AN: Irvan is making me so proud. With his charm and charisma, he is gathering a larger following everyday. What more can you ask for? It is so tempting to make the story revolve around him, but I promised myself that this story would center on Severus, Harry, and Sirius. So, I'll try and get back on track.
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Chapter 30
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"He didn't say what was wrong. Nor did he sound panicky. But I am certain it has to do with Severus," Remus stated hurriedly as he lead Dumbledore and Molly Weasly up the grand staircase towards Severus's private rooms. He did not know precisely where they were, only that they were down the opposite hall from their own.
He was so intent on figuring out where he was going, he almost plowed over Harry. He would have if the boy had not yelped and jumped out of the way. "Professor! You need to hurry! Snape's stable, for now, I think, but Sirius and Irvan are ready to go at each other's throat!"
"Lead the way, Harry," Dumbledore instructed, and the boy all but ran back in the direction he came.
The scene they came across looked to be nothing more than a cold war. Irvan stood closest to Snape's bed, but his attention was focused on the element invading the arena near the entrance. "If I hadn't you would not have assisted," the vampire was saying.
"Damn right, I wouldn't."
"Then I don't see where this argument is going. You are no longer require. Since you have no desire to assist, then leave."
"I'll leave when I damn well please. I'm still not satisfied with your explanation."
"You never will be. You'll just end up seeking retribution sooner or later, as pitiful as you reasoning seems to be."
"That's it!" The wand was out and the curse cast before anyone knew what was happening. The vampire, however, maintained a fair resistance to most spells. Instead of collapsing in an unconscious reck, he merely staggered heavily against the footboard of the bed in shock more than pain.
"Why do I even bother?" Remus heard the vampire mutter. "None of them are worth it. But no, they are not to know." Those statements made no logical sense to the werewolf and apparently weren't heard by the others in the room.
Glancing at Sirius, Remus almost registered something different, something odd about his friend's countenance. More specifically on the magical level. He would have ignored it if he had not remembered Irvan ranting about having to watch Sirius for odd behaviors. Was this connected? Yet Remus still knew nothing about what the vampire was trying to keep secret. So far the creature was doing a wonderful job at hiding the main information, but a horrible one of holding the slips of the tongue at bay.
"Molly, see to Severus, please. I'll take the others outside so we won't disturb you," Dumbledore said quietly to the motherly woman beside him. Remus could smell the concern and fear from the old man, carefully masked beneath the usual calm countenance. The witch went immediately to Severus's bedside and made many quick diagnosis spells. "Sirius, Harry, Remus, would you wait in the antechamber. I'll be with you in a moment."
Sirius, who had been struggling to keep is temper in check with the assistance of his godson, abruptly left with Harry trailing, looking bewildered. Remus hesitated, he knew he should go with his best friend, but he was curious as to Snape's condition. Unlike the other two, he had not witnessed Snape's entrance.
"It could have been worse, Professor," Mrs. Weasly said turning her attention to the Headmaster. "He's lost a lot of blood but not enough to cause too much damage. Some broken bones and deep muscle tearing, repairable. Most of the damage is from curses and hexes, many are still present, so they'll have to be removed before the healing can begin."
"Thank you, Molly. Just call if you need assistance." Dumbledore almost appeared consoled by the news. The worry only faded slightly. "Shall we, Remus?"
"Totti," Irvan's voice from his forgotten corner of the room startled everyone, even as the named house-elf popped up from her forgotten corner at the head of the bed. "Tell Suli and Malver that Severus will be fine. Have them prepare two rooms, preferably near to here. Then have some tea brought up for the Headmaster and Mrs. Weasley. And an owl for the Headmaster."
Totti, who had been wringing her hands in despair, looked positively please at having something to keep her occupied. "Yes, Master Irvan. Totti be going right now. Totti gets tea and owl. Suli and Malver gets bedrooms made. Totti goes now." And the little elf disappeared with a snap, full of nervous energy needing to be expelled. Irvan, on the other hand, was looking positively morose.
"Thank you, Irvan," Dumbledore said lightly. "I do need to tell Minerva I am away and will return in a few days."
"What you need to be doing is watching Sirius," Irvan snapped. Molly seemed about to say something, but Irvan cut her short. "I am staying right here, Mrs. Weasley. I have seen several curses you will not be able to remove alone."
"YOU'RE A VAMPIRE!" she shrieked the realization.
"Yes, and I am not in the mood to quarrel. Do what you came to do, madame."
"Come Remus, the others are waiting." Remus allowed the Headmaster to guide from the bedchamber to the outer room that served as a small sitting room.
"Do you think it was Voldemort, Headmaster?" Remus found the courage to ask.
"Until we know for certain, I would prefer not to guess."
"But my scar never hurt last night," Harry protested. "Don't you think I would have seen something if Voldemort was mad enough to do that?" The boy actually sounded angry that he had not seen or felt anything.
"I believe Irvan has been gaining a larger amount of control over what you feel and what you see," Professor Dumbledore explained calmly. Harry's reaction was anything but.
"What else are you keeping from me? What visions has he kept from me? I have a right to know!"
"Are you sure about that, Harry. What Irvan is doing is keeping those same visions from harming you physically. It has the added benefit of keeping you from harming yourself emotionally. Irvan sees everything you would normally see, and should he hear anything important he reports either to Professor Snape or myself. Think about what you are saying. Your health is not worth that."
"Was it Voldemort?" Remus prodded again. Curiosity was getting the better of him.
"That is all we have to go on for the moment. I have never seen him return in such a state." Dumbledore remembered the few times he had seen the Potions Master so abused. Usually after a violent encounter with Aurors. Most recently was his return from Azkaban.
Totti interrupted by setting a tea tray between the argument. A roll of parchment and a quill rested unobtrusively on the edge of the tray, waiting for the Headmaster to compose a letter.
Remus settled himself to serving tea, while Sirius quieted enough to noticed that Harry as nearly sleeping where he sat. Since the adrenaline of the early morning had faded, he was showing the interruption. Quietly he suggested that Harry return to his room to recover from the restless sleep on a couch.
Dumbledore was worried about Sirius. He had just receive an owl from Severus stating Irvan's observations little over a day ago. There was something about the younger man's reaction this early morning that did not seem right. He could not place it, yet Irvan's assumptions seemed correct. However, Dumbledore was not entirely familiar with the combination of curse and potion, therefore he could not judge how much control Voldemort could have without activating the curse. He did not doubt that the week Sirius spent as captive gave Voldemort a constant presence even without direct activation. Irvan had said one could temporarily quiet the connection.
It was coming to the point where he needed to tell both Sirius and Harry as to the dangers, and by default Remus.
As nothing was forthcoming to fill the lapse of silence, the younger men were shifting awkwardly. "Perhaps it would be best to settle until day break. It has been a busy morning." As the remaining Marauders accompanied each other out of the room, Dumbledore knew he need not worry about any more odd occurrences.
Taking the quill and parchment, he scratched out a missive to Minerva, telling her he needed to take care of business concerning Severus. He took another sheet and wrote to the Head of the Re-warding, a highly ranked Auror named Pheldon, imparting the knowledge that urgent family business required him to remain away from Hogwarts for an undetermined amount of time and that Minerva could handle things at the school extremely well.
Resting the quill back on the tray, he rose with the letters in hand and reentered Severus's chambers. Where apparently Irvan and Molly were having a disagreement of some sort.
"Now see here, woman!" Irvan stated loudly from the far side of the room. He was clearly attempting to control his anger and frustration. "Mending the bones is all well and good, but doing so while the muscles are mangled!"
"Then you tell me how to repair the damage. None of the potions nor the spells I know work!" Mrs. Weasley was having the same difficulties.
"I ask for a Healer and they send you!"
"I would like to see you do better!"
And Severus was not stirring in the slightest. Dumbledore decided it was time to interrupt before one or the other lost their temper. Thankfully he saw Totti perched at the foot of the bed, looking more concerned for the occupant than the witch and vampire prepared to duel at the moment. "Ah, Totti, I need these sent by two owls." The request had the desired effects. The House-elf jumped to be of service. Dumbledore suspected she was feeling quite depressed when not busy. The vampire and the witch turned towards him, argument forgotten for the moment. "How are things, Molly?"
"The curses are gone, but I can't get the torn muscles to mend. I was about to heal the bones, but HE interrupted." Still frustrated, yet loosing steam.
"Merely to remind you of the dangers of tearing the muscles further. Were it mere snaps, then mending the bones would not be dangerous; but as it is, the bones are crushed." Irvan pointed out bitterly. The signs of Lust were settling nicely and he was having a distinct difficulty with keeping himself from attacking.
"What I don't understand, Professor, is why the muscles round the good bones will not mend. It is almost as if there is something blocking my spells."
"Perhaps a bit of rest would not go amiss. Severus is in no danger at the moment, is he?"
"No, nor is it likely he will be waking anytime soon. He lost a lot of blood. I just don't understand." She shook her head.
"Get some rest. I'm sure Totti will show you to a room to recuperate." The petite House-elf had returned and immediately leaped at the mention of a task.
"That sounds best. Perhaps some tea, as well." Molly allowed the herself to be lead out of the room by an eager elf.
"Perhaps it would be best for you to rest for the day. The sun will rise shortly." Dumbledore waited expectantly, but the vampire just stood, staring blankly at the bed.
Many long moments lasted with the lightening of the sky. The words spoken came out strangled. "I can't." Pause. "Blood and bloody ashes, Severus. Either get yourself killed properly or not at all." The bitterness in his voice could not be controlled.
"Do you know how this happened?"
"No. I was not aware of it at the time. And no, it was not Voldemort. It was your bloody Aurors. So likely, Voldemort sent him and others and they were caught. But I have no idea why. So you may as ell discontinue that line of questions."
"Now might not be a good time to ask, but it seems Molly will be staying,,,"
"NO." Irvan interrupted sharply. "You have already placed three Gryffindors too many under this roof. And I have allowed two others without Severus's knowledge. I will not allow the whole Weasley clan." The vampire was close to spitting venom. He had gone from morose to quietly raging. It was an interesting sight.
"It is the holidays and I do not think it would be considerate to keep Mrs. Weasley away from her family."
"Then send her back. I had asked for a Healer anyway. I only asked for you because I thought it would be easier to deal with the others since Severus would be out of it. But as it is, you are causing more difficulties by being here."
"I had actually thought I prevented some of the more dangerous ones." Dumbledore mused to the annoyance of the vampire. "I am certain you would have been able to stop Sirius from attacking further."
"Do you have something constructive to say, or are you here merely for show?" Irvan said dangerously low.
"It might not be good to continue this conversation now, what with the sun rising."
"I already told you, I can't." Dumbledore waited for an explanation. Irvan, however, watched silently as the sky beyond the window brightened to a cheery gold. "To do so, we need to be relaxed at some level. Unfortunately between Severus, Sirius, and now you, said feat cannot be accomplished!" Even as he spoke, Dumbledore noticed weariness creep into the wild blood and mercury eyes. It looked as though a simple enchantment would send the vampire over to sleep. That would only be a temporary measure, but enough to get him to last the day.
Without a word or warning, the vampire crumpled. Dumbledore's first thought was the encroaching sunlight, but the timid approach of a tiny body changed his opinion.
"Master Irvan just needed help," Totti said peering over the downed man. "Going dormant is not easy. Totti knows. Master Irvan complains often."
"He did seem to need assistance," he responded, levitating the seemingly dead body to a couch. "He will need to be protected from the sun."
"Totti already did that. Master Irvan will wake at sunset, not happy," Totti grinned mischievously. Her expression dulled immediately as she looked back at Severus. "It wasn't just wizards who hurt Master Severus," the elf said sadly. And squeaked as though in trouble. She popped out of sight, leaving Dumbledore to wonder at the statement. Either Severus or Irvan would be able to answer, whoever woke first.
* * * * *
"Professor Lupin?"
"More interested in breakfast than sleep, Harry?" Remus's answer was as kind as usual, but Harry noted a deep set worry behind it.
"Did you know?"
"Know what?"
"About Irvan?" There he asked the crucial question.
"I knew he was there, but not how he was doing what he was doing. Dumbledore, I expect, had a good reason for not telling us, but I don't know, Harry."
Harry sat at the table across from the Professor. Irvan had been keeping things from him. And he probably should be asking the vampire himself, but currently Harry could not reach the man. He didn't know why, but suspected that Irvan was keeping him out. Somehow.
"But what if it was important?"
"What do you mean, Harry?"
"I want to know what he is doing. What he is planning. Everyone seems to think I'm the one who is suppose to do something about him, but how can I if I don't know what is going on?" There. He finally vocalized what had been haunting him since he had first learned about his past. "I want to know what Voldemort is planning to do to the people I know." he added softer.
"Of course you do," Remus moved several seats closer. "We all want to know. But that knowledge is not worth your health. Especially if you can do nothing to change it."
"But why did he not tell me what he was doing?" He told me he was going to help."
"My guess would be Severus. You would have told Sirius and you have seen what that would have lead to."
"But..."
"Harry. You want to know. We all do. But we don't want to loose you. And I know Sirius would be devastated if we lost you. Don't worry about the visions. I'm sure what needs to be known is known by Dumbledore."
"But do you think he would tell me if it concerned someone I know?" he accused.
"Who do you think is in trouble? Everyone you know is fine. You have seen so yourself." Harry caught a strong note of concern.
"You're worried about someone," he stated. "It's Sirius, isn't it. He's been acting kind of strange, isn't he?" he needed confirmation.
"What do you mean?"
Harry paused. How was he to explain this. "There are times when he just stares, not seeing anything. And then there are times when he just lashes out at nothing. I know I don't know him as well as you, but I've never seen him act like that. Just now, when he cursed Irvan, was the most recent."
"I noticed." The Defense teacher reached for a mug of tea, silent. "I'm worried about him. He's never been as impulsive as he is now. But I don't know if he is still recovering from Azkaban or there is something different."
"Do you think it was Voldemort?"
"He has been on a mission for Dumbledore. That's all I know. But I don't know of any use Voldemort would have for Sirius. I hope none."
Silence reigned for long moments. Each pondering their friends newly expressed oddity.
"What about Snape?" Harry asked after the moments passed. "He was summoned and came back like that."
"I certainly hope not."
"What do you mean?"
"If Voldemort did that to Professor Snape, than I don't want to speculate as to why. We could very easily have lost the best link to Voldemort the Order has ever had."
"So he is spying."
"One hopes so. It's either that or dying."
"Oh." Harry did not know what to make of this. Snape was either spying or he was dying. All he understood from Remus was that the Professor fully believed Snape was on their side. But how certain could he be. "Would Snape know if Voldemort did anything to Sirius?"
"In all likelihood, yes. Why are you so worried about this?"
"Well, there was a long period of time when Evan, I mean Irvan, wouldn't talk about Sirius. It seems like Irvan is very worried about Sirius. Either that or he is worried about what Sirius might do."
"To tell you the truth, Irvan has been acting strange ever since we got here. Just after Severus left, I followed Irvan and he was letting the strangest things slip. And was irritated, no, furious that you and Sirius were left alone. And he told me to watch for anything strange on Sirius's mannerisms. "
"You mean I might be right?"
"I hope we are both just imagining things worse than they really are."
"What if we're right?"
"Let's get some breakfast and then take a nap in our own beds. You didn't sleep until after one."
Harry knew this was just a way to avoid the question, but he knew better than to demand an answer from Professor Lupin. Some things were just not desirable to be discussed. "Where's Sirius?" he asked instead. It pertained to the previous conversation but not directly.
Lupin frowned. "I have no idea."
* * * * * *
"Headmaster Dumbledore. Have you been in that chair all day?"
"Hmm? Oh. It appears as though I have, Mrs. Weasley," Dumbledore chuckled quietly as he lifted a soft light green quilt from his lap. "It also appears that someone was considerate enough to lend me this." Molly blushed slightly.
"I've been coming in periodically to check on Professor Snape. But it seems Totti has been keeping an eye on him for me. And on that vampire." Both pairs of eyes traveled to the body prostrate on the lounge.
"He'll wake at sunset." Dumbledore provided.
"Not a moment too soon. The sun is almost down."
"He only wants to assist."
"He has a odd way of showing it." Mrs. Weasley left that line of discussion to move to Severus's bed side. "He hasn't woken at all today. I'm beginning to think there is a curse we missed, but I can't seem to find one."
"Totti said something other than wizards did this. Now, don't worry Totti," he said to calm the elf, who did not think she should have said anything, "it was nothing Irvan could not have told us if he had been able." Turning back to Molly, he said, "Shall we give it another look?" And they cast diagnosis spells to determine the cause of the injury and others to search for the deterrent.
The muscles were still shredded. The bones still crushed. And no sign of what caused it. Molly had mentioned that the bleeding marks had not lain in sync with the major rips, as though the the deep flesh had been torn from the inside. As much as there seemed to be nothing, there was something. Something he could not place, but was incredibly familiar.
He had a long memory, but whatever he had sensed had a magical signature that did not match anything he remembered. But it was close. To something.
A startled scream interrupted his musing.
"Master Irvan is not to be doing that!" The small House-elf stood in the small distance between the terrified witch and the terrifying vampire. Irvan had undergone dramatic changes upon waking. He was gaunt with no apparent muscular frame. Eyes more red and silver than hematite. Over all, Irvan resembled a starved wild animal more than a man. Which was now regarding the elf as a threat.
Dumbledore didn't see movement, but the next instant Totti had thrown the vampire across the room. "Totti SAID Master Irvan is not to be doing THAT!"
A door opened and heads turned. Someone growled, but Dumbledore was not sure if it was Remus or Irvan. Then Irvan fled.
It was a brief, yet informative encounter. Irvan went for Molly Weasley as she was the only one close that was not protected by his promises. Vampires were wary of House-elves and House-elves were not afraid of vampires. And vampires hated if not feared werewolves. Very interesting indeed.
"Are you all right, Molly?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just startled. I did not expect to turn around and see him right behind me!"
"Why don't you sit down. And Totti, could you bring some tea?"
"Master Irvan is not going to be happy about this. No, Master Irvan is not going to be happy about this, at all," the elf was muttering with ever increasing worry. Worried about herself or Irvan? She popped away presumably to get tea.
"I heard screams," Remus explained walking up to Mrs. Weasley.
"It's fine, Remus. We just were not expecting sunset so soon." Turning to Molly, he said, "Did you notice anything different this time?"
"No, I'm afraid not. There is something repelling my spells, but I don't know what it is."
"Is Severus alright?"
"He is in the short term, Remus. But unless we can figure out what caused this, it is unlikely we can heal him."
"Do you think Irvan knows?"
"I am certain of it. Once he is aware, he should be able to tell us." The only question was how long was the vampire going to take.
"Has anyone seen Sirius? I've been looking for him most of the day." Sharp change in subject in hopes of easing the obvious worry over the Potions Master.
"Mister Sirius is in his room," Totti answered, setting the tea tray near Mrs. Weasley. "Mister Sirius is asking for his lunch and I is giving it."
"Was he there all afternoon?"
"No. He is getting books from Rowena's Library."
"Strange. SIrius doesn't normally read unless he absolutely has to."
"Agreed. Remus, see if you can find him and keep an eye on him."
"Headmaster, what is going on? First Irvan and now you are telling me to watch Sirius. I want to know why."
"And you will. You, Sirius, and Harry. But I would rather wait until Severus is healing. One worry at a time." Dumbledore watched as the werewolf turned sharply for the door. Privately he felt horrible about keeping that situation quiet. But he refused to allow others worry if they did not have to. And the time was approaching that he needed to tell them id he was to keep the peace.
"Molly, I don't suggest you wait up for Irvan. You need sleep as much as any of us."
"That means you as well, Headmaster. That means no sleeping in chairs to night. A proper bed this time." Molly set down her cup and peer seriously at him. "What did you sense?"
"Something I can't place."
* * * * * *
It was well past midnight, long since Mrs. Weasley had left, when the balcony windows drew open softly of their own accord. The ripple of the night breeze would be enough to shift the old man into full awareness. He must have been waiting. And the one who should be protesting that presence was bedridden and unconscious. The elf protected her master from her post at the foot of the bed. The elf would sense him first.
"Master Irvan is not being where he needs be."
"Don't judge, Totti. It has never been your place." He closed the doors and the distance separating him from his master. It was not the most pleasant realization, but it was one he had made many years ago and only rarely regretted. This man would still command some form of loyalty had the circumstances been different. Irvan owed it to the man's ancestors.
"Master Irvan is not being where he needs be."
"You're right, I wasn't. However, pointing that out now seems quite ridiculous."
"Master Severus is needing your help. It wasn't wizards who did this."
Irvan knew his jaw dropped. "Wasn't wizards? Blood and bloody ashes. Sometimes I wonder if the death wish is yours or someone else's, Severus. Let's see what wants to kill you this time. Besides Voldemort." Slowly he knelt beside the ill wizard. He needed to be as close as possible for this, and knew that he would suffer ill consequences for this action. It was not an easy one to preform.
Totti helped him pull the covers and sheets back to expose Severus's chest. He had to do this slowly or he would harm the wizard even more. Shifting his awareness into what he could of Severus's, he took stock of the damage. One thing was apparent immediately.
"Damn it all to the pits of Hades," he cursed softly. He was primarily annoyed that he had not seen this first. But the caster of this curse was very subtle. And the curse was never meant to be found. Only someone who knew the caster would recognize the residual signature all spells leave. He numbed all areas affected to give the wizard a fairly peaceful sleep, then stood to face the older wizard standing behind him.
"Irvan."
"Totti, please be kind enough to escort the Headmaster to his room." The response was colder than he had intended, but he was in no mood to explain what had happened to Severus. Especially as he was not sure as to the precise cause.
Dumbledore ignored the elf. Stubbornly trying to know everything. "What has happened, Irvan?" He was tempted to ignore the wizard further and just depart; but there was such genuine grief and concern ripping at the wizard's heart, Irvan found it impossible to deny even the most terse of comfort. At least not to another who wanted only for Severus to live.
"If you must know, Headmaster, Severus has not only been attacked by wizards, but also by vampires," Irvan managed cool and precise, but still giving off a nervous waver. Dumbledore starts at learning of the second attacker. Slightly kinder, he added, "Severus is sleeping, but I can do nothing for him at the moment. Now, Totti will escort you to you rooms. Then I will go an prepare to better assist him."
"What do you mean you can do nothing for him," was the demand.
"I can do nothing at the moment for the sole reason that I do not have the proper tools nor enough stamina to remove that curse." Cold logic was all he was capable of at the moment. At a different and all too recent point in time he would have been raging and wasting time. "Believe me, Headmaster, Severus will be fine at the moment. And you will know when I attempt to do anything further. At sunrise you may expect the rest of the Weasley contingent. Provided you give he appropriate documents."
A letter was written and a Headmaster put to bed.
"Watch him, Totti. You know how to reach me should things get worse."
Irvan thought he was starting to understand why so many humans enjoyed a strong glass of liquor. It would be easy to forget the troubles. But he would have to wait to enjoy the vampire's equivalent. Right now he needed a more satisfying meal than what the forest could provide.
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AN: I guess it wasn't really a cliffhanger this time. We won't really know much until Severus wakes up, then all hell will break loose. If it hasn't already. I don't know when I'll post the next chapter, finals are coming up. I'll post as soon as I have a chapter ready. In the mean time, I'll respond with some encouragement.
Happigolucki616: Thanks for the praise. I will give a concise review in a future chapter incase I've gone terribly off topic. I do apologize for the long spaces of nothing, much of it is not intentional, but I have to keep up with life in Japan, so I will post when I find time to write. And I solemnly swear that I will endeavor to make the chapters as interesting as possible to relieve the stress of waiting.
xikum: I never will give up on this story. Irvan is far to much fun and don't believe him, but he enjoys the company. I am thoroughly please that I've managed to keep everyone in character and allow them to be sympathized. As for Severus, Irvan won't let me kill him, so no worries. I'm just waiting to see who gets the first shots at Irvan, he's asking for it if you ask me.
Persephone Lupin: 3:30 am. Wow. Now that is a compliment. And as for the chapter between 24 and 25, I actually have thought about it. But that scene could easily be added with what I have planned. Sorry but cliffhangers are what my mind is working with right now. It will get better.
Nebula Zirconia: Is this enough? For the moment? I'd give you a patch for the withdrawl, but I don't have a large enough market.
Lady_ravena: I've never read Anne Rice. Irvan just kind of appeared. So I am glad you like Irvan even as you read Anne Rice. I can't promise anything about cliffhangers. ::sad smile:: They just happen and I don't try to stop them. I'll try to make it up to you, somehow.
shadoewhunter: Thanks. I try to make them enjoyable.
Loki19: I am very glad the suspense was working. I wasn't sure about that. Insecurities you know. Severus will return. And all that wit will surge into the forefront. Just wait. We still have his reaction to the Headmaster and Mrs. Wealsey's presence.
And to Padawan Jan-AQ, Lady Lightning, amy, Eizoku, PrphtssP, Kemenran, and Kateri1 and all the other readers: More is on the way and hopefully it will be as entertaining as the rest. Personally I hope it will be an edge-of-your-seat-can't-believe-she-did-that-to-you-again type of reaction.
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Chapter 30
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"He didn't say what was wrong. Nor did he sound panicky. But I am certain it has to do with Severus," Remus stated hurriedly as he lead Dumbledore and Molly Weasly up the grand staircase towards Severus's private rooms. He did not know precisely where they were, only that they were down the opposite hall from their own.
He was so intent on figuring out where he was going, he almost plowed over Harry. He would have if the boy had not yelped and jumped out of the way. "Professor! You need to hurry! Snape's stable, for now, I think, but Sirius and Irvan are ready to go at each other's throat!"
"Lead the way, Harry," Dumbledore instructed, and the boy all but ran back in the direction he came.
The scene they came across looked to be nothing more than a cold war. Irvan stood closest to Snape's bed, but his attention was focused on the element invading the arena near the entrance. "If I hadn't you would not have assisted," the vampire was saying.
"Damn right, I wouldn't."
"Then I don't see where this argument is going. You are no longer require. Since you have no desire to assist, then leave."
"I'll leave when I damn well please. I'm still not satisfied with your explanation."
"You never will be. You'll just end up seeking retribution sooner or later, as pitiful as you reasoning seems to be."
"That's it!" The wand was out and the curse cast before anyone knew what was happening. The vampire, however, maintained a fair resistance to most spells. Instead of collapsing in an unconscious reck, he merely staggered heavily against the footboard of the bed in shock more than pain.
"Why do I even bother?" Remus heard the vampire mutter. "None of them are worth it. But no, they are not to know." Those statements made no logical sense to the werewolf and apparently weren't heard by the others in the room.
Glancing at Sirius, Remus almost registered something different, something odd about his friend's countenance. More specifically on the magical level. He would have ignored it if he had not remembered Irvan ranting about having to watch Sirius for odd behaviors. Was this connected? Yet Remus still knew nothing about what the vampire was trying to keep secret. So far the creature was doing a wonderful job at hiding the main information, but a horrible one of holding the slips of the tongue at bay.
"Molly, see to Severus, please. I'll take the others outside so we won't disturb you," Dumbledore said quietly to the motherly woman beside him. Remus could smell the concern and fear from the old man, carefully masked beneath the usual calm countenance. The witch went immediately to Severus's bedside and made many quick diagnosis spells. "Sirius, Harry, Remus, would you wait in the antechamber. I'll be with you in a moment."
Sirius, who had been struggling to keep is temper in check with the assistance of his godson, abruptly left with Harry trailing, looking bewildered. Remus hesitated, he knew he should go with his best friend, but he was curious as to Snape's condition. Unlike the other two, he had not witnessed Snape's entrance.
"It could have been worse, Professor," Mrs. Weasly said turning her attention to the Headmaster. "He's lost a lot of blood but not enough to cause too much damage. Some broken bones and deep muscle tearing, repairable. Most of the damage is from curses and hexes, many are still present, so they'll have to be removed before the healing can begin."
"Thank you, Molly. Just call if you need assistance." Dumbledore almost appeared consoled by the news. The worry only faded slightly. "Shall we, Remus?"
"Totti," Irvan's voice from his forgotten corner of the room startled everyone, even as the named house-elf popped up from her forgotten corner at the head of the bed. "Tell Suli and Malver that Severus will be fine. Have them prepare two rooms, preferably near to here. Then have some tea brought up for the Headmaster and Mrs. Weasley. And an owl for the Headmaster."
Totti, who had been wringing her hands in despair, looked positively please at having something to keep her occupied. "Yes, Master Irvan. Totti be going right now. Totti gets tea and owl. Suli and Malver gets bedrooms made. Totti goes now." And the little elf disappeared with a snap, full of nervous energy needing to be expelled. Irvan, on the other hand, was looking positively morose.
"Thank you, Irvan," Dumbledore said lightly. "I do need to tell Minerva I am away and will return in a few days."
"What you need to be doing is watching Sirius," Irvan snapped. Molly seemed about to say something, but Irvan cut her short. "I am staying right here, Mrs. Weasley. I have seen several curses you will not be able to remove alone."
"YOU'RE A VAMPIRE!" she shrieked the realization.
"Yes, and I am not in the mood to quarrel. Do what you came to do, madame."
"Come Remus, the others are waiting." Remus allowed the Headmaster to guide from the bedchamber to the outer room that served as a small sitting room.
"Do you think it was Voldemort, Headmaster?" Remus found the courage to ask.
"Until we know for certain, I would prefer not to guess."
"But my scar never hurt last night," Harry protested. "Don't you think I would have seen something if Voldemort was mad enough to do that?" The boy actually sounded angry that he had not seen or felt anything.
"I believe Irvan has been gaining a larger amount of control over what you feel and what you see," Professor Dumbledore explained calmly. Harry's reaction was anything but.
"What else are you keeping from me? What visions has he kept from me? I have a right to know!"
"Are you sure about that, Harry. What Irvan is doing is keeping those same visions from harming you physically. It has the added benefit of keeping you from harming yourself emotionally. Irvan sees everything you would normally see, and should he hear anything important he reports either to Professor Snape or myself. Think about what you are saying. Your health is not worth that."
"Was it Voldemort?" Remus prodded again. Curiosity was getting the better of him.
"That is all we have to go on for the moment. I have never seen him return in such a state." Dumbledore remembered the few times he had seen the Potions Master so abused. Usually after a violent encounter with Aurors. Most recently was his return from Azkaban.
Totti interrupted by setting a tea tray between the argument. A roll of parchment and a quill rested unobtrusively on the edge of the tray, waiting for the Headmaster to compose a letter.
Remus settled himself to serving tea, while Sirius quieted enough to noticed that Harry as nearly sleeping where he sat. Since the adrenaline of the early morning had faded, he was showing the interruption. Quietly he suggested that Harry return to his room to recover from the restless sleep on a couch.
Dumbledore was worried about Sirius. He had just receive an owl from Severus stating Irvan's observations little over a day ago. There was something about the younger man's reaction this early morning that did not seem right. He could not place it, yet Irvan's assumptions seemed correct. However, Dumbledore was not entirely familiar with the combination of curse and potion, therefore he could not judge how much control Voldemort could have without activating the curse. He did not doubt that the week Sirius spent as captive gave Voldemort a constant presence even without direct activation. Irvan had said one could temporarily quiet the connection.
It was coming to the point where he needed to tell both Sirius and Harry as to the dangers, and by default Remus.
As nothing was forthcoming to fill the lapse of silence, the younger men were shifting awkwardly. "Perhaps it would be best to settle until day break. It has been a busy morning." As the remaining Marauders accompanied each other out of the room, Dumbledore knew he need not worry about any more odd occurrences.
Taking the quill and parchment, he scratched out a missive to Minerva, telling her he needed to take care of business concerning Severus. He took another sheet and wrote to the Head of the Re-warding, a highly ranked Auror named Pheldon, imparting the knowledge that urgent family business required him to remain away from Hogwarts for an undetermined amount of time and that Minerva could handle things at the school extremely well.
Resting the quill back on the tray, he rose with the letters in hand and reentered Severus's chambers. Where apparently Irvan and Molly were having a disagreement of some sort.
"Now see here, woman!" Irvan stated loudly from the far side of the room. He was clearly attempting to control his anger and frustration. "Mending the bones is all well and good, but doing so while the muscles are mangled!"
"Then you tell me how to repair the damage. None of the potions nor the spells I know work!" Mrs. Weasley was having the same difficulties.
"I ask for a Healer and they send you!"
"I would like to see you do better!"
And Severus was not stirring in the slightest. Dumbledore decided it was time to interrupt before one or the other lost their temper. Thankfully he saw Totti perched at the foot of the bed, looking more concerned for the occupant than the witch and vampire prepared to duel at the moment. "Ah, Totti, I need these sent by two owls." The request had the desired effects. The House-elf jumped to be of service. Dumbledore suspected she was feeling quite depressed when not busy. The vampire and the witch turned towards him, argument forgotten for the moment. "How are things, Molly?"
"The curses are gone, but I can't get the torn muscles to mend. I was about to heal the bones, but HE interrupted." Still frustrated, yet loosing steam.
"Merely to remind you of the dangers of tearing the muscles further. Were it mere snaps, then mending the bones would not be dangerous; but as it is, the bones are crushed." Irvan pointed out bitterly. The signs of Lust were settling nicely and he was having a distinct difficulty with keeping himself from attacking.
"What I don't understand, Professor, is why the muscles round the good bones will not mend. It is almost as if there is something blocking my spells."
"Perhaps a bit of rest would not go amiss. Severus is in no danger at the moment, is he?"
"No, nor is it likely he will be waking anytime soon. He lost a lot of blood. I just don't understand." She shook her head.
"Get some rest. I'm sure Totti will show you to a room to recuperate." The petite House-elf had returned and immediately leaped at the mention of a task.
"That sounds best. Perhaps some tea, as well." Molly allowed the herself to be lead out of the room by an eager elf.
"Perhaps it would be best for you to rest for the day. The sun will rise shortly." Dumbledore waited expectantly, but the vampire just stood, staring blankly at the bed.
Many long moments lasted with the lightening of the sky. The words spoken came out strangled. "I can't." Pause. "Blood and bloody ashes, Severus. Either get yourself killed properly or not at all." The bitterness in his voice could not be controlled.
"Do you know how this happened?"
"No. I was not aware of it at the time. And no, it was not Voldemort. It was your bloody Aurors. So likely, Voldemort sent him and others and they were caught. But I have no idea why. So you may as ell discontinue that line of questions."
"Now might not be a good time to ask, but it seems Molly will be staying,,,"
"NO." Irvan interrupted sharply. "You have already placed three Gryffindors too many under this roof. And I have allowed two others without Severus's knowledge. I will not allow the whole Weasley clan." The vampire was close to spitting venom. He had gone from morose to quietly raging. It was an interesting sight.
"It is the holidays and I do not think it would be considerate to keep Mrs. Weasley away from her family."
"Then send her back. I had asked for a Healer anyway. I only asked for you because I thought it would be easier to deal with the others since Severus would be out of it. But as it is, you are causing more difficulties by being here."
"I had actually thought I prevented some of the more dangerous ones." Dumbledore mused to the annoyance of the vampire. "I am certain you would have been able to stop Sirius from attacking further."
"Do you have something constructive to say, or are you here merely for show?" Irvan said dangerously low.
"It might not be good to continue this conversation now, what with the sun rising."
"I already told you, I can't." Dumbledore waited for an explanation. Irvan, however, watched silently as the sky beyond the window brightened to a cheery gold. "To do so, we need to be relaxed at some level. Unfortunately between Severus, Sirius, and now you, said feat cannot be accomplished!" Even as he spoke, Dumbledore noticed weariness creep into the wild blood and mercury eyes. It looked as though a simple enchantment would send the vampire over to sleep. That would only be a temporary measure, but enough to get him to last the day.
Without a word or warning, the vampire crumpled. Dumbledore's first thought was the encroaching sunlight, but the timid approach of a tiny body changed his opinion.
"Master Irvan just needed help," Totti said peering over the downed man. "Going dormant is not easy. Totti knows. Master Irvan complains often."
"He did seem to need assistance," he responded, levitating the seemingly dead body to a couch. "He will need to be protected from the sun."
"Totti already did that. Master Irvan will wake at sunset, not happy," Totti grinned mischievously. Her expression dulled immediately as she looked back at Severus. "It wasn't just wizards who hurt Master Severus," the elf said sadly. And squeaked as though in trouble. She popped out of sight, leaving Dumbledore to wonder at the statement. Either Severus or Irvan would be able to answer, whoever woke first.
* * * * *
"Professor Lupin?"
"More interested in breakfast than sleep, Harry?" Remus's answer was as kind as usual, but Harry noted a deep set worry behind it.
"Did you know?"
"Know what?"
"About Irvan?" There he asked the crucial question.
"I knew he was there, but not how he was doing what he was doing. Dumbledore, I expect, had a good reason for not telling us, but I don't know, Harry."
Harry sat at the table across from the Professor. Irvan had been keeping things from him. And he probably should be asking the vampire himself, but currently Harry could not reach the man. He didn't know why, but suspected that Irvan was keeping him out. Somehow.
"But what if it was important?"
"What do you mean, Harry?"
"I want to know what he is doing. What he is planning. Everyone seems to think I'm the one who is suppose to do something about him, but how can I if I don't know what is going on?" There. He finally vocalized what had been haunting him since he had first learned about his past. "I want to know what Voldemort is planning to do to the people I know." he added softer.
"Of course you do," Remus moved several seats closer. "We all want to know. But that knowledge is not worth your health. Especially if you can do nothing to change it."
"But why did he not tell me what he was doing?" He told me he was going to help."
"My guess would be Severus. You would have told Sirius and you have seen what that would have lead to."
"But..."
"Harry. You want to know. We all do. But we don't want to loose you. And I know Sirius would be devastated if we lost you. Don't worry about the visions. I'm sure what needs to be known is known by Dumbledore."
"But do you think he would tell me if it concerned someone I know?" he accused.
"Who do you think is in trouble? Everyone you know is fine. You have seen so yourself." Harry caught a strong note of concern.
"You're worried about someone," he stated. "It's Sirius, isn't it. He's been acting kind of strange, isn't he?" he needed confirmation.
"What do you mean?"
Harry paused. How was he to explain this. "There are times when he just stares, not seeing anything. And then there are times when he just lashes out at nothing. I know I don't know him as well as you, but I've never seen him act like that. Just now, when he cursed Irvan, was the most recent."
"I noticed." The Defense teacher reached for a mug of tea, silent. "I'm worried about him. He's never been as impulsive as he is now. But I don't know if he is still recovering from Azkaban or there is something different."
"Do you think it was Voldemort?"
"He has been on a mission for Dumbledore. That's all I know. But I don't know of any use Voldemort would have for Sirius. I hope none."
Silence reigned for long moments. Each pondering their friends newly expressed oddity.
"What about Snape?" Harry asked after the moments passed. "He was summoned and came back like that."
"I certainly hope not."
"What do you mean?"
"If Voldemort did that to Professor Snape, than I don't want to speculate as to why. We could very easily have lost the best link to Voldemort the Order has ever had."
"So he is spying."
"One hopes so. It's either that or dying."
"Oh." Harry did not know what to make of this. Snape was either spying or he was dying. All he understood from Remus was that the Professor fully believed Snape was on their side. But how certain could he be. "Would Snape know if Voldemort did anything to Sirius?"
"In all likelihood, yes. Why are you so worried about this?"
"Well, there was a long period of time when Evan, I mean Irvan, wouldn't talk about Sirius. It seems like Irvan is very worried about Sirius. Either that or he is worried about what Sirius might do."
"To tell you the truth, Irvan has been acting strange ever since we got here. Just after Severus left, I followed Irvan and he was letting the strangest things slip. And was irritated, no, furious that you and Sirius were left alone. And he told me to watch for anything strange on Sirius's mannerisms. "
"You mean I might be right?"
"I hope we are both just imagining things worse than they really are."
"What if we're right?"
"Let's get some breakfast and then take a nap in our own beds. You didn't sleep until after one."
Harry knew this was just a way to avoid the question, but he knew better than to demand an answer from Professor Lupin. Some things were just not desirable to be discussed. "Where's Sirius?" he asked instead. It pertained to the previous conversation but not directly.
Lupin frowned. "I have no idea."
* * * * * *
"Headmaster Dumbledore. Have you been in that chair all day?"
"Hmm? Oh. It appears as though I have, Mrs. Weasley," Dumbledore chuckled quietly as he lifted a soft light green quilt from his lap. "It also appears that someone was considerate enough to lend me this." Molly blushed slightly.
"I've been coming in periodically to check on Professor Snape. But it seems Totti has been keeping an eye on him for me. And on that vampire." Both pairs of eyes traveled to the body prostrate on the lounge.
"He'll wake at sunset." Dumbledore provided.
"Not a moment too soon. The sun is almost down."
"He only wants to assist."
"He has a odd way of showing it." Mrs. Weasley left that line of discussion to move to Severus's bed side. "He hasn't woken at all today. I'm beginning to think there is a curse we missed, but I can't seem to find one."
"Totti said something other than wizards did this. Now, don't worry Totti," he said to calm the elf, who did not think she should have said anything, "it was nothing Irvan could not have told us if he had been able." Turning back to Molly, he said, "Shall we give it another look?" And they cast diagnosis spells to determine the cause of the injury and others to search for the deterrent.
The muscles were still shredded. The bones still crushed. And no sign of what caused it. Molly had mentioned that the bleeding marks had not lain in sync with the major rips, as though the the deep flesh had been torn from the inside. As much as there seemed to be nothing, there was something. Something he could not place, but was incredibly familiar.
He had a long memory, but whatever he had sensed had a magical signature that did not match anything he remembered. But it was close. To something.
A startled scream interrupted his musing.
"Master Irvan is not to be doing that!" The small House-elf stood in the small distance between the terrified witch and the terrifying vampire. Irvan had undergone dramatic changes upon waking. He was gaunt with no apparent muscular frame. Eyes more red and silver than hematite. Over all, Irvan resembled a starved wild animal more than a man. Which was now regarding the elf as a threat.
Dumbledore didn't see movement, but the next instant Totti had thrown the vampire across the room. "Totti SAID Master Irvan is not to be doing THAT!"
A door opened and heads turned. Someone growled, but Dumbledore was not sure if it was Remus or Irvan. Then Irvan fled.
It was a brief, yet informative encounter. Irvan went for Molly Weasley as she was the only one close that was not protected by his promises. Vampires were wary of House-elves and House-elves were not afraid of vampires. And vampires hated if not feared werewolves. Very interesting indeed.
"Are you all right, Molly?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just startled. I did not expect to turn around and see him right behind me!"
"Why don't you sit down. And Totti, could you bring some tea?"
"Master Irvan is not going to be happy about this. No, Master Irvan is not going to be happy about this, at all," the elf was muttering with ever increasing worry. Worried about herself or Irvan? She popped away presumably to get tea.
"I heard screams," Remus explained walking up to Mrs. Weasley.
"It's fine, Remus. We just were not expecting sunset so soon." Turning to Molly, he said, "Did you notice anything different this time?"
"No, I'm afraid not. There is something repelling my spells, but I don't know what it is."
"Is Severus alright?"
"He is in the short term, Remus. But unless we can figure out what caused this, it is unlikely we can heal him."
"Do you think Irvan knows?"
"I am certain of it. Once he is aware, he should be able to tell us." The only question was how long was the vampire going to take.
"Has anyone seen Sirius? I've been looking for him most of the day." Sharp change in subject in hopes of easing the obvious worry over the Potions Master.
"Mister Sirius is in his room," Totti answered, setting the tea tray near Mrs. Weasley. "Mister Sirius is asking for his lunch and I is giving it."
"Was he there all afternoon?"
"No. He is getting books from Rowena's Library."
"Strange. SIrius doesn't normally read unless he absolutely has to."
"Agreed. Remus, see if you can find him and keep an eye on him."
"Headmaster, what is going on? First Irvan and now you are telling me to watch Sirius. I want to know why."
"And you will. You, Sirius, and Harry. But I would rather wait until Severus is healing. One worry at a time." Dumbledore watched as the werewolf turned sharply for the door. Privately he felt horrible about keeping that situation quiet. But he refused to allow others worry if they did not have to. And the time was approaching that he needed to tell them id he was to keep the peace.
"Molly, I don't suggest you wait up for Irvan. You need sleep as much as any of us."
"That means you as well, Headmaster. That means no sleeping in chairs to night. A proper bed this time." Molly set down her cup and peer seriously at him. "What did you sense?"
"Something I can't place."
* * * * * *
It was well past midnight, long since Mrs. Weasley had left, when the balcony windows drew open softly of their own accord. The ripple of the night breeze would be enough to shift the old man into full awareness. He must have been waiting. And the one who should be protesting that presence was bedridden and unconscious. The elf protected her master from her post at the foot of the bed. The elf would sense him first.
"Master Irvan is not being where he needs be."
"Don't judge, Totti. It has never been your place." He closed the doors and the distance separating him from his master. It was not the most pleasant realization, but it was one he had made many years ago and only rarely regretted. This man would still command some form of loyalty had the circumstances been different. Irvan owed it to the man's ancestors.
"Master Irvan is not being where he needs be."
"You're right, I wasn't. However, pointing that out now seems quite ridiculous."
"Master Severus is needing your help. It wasn't wizards who did this."
Irvan knew his jaw dropped. "Wasn't wizards? Blood and bloody ashes. Sometimes I wonder if the death wish is yours or someone else's, Severus. Let's see what wants to kill you this time. Besides Voldemort." Slowly he knelt beside the ill wizard. He needed to be as close as possible for this, and knew that he would suffer ill consequences for this action. It was not an easy one to preform.
Totti helped him pull the covers and sheets back to expose Severus's chest. He had to do this slowly or he would harm the wizard even more. Shifting his awareness into what he could of Severus's, he took stock of the damage. One thing was apparent immediately.
"Damn it all to the pits of Hades," he cursed softly. He was primarily annoyed that he had not seen this first. But the caster of this curse was very subtle. And the curse was never meant to be found. Only someone who knew the caster would recognize the residual signature all spells leave. He numbed all areas affected to give the wizard a fairly peaceful sleep, then stood to face the older wizard standing behind him.
"Irvan."
"Totti, please be kind enough to escort the Headmaster to his room." The response was colder than he had intended, but he was in no mood to explain what had happened to Severus. Especially as he was not sure as to the precise cause.
Dumbledore ignored the elf. Stubbornly trying to know everything. "What has happened, Irvan?" He was tempted to ignore the wizard further and just depart; but there was such genuine grief and concern ripping at the wizard's heart, Irvan found it impossible to deny even the most terse of comfort. At least not to another who wanted only for Severus to live.
"If you must know, Headmaster, Severus has not only been attacked by wizards, but also by vampires," Irvan managed cool and precise, but still giving off a nervous waver. Dumbledore starts at learning of the second attacker. Slightly kinder, he added, "Severus is sleeping, but I can do nothing for him at the moment. Now, Totti will escort you to you rooms. Then I will go an prepare to better assist him."
"What do you mean you can do nothing for him," was the demand.
"I can do nothing at the moment for the sole reason that I do not have the proper tools nor enough stamina to remove that curse." Cold logic was all he was capable of at the moment. At a different and all too recent point in time he would have been raging and wasting time. "Believe me, Headmaster, Severus will be fine at the moment. And you will know when I attempt to do anything further. At sunrise you may expect the rest of the Weasley contingent. Provided you give he appropriate documents."
A letter was written and a Headmaster put to bed.
"Watch him, Totti. You know how to reach me should things get worse."
Irvan thought he was starting to understand why so many humans enjoyed a strong glass of liquor. It would be easy to forget the troubles. But he would have to wait to enjoy the vampire's equivalent. Right now he needed a more satisfying meal than what the forest could provide.
________________________________________________________________________
AN: I guess it wasn't really a cliffhanger this time. We won't really know much until Severus wakes up, then all hell will break loose. If it hasn't already. I don't know when I'll post the next chapter, finals are coming up. I'll post as soon as I have a chapter ready. In the mean time, I'll respond with some encouragement.
Happigolucki616: Thanks for the praise. I will give a concise review in a future chapter incase I've gone terribly off topic. I do apologize for the long spaces of nothing, much of it is not intentional, but I have to keep up with life in Japan, so I will post when I find time to write. And I solemnly swear that I will endeavor to make the chapters as interesting as possible to relieve the stress of waiting.
xikum: I never will give up on this story. Irvan is far to much fun and don't believe him, but he enjoys the company. I am thoroughly please that I've managed to keep everyone in character and allow them to be sympathized. As for Severus, Irvan won't let me kill him, so no worries. I'm just waiting to see who gets the first shots at Irvan, he's asking for it if you ask me.
Persephone Lupin: 3:30 am. Wow. Now that is a compliment. And as for the chapter between 24 and 25, I actually have thought about it. But that scene could easily be added with what I have planned. Sorry but cliffhangers are what my mind is working with right now. It will get better.
Nebula Zirconia: Is this enough? For the moment? I'd give you a patch for the withdrawl, but I don't have a large enough market.
Lady_ravena: I've never read Anne Rice. Irvan just kind of appeared. So I am glad you like Irvan even as you read Anne Rice. I can't promise anything about cliffhangers. ::sad smile:: They just happen and I don't try to stop them. I'll try to make it up to you, somehow.
shadoewhunter: Thanks. I try to make them enjoyable.
Loki19: I am very glad the suspense was working. I wasn't sure about that. Insecurities you know. Severus will return. And all that wit will surge into the forefront. Just wait. We still have his reaction to the Headmaster and Mrs. Wealsey's presence.
And to Padawan Jan-AQ, Lady Lightning, amy, Eizoku, PrphtssP, Kemenran, and Kateri1 and all the other readers: More is on the way and hopefully it will be as entertaining as the rest. Personally I hope it will be an edge-of-your-seat-can't-believe-she-did-that-to-you-again type of reaction.