his neck, too, now that she noticed it.

"Severus, watch out!" her own voice seemed shrill in the early hours of the day, piercing the annoyance that was dawn on the horizon. The startled, frightened gasp of the woman beside her as she rushed forward, heedless of the garbage and weeds threatening to trip her now bare feet as the young man's hands slipped once more on the rungs of the ladder, his left foot popping out at a crazy angle, propelled her into motion as well.

"I knew this was a stupid idea!" the other one cursed under her breath, brows drawn into a furrowed grimace of worry, steadying one side of the ladder as the darker one sliced the back of her heel open on a rusted lid that she hadn't seen.

"Ow! Damn  Well, it's better than risking our necks knocking on the door of a strange home." she replied, to which a snort was issued.

"Oh please, Maeve, as if standing outside, ogling like a couple of tourists is much better, while the love of my life is risking his neck for keys we're not even sure exist is such a fantastic idea."

"Don't get snippy with me, June, he's your dim-watt boyfriend. Honestly, traipsing about during the early hours of dawn is not my idea of a charming end to an evening at the ballet." Juniper sighed heavily beside her friend.

"It was such a lovely ballet, too."

"It was."

"You can both thank me later for the tickets, as soon as we are back in my old boarding room." Snape added, stepping back onto solid ground with the faintest trace of relief in his tone. Juniper slapped his arm in annoyance.

"Don't do that again, you had me worried to death." with the look of complete interest in the keyring, Severus did not meet her piercing glare.

"I haven't the faintest clue as to what you're talking about; if worrying can lead to death, than surely the Grim Reaper has your number at the top of his list—along with the numbers of all us smokers, eh Maeve?" exhaling a particularly well-relished waft of smoke, the slightly wavy haired young woman allowed a snort of laughter to maul the otherwise perfect puff of toxins.

"He lurvs us smokers." Juniper rolled her eyes in disgust, tightening her grip on the shoes she clutched in one hand.

"Can we speed this up? I'm dirty and exhausted and in dire need of a toothbrush, thank you."

"Aren't we all," Severus remarked dryly, holding in triumph a rather tarnished brass key in his spindly fingers, "A-ha! Knew the little bugger was in here. Shall we ladies?" with an exaggerated bow, he led them to the front door. Juniper wrinkled her nose slightly as she side-stepped a hole in the front porch, which looked over what appeared to be the toilet for several wild animals—at least, she hoped they were the droppings of wild animals, suppressing a shudder as Severus turned the key very, very slowly in the keyhole. A faint click could be heard, issuing a small squeal from Maeve, who tossed the butt of her cig into said stinkhole.

"Yay. Bedtime." Snape rested a slender, white finger to his lips as he opened the surprisingly silent door into a rather dingy entrance hall.

A threadbare Persian carpet led from doorway to stairwell, which ran up and about at a slightly crooked angle, carpet on the wooden stairs as dirty and dismal as the Persian counterpart. Neither matched; both were faded, hideous patterns in what were once rather garish reds, blues, golds and silvers. The walls were peeling paint—upon closer examination, Juniper found that their were originally wallpapered, but when that had begun to fade or curl, the walls had been repainted—many, many times over. Which did not hinder the peeling of the wallpaper below, but instead left heavier curls hanging about for someone to knock off, and that had been done on more than once occasion, since the remnants still littered the ground. A large hole was bashed into the wall to their right, which was really more of a corner, as the entrance hall had one doorway to the left with opened into a parlor; and open space to the right which really lead around and about to the main dining room, or at least, what would have been a dining room. It seemed as if no one had eaten there in centuries, so thick was the dust on the table and chairs, save for in one or two places, where dirty dishes and newspapers were stacked, flies bussing about hungrily, thick and black bodied.

Maeve looked revolted, eyes slits as she gazed up the darkened stairwell. She could just barely see the railing that lined the landing upstairs, and while no one was visible, she was sure they were being watched. The skin on the back of her neck crawled.

"Let's get going," she hissed in Snape's ear. He nodded, leading them up the stairs, veering to the left, finding another key that opened up a door of another stairwell, and leading them upward. This continued for two more floors, until they must have been on the uppermost level, where only three doors greeted them on this landing. Severus had locked the door behind them when they had begun climbing this fourth set of stairs, and he now pocketed the keys that were so filthy yet so precious.

"Welcome home, ladies." This landing was markedly more cheerful, as on either end were large windows that overlooked the depressing lawn, but allowed in plenty of sunlight, despite the hour of the day. The floor was dusty but there were no tacky rugs, just scrubbed floorboards beneath the dust. The doorknobs were polished and the doors had been freshly painted and left untouched. Juniper turned wide eyes to the man beside her.

"I bet this part of the house was spotless and in perfect condition when you lived here, am I right?" he blushed in reply, brandishing three keys neither of them had seen him take from the key ring.

"This one," he indicated a small, silver key, "unlocks the bathroom. We shall need to make copies for all of us, but seeing as how I don't think we should ever travel without one another, it would be rather foolish, don't you think?" the girls exchanged a look, but said nothing, only nodded, "and these two open the bedrooms. We can either share one room and use the other as a study of sorts, or Juniper and I can share one room, and Maeve, you can have your own."

"I know you probably want your own, Maeve, but maybe we should all be in one room, just in case . Something happens." Juniper added the last part with a slight tremor in her voice, but Maeve only smiled and took her hand.

"Nothing is going to happen to us here—no one would WANT to brave the filth we just did to kill us; they'd think we were already dead from the shock of having to live here, I bet." Juniper smiled, but Snape's face remained grim.

"Perhaps." he allowed his voice to trail off, surveying the yard through one of the two clean windows absentmindedly, "We can partition the main bedroom, and keep all the doors locked then, as long as I leave the connecting doors for the bathroom and other room unlocked. That way we know we're the only ones in, since no one else can enter without our being aware, you see?" Again, nodding ensued. Without any more delays, Snape unlocked the door of the left room, and with a flourish, presented it to his ladies.

"After you."

"I beg your pardon?" the voice demanded in a rather heated tone.

"I said, anyone but you. Are you deaf?"

"Are you always an ass?"

"Professor Solaris!" the stern pitch of Professor McGonagall froze all who were congregated at the base of the stairwell near the Divination Tower. Robes clutched tightly in hand, she set a frightening glare upon each and every one of their faces, "Students roam these halls, I doubt you need reminding of that, however, in case you have forgotten, we as educators have a certain duty as role models for these young people. I'm not sure how things are run back in the States, but here in Europe-"

"I assure you, Professor McGonagall, it won't happen again. We were careless, I apologize." Willow's voice practically oozed as she flashed a tight smile. Professor McGonagall did not return the smile.

"Careless, indeed. You shall find that carelessness is also quite intolerable as well, especially considering the current state of affairs. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a class to teach. I suggest you all do the same." With a curt nod, she swept off, leaving a very cowed Mildred, a terse Willow and a slightly enraged Juniper behind, who turned flashing eyes upon the curly haired young woman beside her.

"Willow, this is my final warning, to both of you. Either you learn to get along better, or I will find someone to take you in outside of Hogwarts, is that clear?" Willow turned derisive eyes upon her.

"Puh-lease, who else do you think could replace me, now that I am a Professor here at Hogwarts? There's not a soul for miles who would desire the accursed post of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and besides that, there's no one more qualified than I am. Unless you feel that you are," Willow laughed at her own insult, "A pathetic, groveling ass-kisser; do you honestly think you are anywhere close to being my equal? You would be nothing without me, do you hear? Nothing. I made sure you met the right people, attended the right formal functions, even helped you to escape that miserable farce you called a relationship that had dragged you down after you finished school. How dare you insinuate—"but Willow had unwittingly crossed a line, for the tips of Juniper's ears were a touch scarlet and her brows drawn together in a single line.

"Do not challenge me, Willow. You will regret it. I suggest you learn not to take for granted the gifts bestowed upon you." As Juniper spun on her heel to leave, the next few moments passed in a blur. All Mildred would be able to recall with a shaky breath to the headmaster was that Willow had suddenly shoved Professor Lunar rather violently, sending the petite young woman sprawling across the smooth stones of the floor. With lightning quick reflexes, Juniper had drawn her wand and hexed Willow, sending the other woman into a cataclysmic rage, who in turn drew her own wand and counter-cursed the other. By the time the other professors arrived, the two were battered and bleeding, both struggling to hold their wands aloft, blood dribbling from the corner of Juniper's mouth, and a large swollen bruise keeping Willow's right eye glued shut. It took the combined efforts of McGonagall, Madame Hooch, and Professor Sprout to help Juniper stand, and Hagrid himself was left to pry the cursing, screaming Willow Solaris away, her bloodthirsty shrieks echoing throughout the ears of the frightened students that had gathered in the hall during all the commotion. Professor Mildred had sprinted into McGonagall's classroom within those precious first blows-shrieking of 'the will of the Dark Lord being wrought upon Hogwarts'-and it took several long, whispered conferences to actually remove her from the corner of the classroom, where she had cowered for the duration of it. Not a single rumor uttered that day forgot the look of absolute terror emblazoned on Professor Mildred Belle's face, or the sheer destruction Professor Solaris had wrought upon the school and Professor Lunar in only a matter of seconds.

In the darkened tower that held captive one particular potions master, night fell unceremoniously, cloaking the secret sins of addiction. The damn near empty blue bottle that kept a neon green liquid within its bowels rested faithfully beside a worn and chipped shot glass, whose bottom was coated with a thick layer of sugar granules. Chin lowered to his chest, abnormally large nostrils flaring with every labored breath, he waited. Pinpricks of light began to appear in the night sky, but he remained blind, eyes downcast and heavy-lidded.

He had been summoned shortly after the fight between Juniper and Willow had subsided, and his stomach still turned at what he had seen in the infirmary. He hadn't seen wand wounds that severe in a long, long, long time. The potions Poppy had asked him to brew were particularly advanced ones, even beyond her vast realm of knowledge and skill. The images played through his mind, intensified rather than quelled by his intoxication, much to his chagrin.

Juniper had two cracked ribs, she had been damn lucky they hadn't punctured her lungs; along with severe tissue damage to her throat, as a rather nasty gash had been found too close to an artery, and there was the small matter of the fact that she had vomited for two hours straight before someone was able to deduce she had been hit with a Poisoning Charm. It was a mild poison that grew steadily in ones bloodstream if not caught in time, often mistaken for the flu or a stomach virus, but far deadlier. They had been lucky, or perhaps Willow was just bad in her spell work. The several nasty hexes Juniper had gotten in were rather frightening as well, since Willow's eye was now a sickening purple, damaged slightly from the blow she had taken when a book had hurled itself at her, along with the sprained ankle she had received from a particularly creepy Imperious Curse.

He would never forget how weak and tiny Juniper had looked as she lay prostate in the hospital wing, her robes draped over the chair he had sunk into. His usual short temper had given her several rebukes and reprimands in their usual frozen tones, but he had wanted so badly to speak to her in a comforting way. The words just didn't seem to work him that afternoon.

And Willow had been more beautiful than ever, while being hideously frightening on the other hand. Her hair was wild and tangled, her eyes crazed, her body flushed; they eventually had to sedate her she was so inflamed with rage. As she snarled like a wild beast in her sleep, Severus knew he was not the only male nearby who longed to bow her into submission with a rather violent fuck. The thought disgusted him now as it had then, though his body still told him it was a rather inviting fantasy. How he loathed and desired her at once, it was almost primal-unlike the confused muddle of emotions that drowned his soul whenever Juniper was about.

And then he had stumbled his way back to his precious tower, cursing and muttering to himself all the while. Once he was secured snugly in his favourite armchair, the drinking began, and here he had remained through the night. Granted, the only way he would be found would be by owl, and if the women needed more potions to survive the night  the thought sent a shudder down his spine, and he reassured himself that they would be safe, that he had left more than enough with Madame Pomfrey. The shadow that passed his window startled Severus from his reverie, and with slitted, addled eyes, he slowly rose and peered out.

A person on broomstick had flown at a breakneck speed into Hogwarts, long cloak rippling in the breeze, a wild mane of hair glinting as dark as the night sky itself streaming behind. The figure looked eerily familiar, the color of the cloak one he knew all too well. With a look of the utmost terror, Severus drew his hand across his mouth, rubbing nervously.

: No, not now, its too early, there are the decoys to think of  : the thoughts swirled in his mind as he raked back his greasy hair, scouring the sleep from his eyes, forcing himself to sober as much as possible. Wrenching open the trap door, he didn't bother to lock his absinthe away, nor take the healing drops, all he could think of was stopping the figure before they ruined everything, as he tore down the halls and stairs, reaching the Entrance Hall just as the doors slammed open with such force, he could feel the after rush from the spell.

Several sleepy students had appeared above, on the staircases that led to dormitories and were staring groggily down, others had remained awake and were clutching scrolls or books to their chests defensively. The chattering began almost immediately once everyone had a chance to just look at the woman who stood before them.

She was a raven haired creature, with violet glinting from the wild waves that framed her face. Pale skin, more of a coffee with one cream which was pale for her, was sprinkled on her nose with pale freckles, hazel eyes glinting with fury beneath dark lashes and equally dark brows, that were drawn tightly together. Her ruby red lips were almost as full as Junipers, but an odder shape—she was slightly reminiscent of a bunny about the nose and mouth. Her long-nailed fingers clutched her broom tightly in one hand, the other holding her slender wand like a sword. A crimson traveling cloak covered the dark black and violet robes that hugged a perfect hourglass figure, one whose large bosom seemed as if it were about to spill over the top of her low cut robes, which also accentuated her slim waist and ample hips. She was, in essence, a rather infuriated sex kitten; who could be as sensual as a snake one moment and just as treacherous the next. She seemed to be the latter now.

All the young men's mouths had dropped open in a rather irritating fashion and several girlfriends were elbowing them or casting daggers of death upon the newcomer. Snape, however, was pale as a ghost, as their eyes locked.

"You." The hate and scorn were evident as she spat this word, her gaze never wavering, "Take me to her. Now." With a curt nod, he led her towards the infirmary, past the whispering and gaping students, whom she paid no heed to as she walked briskly behind him. Neither spoke the duration of the walk; and when they reached the infirmary doors, Severus was suddenly reluctant to allow her entrance.

"She is much better than she looks-" he began, but she cut him off viciously.

"I said, take me to her." Without flourish, he led her to Juniper's bed, where immediately the dark woman became tender, sinking slowly to her friend's side, taking the small hand in her own equally small one as her broomstick clattered to the floor.

"Darling, I'm here, can you hear me?" her voice was barely audible, but the pain and fear reflected in it was a clear as day. Juniper's eyes fluttered groggily, a wan smile stretched across her lips.

"Maeve?" the voice was but a whisper, still, Maeve choked on tears of relief.

"Yes, baby, Queen Mab is here. Everything's going to be okay, do you hear me, June? I'm here, and I'm not leaving your side until you're well again." Stroking Juniper's clammy forhead, she toyed with the now quite straggly and long fringe she had begun sporting.

"She's growing out her bangs." The words were again, only a whisper, but they startled Snape none the less; he hadn't expected anything short of more orders from the petite woman that now sat loyally by his Juniper's side.

"Yes, she began to shortly after her arrival here," he replied, feeling as if this was the most inane conversation they had ever shared.

"It's been sixteen years since she last had them gone. Seems she enjoyed hiding behind her fringe until now." And with that simple statement, his heart tightened, and he felt as if tears would fall from his eyes. Backing a step or two away, he slowly turned, a lanky, lone form retreating into the darkness of the night.

Limbs were entangled; legs crossed, arms around torsos, faces nuzzled into chests and necks. Moonlight fell in wide swaths on the hardwood floor, now dust free with a woven rug thrown across in a haphazard way. The enormous sleigh bed they had managed to procure more than comfortable for three people to share (it had been practically free at a muggle second-hand store, which was where they had found the battered dresser that leaned against the wall and the rather fantastic vintage desk they had placed in the second room). Its sheets were soft and warm, yet cool on the steamier summer days that would come.

So far, the dynamic trio had managed to remain incognito, after they had found a few interesting disguises. Maeve had dyed her raven locks a rather alarming shade of red, and begun wearing colored contacts to hide her eyes truly spectacular color. Juniper had started dressing like an androgynous preteen, tucking her chestnut brown hair under a cap and wearing coveralls and ratty tees whenever they left the building. It looked as if an odd little family had moved in upstairs to the untrained eye, but one look at the mischief they performed in bed and all doubts as to their true identities would be removed.

Even tonight, as the sweat dried on naked flesh and goose pimples arose in protest, the tenderness and love these three shared was evident. The long fingers of Severus traced an erect dark nipple lovingly, eyes unfocused as they gazed out the window at the swaying trees, whose icy branches were like glittering jewels. Juniper moaned slightly in her drowsiness, turning a glowing face framed by long hair from the nest it had made in Maeve's to study his sculpted cheekbones and firm jaw in the light.

"Severus  "her voice trailed off seductively, causing him to shift his attention.

"Yes?" the voice was like warm brandy, sliding over her features and throat, down her stomach, igniting a warmth between her legs.

"I—I should tell yo- "she started, but the sudden shift of his hand from her breast illicited a gasp of excitement, "Ohh, Severus ." She bit her lip in desire, breathing shallowly.

"Yes?" he inquired, flicking his thumb expertly.

"We should wake Maeve," she moaned, her knees rubbing together in a desperate effort to hold herself off a bit longer.

"I'm already awake," Maeve's voice floated from the other side, groggy, but audible as the heat of that particular home inflamed for the second time that night.