Contains mild spoilers pertaining to character abilities. I don't think it would harm the plot line of OotP at all.
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Chapter 23
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Irvan walked down to the dungeons apprehensively. There was no denying that he was not looking forward to this visit. It wasn't that he disliked Severus. It was just that Severus wasn't the most social of people and he found it difficult to associate and interact with him. Nor could he really begrudge the fact that his life was now in the antisocial wizard's hands. Not when he asked for it. No, this conversation was not to be looked forward to because it was regarded as taboo, as several topics were. Irvan had discovered that the hard way.
As a vampire, any topic and every topic were discussed at any point. The only rule was mutual participation was mandatory. Among the colonies, Irvan had learned there was one topic that was never breached. That was creation. That was taboo. So, Irvan understood the importance of keeping silent on some issues, he just hadn't figured out which were not discussed.
But based on previous violent outburst from Severus, Irvan could narrow the topic into three groups. Personal history, namely concerning his schooling days and family matters. Private feuds, though there were times when Severus deigned to make remark on this. It was taboo for Irvan to bring up the conversation and add to it. Severus made up his own rules. And lastly, perhaps most strongly, his dealings with Dumbledore.
Surprisingly, his dealings with Voldemort were open to discussion depending on his mood. But there never had been an instant where dealings with the Ministry had arisen. But it was safe to say Severus would not like to discuss the matter.
But nevertheless he was on his way to getting his head bit off. Sometimes he wondered about his own sanity.
He entered without announcement. Not always the safest thing to do, but given the situation the only way to enter.
Severus was sitting in an overstuffed chair facing a cold hearth, staring at it as though there was a fire dancing in the shadows.
"Not feeling sorry for yourself, are you?" he asked.
Severus did not move from his position. "You weren't invited."
"I never am." Irvan waited. An answer like that should receive some sort of response.
And Severus turned his head to peer through his curtain of stringy black hair. "And what was it you were telling me about invitations?" Irvan easily hid a grin.
"Good to see you are still using your mind for something productive," he said. "Though I see you forgot your open invitation. You haven't renounced it yet."
"Consider it renounced." Severus returned to gazing at the unlit hearth.
"I'm afraid it will do no good tonight. I am already here."
"Then what do you want?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you here?"
"To figure out why you are approaching a catatonic state."
"I would think that was self explanatory," Severus hissed dangerously.
"Perhaps. There is reason enough, but you have never struck me as one to take those reasons." Irvan cast a scrutinizing glance over the scene once more, trying to discern any reaction.
"I am handling it myself," Severus said stubbornly.
Irvan raised an eyebrow and looked doubtfully at the half empty decanter resting on the end table. "So I see." Perhaps a more direct approach would spur Severus into action. As it was, the wizard was allowing his mental block to grow steadily stronger which would make things incredibly worse when it broke.
Taking up position before the fireplace, he began, "Severus, you probably don't realize the extent to which you are potentially harming yourself. The level of achievement you have in Occlumency is turning to your disadvantage. I've seen this done before and the results were never, how to put this delicately, -- ah -- for lack of a better term, pretty. I am aware that Dumbledore is accomplished in Legilimency, but he is not strong enough to break the barrier you are building against you memories.
"He is well aware that something is amiss. And I am certain you could hide this from Voldemort, as you seem to he hiding it from yourself. But when this crumbles, and it will, you will break. And after you can rebuild or ignore."
"I do not need you telling me how to order my thoughts!" Severus rose menacingly, bringing his wand to bear. Irvan finally realized the wand had be out the entire time as though loosing sight of it might make it disappear.
"I haven't reached that point, yet!" Irvan said standing his ground. Yes, as a whole he knew when to back down and this conversation was digressing to that point quickly, but contrary to his learned instincts he was going to remain firm in is decision. Whether Severus wanted it or not, an insane mind was as good as death and Irvan felt it necessary to keep Severus sane. "Though I might consider it if you fail to order them yourself!"
"Oh?" Severus had reached a dangerous low. Irvan was treading on thin ice and one wrong statement would end disastrous. "And what would you suggest?"
"I would start," he said quietly in the same tone Severus was using, "by telling you to slowly remove the wall you've built while in the company of someone you trust."
There was a pause. For one who enjoy silence, Irvan was wishing for any sound, even that of a fire.
"I'm afraid that is not a choice. Considering how I don't know anyone I can trust."
"Then do so with Dumbledore."
"I will not let that old fool break into my mind!"
"I didn't say you had to! You let the barrier defuse! I'm only suggesting that you have someone in the same room incase you can't handle it." Wrong choice of words judging by the glint in Severus's eyes. Irvan figured he had gone too far with that phrase, but it was too late now.
The curse was unexpected and violent, sending him crashing into the nearest wall. He dropped to all fours as he shook off the shock and dizziness. "All right. I probably deserved that for lack of tact," he muttered through clenched teeth. Deserved it or not, Irvan did not enjoy being thrown around like a rag doll.
"Can't handle it? Are you suggesting that I am incapable of viewing my own memories?"
Irvan looked up from his position to find Severus glaring down at him in a truly spiteful manner. "Not in a direct sense! Many great Occlumenist have hidden memories from themselves, not even terrifying memories, and when their walls crumble, it is not the memories that cause the man to break but the sheer turmoil of the flood and the unexpected agony of the breakage. No matter what you have experienced physically, you are unprepared for that type of mental breakdown."
The argument was logical, but Severus did not seem to be in the mood for logic. In fact he seemed to be preparing to leave. Which only meant one thing: Severus was being summoned. "Be glad I don't have time to waste with you," Severus hissed as he past dressed in his Death Eater robes and carrying the mask.
"I would prefer you forego the dramatics and pretenses. You are intoxicated and I'm not entirely sure you can hide the barrier from Voldemort. And if he sees that, he will most certainly suspect you of hiding other things."
"He already does. Now I have a job to do." With that Severus stalked out of the rooms. Slowly Irvan stood shakily. He had been thrown against the wall fairly hard and the room still hadn't stopped spinning. Also the sight of a malicious Death Eater standing over him brought back undesired memories. It wasn't Severus that he was afraid of, nor was he afraid of Death Eaters. While he might not be as strong as other vampires his age, he was able to take down a small force of wizards, when he was healthy.
He decided he need a drink before he dealt with Severus again. It was hard to keep blood fresh for long, but mixing it with milk help keep its potency and could be heated or chilled to taste. He preferred it warmed to body temperature or just slightly lower as when newly mixed in cold milk. Tonight he might mix in some alcohol. He had to be careful with the amount. His systems weren't use to digesting liquor. Many Turned had trouble with this concept. They usually drank too much and became sick, requiring much more blood than normal.
It was a very wasteful process since most of that blood was regurgitated out with the excess alcohol. Some Turned even tried to eat foodstuffs. Irvan had never enjoyed the sight of solid foods and could not understand why the Turned lamented over the loss.
He added what would be considered a swallow to his drink and sat facing the hearth to contemplate.
Harry didn't seem restless enough for him to be having the beginnings of a vision. He could monitor and stop the vision from here, through he preferred to be near should the vision try to draw more energy than expected.
Maybe nothing would happen tonight. There had been several meetings like that. That would be a pleasant relief.
Though he wondered if he should inform the Headmaster of Severus's departure. Severus had not seemed to be in the state of mind where he would have remembered. With a wave of his hand he brought a quill, ink, and parchment to him and wrote a quick note explaining the situation.
~ Severus had to take a walk this evening and I don't know when he will return. I will be watching for him. ~
Next he called for a House-elf to deliver the note directly to Dumbledore.
Then he sat back to finish his drink in peace. As he figured it, Severus would take a few hours to return which gave him plenty of time to enjoy the quiet. He never had to waste time walking out to the Apparation point.
But one thing bothered him.
Severus was being called the moment he was released from Ministry custody.
That did not sit well. Severus had already announced that Voldemort knew he was acting the role of a double-agent and suspected him of not being entirely faithful. So why did Severus continue? If his jaunt with the Ministry was not enough to convict him of actively working against Voldemort, then what was?
Now anxious, he quaffed the remainder of his drink. And promptly sputtered as it proved far too much for one swallow. Quite humiliating not to keep one's food down.
He desperately wanted Harry to have a vision. Bugger the consequences. At least he would know if Severus was going to live through the night.
The room became to small to house his restlessness. He would have better luck in the Forest. At least there he would have a quicker shot at Severus should something untold happened.
* * * * * * *
Albus Dumbledore had just closed an impromptu meeting with most of his staff. It had begun after dinner when Severus had abruptly left the Hall. Albus had wanted to follow him, but he was otherwise engaged in a conversation with Minerva. And the topic was Severus. She was concerned for his sanity. The fact that he acted no different than before he left made one wonder what the man was hiding.
And Albus knew the wizard was hiding a great deal. He didn't think he could break the barriers because he couldn't see them. He only felt where there was a lack. It was almost like searching Sirius's mind. There was nothing tangible to say memories were being suppressed, but there was a lacking that the victim didn't notice.
The difficulties lay in the fact that he could do anything to help Sirius because Severus was the one who knew how, but that could very well be part of what Severus was hiding. Not to mention Severus was the one who created this dilemma. And Dumbledore wasn't completely prepared to forgive that transgression. He needed more information before he could conclude that mess.
However Severus needed to be sane enough for that conversation to take place. Albus was not eager to drop into an interrogation so soon after the Ministry's attempts. It would cause Severus to close further and without the aid of interrogation tools no answers would be found.
He would have gone down to talk with Severus. Had not the vampire followed immediately after. Had not he received the short blunt message Irvan had sent. Had he not been detained by Sirius after Minerva had left. Had he not needed to reassure the staff of Severus's loyalty and sanity. The former was accepted sooner than the latter.
He knew instantly why Sirius declined to assist Severus to the castle. Nor could he be disappointed. Severus would never had accepted assistance, especially from Sirius. And given what he knew of their relations, granted Sirius was unaware of a great deal, he was surprised that Sirius had not attempted to kill him then and there. The incident with Pettigrew being the most recent remembered event.
He needed to talk to Severus but could not be certain he was learning everything until the self imposed barriers were removed. And Severus would not thank him for trying to remove them for him. He would have to wait until his Potions Master was ready. Which meant waiting not knowing when Voldemort might initiate his plans involving Sirius.
Albus Dumbledore prided himself on being a patient man. Dealing with Severus Snape demanded it at times. But he was anxious to remove the curse affecting Sirius.
* * * * * * * *
Irvan came upon a distressing scene. Severus and Sirius were locked in an argument he had no desire of knowing the origins of. He had long since learned never to aggravate a wizard of Severus's power and tempter. He had meet many along the way and was just now understanding how to avoid Severus's wrath.
"So, I've been meaning to ask, what did you ever do to make the Aurors's leave you in that state?" Sirius asked maliciously. Wrong question. Irvan watched as Sever stiffened. He recognized it immediately. Sirius had been there when the Aurors dropped off Severus. Not good.
"It's more the fact that I exist," Snape responded coldly. Irvan had never heard that voice drip with such hatred. Mostly it rang with disgust when addressing him.
It was Black's turn to contract muscles in surprise. If Irvan read the posture correctly, with added help of sensing emotions, Black recognized that phrase from another time. But Irvan couldn't tell when or what context.
"Is that so? Decide to go complaining to your master about their treatment? I'm sure Voldemort was pleased to find you mentally intact."
Severus winced at the name of the Dark Lord. Must be able to tolerate it when said by one who knows the powers he is invoking. Black should know and should fear the name. But he didn't. He was just ignorant of who he called into being. Irvan knew. And he feared retribution when the Dark Lord came into the knowledge of his survival. But as a vampire, he refused to address anyone as anything other than their name. Names were not what caused the fear, so names should not be fear; but the man behind the name could terrify.
"Don't you have somewhere to be, Black?"
Black produced a lopsided grin. "No, not really. Just thought I'd make sure you were really on our side. I'm still not certain. I mean, how could Voldemort let you live after the Ministry cleared you. But then I heard Lucius Malfoy was the one that got you freed. That leads me to believe than Voldemort wants to keep you here to spy on Dumbledore. Can't let that happen, can we?" Severus glared at Black, not saying a word. Almost casually, Sirius withdrew his wand, toying with it as though uncertain as to what it was.
"Put that away, Black. You're logic is as perverse as usual."
"So I'm just going to have to discover the truth myself," Black continued as if Severus had said nothing. "Just what was that little meeting all about, Snape? Planning to overtake the school, or just some random Muggle baiting?"
"You have no right to question me," Snape lowered his voice to a dangerous level. And Irvan thought Severus had suicidal tendencies. Black seemed to be tempting fate a bit much tonight.
"Perhaps not. That is a job for Dumbledore, right? And the Aurors. They must have been extremely pleased with your answers if they let you go. What did you tell them? What Dark Magic did you use to get around Veritaserum? I saw what you did at the gates. That little charm was not lost on me. Tell me, was Voldemort proud of you when you told him about that? How about when you told him how you lied through Veritaserum? I listened to Moody dictate your interrogations. Absolutely none of it match our records. Your little half answers, half truths wouldn't have lasted long if the Ministry had their way."
"Since when did you support the Ministry. As I recall they locked you away without a trial."
Black merely continued. "The Aurors would have broken you. I'm surprise they didn't. Given what Moody said happened. Got some Dark Charm to fortify you against that? What say you, Snivellus?" Sirius raised his wand threateningly. Irvan had no idea what would happen, but he thought it would be best if a duel never took place.
Irvan saw it first. Quicker than humanly possible, Snape drew his wand and cast a spell. The Killing Curse to be exact.
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AN: Don't kill me until after I finish the story. Then you may seek retribution for cliff hangers and the like. I needed a break in the story so I could change views. And make it more suspenseful.
Elfmoon87: I do have a reason as to why I'm not letting Sirius see thestrals. It deals with J.K.R.'s explanation that it takes a while to comprehend death. I'm going to try to put in a more complete explanation during the next couple of chapters.
Chapter 23
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Irvan walked down to the dungeons apprehensively. There was no denying that he was not looking forward to this visit. It wasn't that he disliked Severus. It was just that Severus wasn't the most social of people and he found it difficult to associate and interact with him. Nor could he really begrudge the fact that his life was now in the antisocial wizard's hands. Not when he asked for it. No, this conversation was not to be looked forward to because it was regarded as taboo, as several topics were. Irvan had discovered that the hard way.
As a vampire, any topic and every topic were discussed at any point. The only rule was mutual participation was mandatory. Among the colonies, Irvan had learned there was one topic that was never breached. That was creation. That was taboo. So, Irvan understood the importance of keeping silent on some issues, he just hadn't figured out which were not discussed.
But based on previous violent outburst from Severus, Irvan could narrow the topic into three groups. Personal history, namely concerning his schooling days and family matters. Private feuds, though there were times when Severus deigned to make remark on this. It was taboo for Irvan to bring up the conversation and add to it. Severus made up his own rules. And lastly, perhaps most strongly, his dealings with Dumbledore.
Surprisingly, his dealings with Voldemort were open to discussion depending on his mood. But there never had been an instant where dealings with the Ministry had arisen. But it was safe to say Severus would not like to discuss the matter.
But nevertheless he was on his way to getting his head bit off. Sometimes he wondered about his own sanity.
He entered without announcement. Not always the safest thing to do, but given the situation the only way to enter.
Severus was sitting in an overstuffed chair facing a cold hearth, staring at it as though there was a fire dancing in the shadows.
"Not feeling sorry for yourself, are you?" he asked.
Severus did not move from his position. "You weren't invited."
"I never am." Irvan waited. An answer like that should receive some sort of response.
And Severus turned his head to peer through his curtain of stringy black hair. "And what was it you were telling me about invitations?" Irvan easily hid a grin.
"Good to see you are still using your mind for something productive," he said. "Though I see you forgot your open invitation. You haven't renounced it yet."
"Consider it renounced." Severus returned to gazing at the unlit hearth.
"I'm afraid it will do no good tonight. I am already here."
"Then what do you want?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you here?"
"To figure out why you are approaching a catatonic state."
"I would think that was self explanatory," Severus hissed dangerously.
"Perhaps. There is reason enough, but you have never struck me as one to take those reasons." Irvan cast a scrutinizing glance over the scene once more, trying to discern any reaction.
"I am handling it myself," Severus said stubbornly.
Irvan raised an eyebrow and looked doubtfully at the half empty decanter resting on the end table. "So I see." Perhaps a more direct approach would spur Severus into action. As it was, the wizard was allowing his mental block to grow steadily stronger which would make things incredibly worse when it broke.
Taking up position before the fireplace, he began, "Severus, you probably don't realize the extent to which you are potentially harming yourself. The level of achievement you have in Occlumency is turning to your disadvantage. I've seen this done before and the results were never, how to put this delicately, -- ah -- for lack of a better term, pretty. I am aware that Dumbledore is accomplished in Legilimency, but he is not strong enough to break the barrier you are building against you memories.
"He is well aware that something is amiss. And I am certain you could hide this from Voldemort, as you seem to he hiding it from yourself. But when this crumbles, and it will, you will break. And after you can rebuild or ignore."
"I do not need you telling me how to order my thoughts!" Severus rose menacingly, bringing his wand to bear. Irvan finally realized the wand had be out the entire time as though loosing sight of it might make it disappear.
"I haven't reached that point, yet!" Irvan said standing his ground. Yes, as a whole he knew when to back down and this conversation was digressing to that point quickly, but contrary to his learned instincts he was going to remain firm in is decision. Whether Severus wanted it or not, an insane mind was as good as death and Irvan felt it necessary to keep Severus sane. "Though I might consider it if you fail to order them yourself!"
"Oh?" Severus had reached a dangerous low. Irvan was treading on thin ice and one wrong statement would end disastrous. "And what would you suggest?"
"I would start," he said quietly in the same tone Severus was using, "by telling you to slowly remove the wall you've built while in the company of someone you trust."
There was a pause. For one who enjoy silence, Irvan was wishing for any sound, even that of a fire.
"I'm afraid that is not a choice. Considering how I don't know anyone I can trust."
"Then do so with Dumbledore."
"I will not let that old fool break into my mind!"
"I didn't say you had to! You let the barrier defuse! I'm only suggesting that you have someone in the same room incase you can't handle it." Wrong choice of words judging by the glint in Severus's eyes. Irvan figured he had gone too far with that phrase, but it was too late now.
The curse was unexpected and violent, sending him crashing into the nearest wall. He dropped to all fours as he shook off the shock and dizziness. "All right. I probably deserved that for lack of tact," he muttered through clenched teeth. Deserved it or not, Irvan did not enjoy being thrown around like a rag doll.
"Can't handle it? Are you suggesting that I am incapable of viewing my own memories?"
Irvan looked up from his position to find Severus glaring down at him in a truly spiteful manner. "Not in a direct sense! Many great Occlumenist have hidden memories from themselves, not even terrifying memories, and when their walls crumble, it is not the memories that cause the man to break but the sheer turmoil of the flood and the unexpected agony of the breakage. No matter what you have experienced physically, you are unprepared for that type of mental breakdown."
The argument was logical, but Severus did not seem to be in the mood for logic. In fact he seemed to be preparing to leave. Which only meant one thing: Severus was being summoned. "Be glad I don't have time to waste with you," Severus hissed as he past dressed in his Death Eater robes and carrying the mask.
"I would prefer you forego the dramatics and pretenses. You are intoxicated and I'm not entirely sure you can hide the barrier from Voldemort. And if he sees that, he will most certainly suspect you of hiding other things."
"He already does. Now I have a job to do." With that Severus stalked out of the rooms. Slowly Irvan stood shakily. He had been thrown against the wall fairly hard and the room still hadn't stopped spinning. Also the sight of a malicious Death Eater standing over him brought back undesired memories. It wasn't Severus that he was afraid of, nor was he afraid of Death Eaters. While he might not be as strong as other vampires his age, he was able to take down a small force of wizards, when he was healthy.
He decided he need a drink before he dealt with Severus again. It was hard to keep blood fresh for long, but mixing it with milk help keep its potency and could be heated or chilled to taste. He preferred it warmed to body temperature or just slightly lower as when newly mixed in cold milk. Tonight he might mix in some alcohol. He had to be careful with the amount. His systems weren't use to digesting liquor. Many Turned had trouble with this concept. They usually drank too much and became sick, requiring much more blood than normal.
It was a very wasteful process since most of that blood was regurgitated out with the excess alcohol. Some Turned even tried to eat foodstuffs. Irvan had never enjoyed the sight of solid foods and could not understand why the Turned lamented over the loss.
He added what would be considered a swallow to his drink and sat facing the hearth to contemplate.
Harry didn't seem restless enough for him to be having the beginnings of a vision. He could monitor and stop the vision from here, through he preferred to be near should the vision try to draw more energy than expected.
Maybe nothing would happen tonight. There had been several meetings like that. That would be a pleasant relief.
Though he wondered if he should inform the Headmaster of Severus's departure. Severus had not seemed to be in the state of mind where he would have remembered. With a wave of his hand he brought a quill, ink, and parchment to him and wrote a quick note explaining the situation.
~ Severus had to take a walk this evening and I don't know when he will return. I will be watching for him. ~
Next he called for a House-elf to deliver the note directly to Dumbledore.
Then he sat back to finish his drink in peace. As he figured it, Severus would take a few hours to return which gave him plenty of time to enjoy the quiet. He never had to waste time walking out to the Apparation point.
But one thing bothered him.
Severus was being called the moment he was released from Ministry custody.
That did not sit well. Severus had already announced that Voldemort knew he was acting the role of a double-agent and suspected him of not being entirely faithful. So why did Severus continue? If his jaunt with the Ministry was not enough to convict him of actively working against Voldemort, then what was?
Now anxious, he quaffed the remainder of his drink. And promptly sputtered as it proved far too much for one swallow. Quite humiliating not to keep one's food down.
He desperately wanted Harry to have a vision. Bugger the consequences. At least he would know if Severus was going to live through the night.
The room became to small to house his restlessness. He would have better luck in the Forest. At least there he would have a quicker shot at Severus should something untold happened.
* * * * * * *
Albus Dumbledore had just closed an impromptu meeting with most of his staff. It had begun after dinner when Severus had abruptly left the Hall. Albus had wanted to follow him, but he was otherwise engaged in a conversation with Minerva. And the topic was Severus. She was concerned for his sanity. The fact that he acted no different than before he left made one wonder what the man was hiding.
And Albus knew the wizard was hiding a great deal. He didn't think he could break the barriers because he couldn't see them. He only felt where there was a lack. It was almost like searching Sirius's mind. There was nothing tangible to say memories were being suppressed, but there was a lacking that the victim didn't notice.
The difficulties lay in the fact that he could do anything to help Sirius because Severus was the one who knew how, but that could very well be part of what Severus was hiding. Not to mention Severus was the one who created this dilemma. And Dumbledore wasn't completely prepared to forgive that transgression. He needed more information before he could conclude that mess.
However Severus needed to be sane enough for that conversation to take place. Albus was not eager to drop into an interrogation so soon after the Ministry's attempts. It would cause Severus to close further and without the aid of interrogation tools no answers would be found.
He would have gone down to talk with Severus. Had not the vampire followed immediately after. Had not he received the short blunt message Irvan had sent. Had he not been detained by Sirius after Minerva had left. Had he not needed to reassure the staff of Severus's loyalty and sanity. The former was accepted sooner than the latter.
He knew instantly why Sirius declined to assist Severus to the castle. Nor could he be disappointed. Severus would never had accepted assistance, especially from Sirius. And given what he knew of their relations, granted Sirius was unaware of a great deal, he was surprised that Sirius had not attempted to kill him then and there. The incident with Pettigrew being the most recent remembered event.
He needed to talk to Severus but could not be certain he was learning everything until the self imposed barriers were removed. And Severus would not thank him for trying to remove them for him. He would have to wait until his Potions Master was ready. Which meant waiting not knowing when Voldemort might initiate his plans involving Sirius.
Albus Dumbledore prided himself on being a patient man. Dealing with Severus Snape demanded it at times. But he was anxious to remove the curse affecting Sirius.
* * * * * * * *
Irvan came upon a distressing scene. Severus and Sirius were locked in an argument he had no desire of knowing the origins of. He had long since learned never to aggravate a wizard of Severus's power and tempter. He had meet many along the way and was just now understanding how to avoid Severus's wrath.
"So, I've been meaning to ask, what did you ever do to make the Aurors's leave you in that state?" Sirius asked maliciously. Wrong question. Irvan watched as Sever stiffened. He recognized it immediately. Sirius had been there when the Aurors dropped off Severus. Not good.
"It's more the fact that I exist," Snape responded coldly. Irvan had never heard that voice drip with such hatred. Mostly it rang with disgust when addressing him.
It was Black's turn to contract muscles in surprise. If Irvan read the posture correctly, with added help of sensing emotions, Black recognized that phrase from another time. But Irvan couldn't tell when or what context.
"Is that so? Decide to go complaining to your master about their treatment? I'm sure Voldemort was pleased to find you mentally intact."
Severus winced at the name of the Dark Lord. Must be able to tolerate it when said by one who knows the powers he is invoking. Black should know and should fear the name. But he didn't. He was just ignorant of who he called into being. Irvan knew. And he feared retribution when the Dark Lord came into the knowledge of his survival. But as a vampire, he refused to address anyone as anything other than their name. Names were not what caused the fear, so names should not be fear; but the man behind the name could terrify.
"Don't you have somewhere to be, Black?"
Black produced a lopsided grin. "No, not really. Just thought I'd make sure you were really on our side. I'm still not certain. I mean, how could Voldemort let you live after the Ministry cleared you. But then I heard Lucius Malfoy was the one that got you freed. That leads me to believe than Voldemort wants to keep you here to spy on Dumbledore. Can't let that happen, can we?" Severus glared at Black, not saying a word. Almost casually, Sirius withdrew his wand, toying with it as though uncertain as to what it was.
"Put that away, Black. You're logic is as perverse as usual."
"So I'm just going to have to discover the truth myself," Black continued as if Severus had said nothing. "Just what was that little meeting all about, Snape? Planning to overtake the school, or just some random Muggle baiting?"
"You have no right to question me," Snape lowered his voice to a dangerous level. And Irvan thought Severus had suicidal tendencies. Black seemed to be tempting fate a bit much tonight.
"Perhaps not. That is a job for Dumbledore, right? And the Aurors. They must have been extremely pleased with your answers if they let you go. What did you tell them? What Dark Magic did you use to get around Veritaserum? I saw what you did at the gates. That little charm was not lost on me. Tell me, was Voldemort proud of you when you told him about that? How about when you told him how you lied through Veritaserum? I listened to Moody dictate your interrogations. Absolutely none of it match our records. Your little half answers, half truths wouldn't have lasted long if the Ministry had their way."
"Since when did you support the Ministry. As I recall they locked you away without a trial."
Black merely continued. "The Aurors would have broken you. I'm surprise they didn't. Given what Moody said happened. Got some Dark Charm to fortify you against that? What say you, Snivellus?" Sirius raised his wand threateningly. Irvan had no idea what would happen, but he thought it would be best if a duel never took place.
Irvan saw it first. Quicker than humanly possible, Snape drew his wand and cast a spell. The Killing Curse to be exact.
____________________________________________________
AN: Don't kill me until after I finish the story. Then you may seek retribution for cliff hangers and the like. I needed a break in the story so I could change views. And make it more suspenseful.
Elfmoon87: I do have a reason as to why I'm not letting Sirius see thestrals. It deals with J.K.R.'s explanation that it takes a while to comprehend death. I'm going to try to put in a more complete explanation during the next couple of chapters.