Demon's Calling
Chapter 5: Unnoticed Torment
AN: GAh! This sucks. I have two chapter ready for typing for this story and what am I doing……….doing crap for college classes where my professors are so stupid a three year old could teach better. *beats head on wall* And work…don't get me started on work. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Well finally I will be giving you people an update on something. But notice I kept my word on Lost but not yet broken ……….sort of. Anyway, thank you all for reviewing. Please keep it coming (Black Dragon Lady and I are in competition on the review mark go figure huh. Lol) and I will appreciate any emails that I receive and reply (you know who you are so don't ask *sticks out tongue*) Anyway I think I'm actually sober right now cause I don't know what the hell I'm saying so I'm just going to get on with this chapter now.
AN2: By the way. My Severus got kidnapped by Black Dragon Lady which is just dandy given that the man already has no freaking backbone and then gets sequestered by a maniac like BDL. Oh my poor Sev!
Harry: you know you are seriously messed up.
Warnings: I'm an Evil Bitch! Deal with it. Cause this is just going to get even more angsty for Sev not to mention a couple of others. "I hurt the ones I love" Bwuahahahahah
Disclaimer: "If ever I should own something it will be Severus Snape!" so quite hounding me! If I really owned it do you really think I'd be sharing!?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In a dimly lit dungeon corridor, four young students stood stiffly, a fury that could rival the holy deities of earth.
"Those bastards!" hissed a hazel eyed boy, David, his eyes changing to border on an eerie gold. David was a born werewolf; able to transform at will except on the nights of the full moon, his animalistic temper was a thing to reckon with. However, he was one of many werewolves hiding amongst the rest of the Hogwarts population. His kind rested in every house but, went by unnoticed by the headmaster and fellow peers; being a born werewolf (as many of them were) allowed them to grow up without the Ministries knowledge of their supernatural heritage.
Therefore, the control of his temperament was essential to keeping his secret, however, in times like these when he was witness to the prejudicial injustices committed against his mentor and protector – it made his blood boil.
Severus Snape had done nothing to deserve the humiliation and torture that he endured day after day. During the seven years that the pale hazel eyed boy had resided at the infernal school. He witnessed injustice after another, committed against his professor and always the raven haired vampire did nothing go protect himself, defend himself. David let out a growl at the thought.
"Calm down David" soothed Malcolm, the Slytherin prefect.
"It was Klaith, I know it" spat Blaise savagely "Those bastards! Why can't they leave him alone? Isn't it enough that they starve and humiliate him; they to burn and poison him to!"
Blaise felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and turned to see Millicent looking at him, her eyes sad and sincere.
"Let it go. There's nothing we can do. They'll do worse if we interfere"
Blaise sighed in defeat "I know….Its just – he's a vampire, he's stronger, faster and yet he doesn't fight back – why?"
Before anyone could utter a response, a chilling chuckle echoed through the dimly lit corridor. Light steps, predatory steps echoed silently as they neared; the eerie chuckle sliced through their very bones, coiling around them, slithering its venomous tone into the crook of their spines. They knew who the malicious creature was, the one person that all Slytherins loathed and feared at the same time, and one whose manic glint struck like ice into their very cores. Blaise could do nothing but utter his name with the purest hate of hell.
"Klaith"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After my four Slytherins left, I carefully gathered my wand. My still blistering fingers painfully curled around the cool slender wood and I removed the magical windows. As soon as the inviting shadows of darkness surrounded me, I let my wand slip soundlessly from my trembling hand with a low click as it hit the stone floor. Never, have I been more thankful for Malcolm's knowledge of healing potions. Although, the boy is abysmal at all other potions that do not incorporate healing factors – a complete mystery as to the fundamentals of that particular talent.
It is a painful realization to me that my children have become accustomed to my weakness. That they are able to enter my chambers with little apprehension and immediately act on whatever site is before them, that they know intimately what healing potions have the most effect on my rotting corpse. However, I fight back the urge to curl up and weep at the knowledge that my children, my Slytherins would give their blood – to save me. A pathetic creature as I, whose own worthlessness prevents me from protecting those too innocent to understand the prejudice around them, who have found their own strength and in turn must protect me. I am truly undeserving of their devotion – their trust.
Slowly, I drag my burned body to the lavatory; I have no time to re-shower or to properly dress my wounds. I view myself in the mirror hoping to salvage at least a dignified appearance but am stonewalled by my own horrid state: angry red burns mar my pale smoldering skin, bloody welts pulse with the lingering pain of the daylight's harsh treatment, and I feel a cold rage rise within me. Pathetically I strike the offending image with my still burning fist; however, my attempt is in vain. I succeed only in bursting the newly formed blisters of my hand and the mirror remains unmarred.
I truly am a pathetic sight. Where once in my vampire youth I was strong, quick, and nearly unstoppable, I was also cocky and foolish. My foolishness has cost me more than I could have ever imagined. A bitter laugh rips from my throat at these thoughts 'Foolishness indeed'.
Quickly placing a glamour spell on myself, I step as quickly as my limping form will allow and exit my chambers. Keeping to the shadows, I hope that Malcolm and the others are well and eating in the great hall.
Unfortunately, I am not so fortunate. Now, only meters from the great hall, I stand before my keeper.
His voice is like a cold blanket of ice, freezing my very core. His gentle demeanor but ruthless controls are all evident to me now. He will console you, comfort you, and then – plunge you into the depths of hell. He is my savior and my tormentor; often I find myself believing Klaith's words, even more so when I look at this man. A vampire with no power, no will, and no worth, a dog with no more bite than his mangy worthless bark.
And as this man, this ageing deceitful man leads me into a secluded class; I know that Klaith speaks an inevitable truth, one that I am quickly learning to accept.
"Severus" the soft murmur startles me, but I know it is a farce, a way to calm the rampant beast before striking the blow.
"Yes headmaster?"
And there it is, the pull of a spell, an unexpected pain that rises up my calves forcing me to my knees. My eyes blur momentarily but can still make out his silhouette as he nears.
"It is time we had little talk Severus"
I cannot help the fear that surfaces within me, I vaguely that Klaith is no where near.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Well, well, well, four little serpents all coiled up" chuckled Klaith as he neared the quartet.
Blaise needed to be held back by all three Slytherins as the light brunette man continued his mocking rant.
"I must ask little serpents; did dear, dear Sevvie enjoy his gift?"
Immediately, David released his hold on Blaise, opting to tear the man's throat out, only to be restrained by (ironically enough) Blaise. With no way to get at the so called professor before him, David decided to scream his anger at the man.
"You bastard! You could've killed him!"
Klaith let out a bark of laughter as he gazed at each child before him, his sights lingering momentarily on the length form of Blaise whose eyes narrowed dangerously at the look.
He walked heavily around the group, his smile sending shivers down the Slytherin's spines. His hazel eyes were piercing and calculating like those of a treacherous vulture, narrow and holding madness beneath their cruel depths.
"What are you doing here Klaith?" Blaise practically spat the name.
"Tsk, tsk, Mr. Zabini, such disrespect. I expected better from my dear Sevvie's house – shall I confront him about it? Hmmm?"
Blaise was shaking, his rage desperately wanting release "no more than what your damn house does, you filthy excuse for a teacher!"
Silence resounded like a sharp echo throughout the dank corridor. Malcolm, Millicent, and David could only stare between their friend and professor, as they stared each other down. Suddenly, without warning Klaith grinned excitedly.
"Very good little serpent, but why such hostility? I only mean to answer your question."
"What question?"
"Why the one that troubles you so."
Blaise snorted "we already know that it is your fear of Professor Snape".
For a moment Klaith's manic smirk vanished, a deadly look marred his face before he burst into loud bouts of laughs. They were hollow laughs, reeking of cruel sadism.
"Afraid? Of an animal! He is nothing but a dog trained to be the strung marionette at my feet. I merely keep him in his place."
"Professor Snape doesn't deserve what you do to him!" screamed Blaise.
Klaith only grinned even more, a wild glint in his eyes as he strode around the group. His steps were silent, predatory, waiting to strike at the first sign of movement.
"Little serpents should watch their tongues – they might find it missing."
Blaise could not stop the smirk, demonstrating his Slytherin pride and cunning, at the man before him "don't underestimate a Slytherin *Professor*" stressing the title as if he were insignificant. Klaith suddenly stopped his pacing, his malevolent smirk gone from his features, his eyes narrowed, his face a contortion of rage as he grabbed Blaise by the collar, furiously pressing him against the wall.
Malcolm, Millicent, and David immediately took out their wands, pointing them at the unstable professor. However, before they could utter a curse the hazel eyed man summoned an imobulus curse on them all, inhibiting their movements. The ever present malignant smirk returned as the light haired man turned back towards a still pinned Blaise. The dark haired boy couldn't help but feel a bit of trepidation at the wanton look in the man's eyes.
Klaith lent into Blaise, sniffing at the young skin of the boy's jaw "mmm, you know what's the most difficult to do?"
Blaise shook his head too shocked to answer. Klaith took a deep breath, the heat of his lips tingling Blaise's ear, making him shiver, not in pleasure but in pure loathing disgust.
"I do so love, taming little serpents."
"Hello!" sounded the loud voice of an approaching male figure.
Startled by the unexpected presence, Klaith flung Blaise away, removing the imobulus spell quickly right before the image of one Harold Potter appeared out of the darkness. His intense emerald eyes were bright like a fathomless emerald aurora, a sheepish grin on his face.
"Ah, hello – I believe I'm lost."
Klaith flashed the raven haired boy a brilliant smile. Harold spared him a small grin before his eyes settled on the disheveled four at his feet.
"Mr. Potter is it? You are very far off."
"Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore has allowed me to explore the castle and the houses. However, my curiosity of the Slytherins has led me to my current dilemma…" Harold let a small light chuckle "apparently they are much more difficult to navigate".
To the four Slytherins, who had straightened themselves up, it was obvious that Klaith was extremely annoyed by the intrusion; his eyes shown with an irritated rage that belied the friendly smile on his features.
"Come along then, I will show you the way back" said Klaith, his voice strained as his vexation increased.
"Thank you professor, but you need not trouble yourself. I am sure that I can find my way. After all are not the four beside you Slytherins?"
Klaith gave the raven haired man an almost psychotic grin "yes, indeed they are. I hope to see you in class Mr. Potter".
Harold waved unceremoniously at the hazel eyed man as he walked off "I'll be sure not to be late professor!"
As Klaith walked away, the creases on his face giving away his scowl; the raven haired man turned his bright aloof eyes on the four beside him. All four remained still, apprehension tightly knotted in their very bones. Neither dared believe that the raven haired boy was ignorant to Klaith's motives.
Blaise however, wearily approached the boy, deciding to ignore what had just happened in favor of playing innocent.
"We can show you to the great hall"
Harold chuckled lightly, his smooth gentle voice rolled over them like a soft blanket cradling a new born cub.
"Humility can be far more powerful than pride. Your enemies rely of pride" Harold smiled sweetly at them as he began to walk down the corridor " I hope to have a fitting conversation with you" he gave them a small save as he continued trekking through the darkness.
Millicent being the ever present quick thinker, immediately called out to the mysterious boy. Harold stopped mid-step; however, he did not turn or spoke, merely stood relaxed awaiting whatever would happen. Malcolm was the first to move, slowly inching his way towards Harold. The tall prefect hesitantly placed a hand on the raven haired boy's shoulder. Harold turned and faced the dark eyed boy in front of him. Powerful emerald eyes seemed to bore into his very soul. Soon Blaise, Millicent, and David followed, standing in front of Harold.
"Maybe we can start today" said Blaise.
However, Harold understood well what the brunette meant and smiled triumphantly "tell me of your professor?"
*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*
"My dear boy, why do you persist in disobeying me?"
I tried to answer; disobedience – I cannot recall such a thing. I am so confused, what have I done? What was my flaw? I am afraid of the answer and terrified of not knowing. I can feel my lips move forming the words of confusion. However, he does not allow it, will not allow it as he interrupts my futility.
"You did not drink the blood."
I recalled a goblet filled with warm crimson sitting on the table in which I hid under. However, within the haze of my pain I could only recall the loud crash of metal on stone and the steady drip of the crimson nectar, so rarely given to me, flowing down into a pool on my chamber's floor. I remember the sharp crack and disgust in David's voice as he growled. And through it all I only evoke two words "blood" and "silver".
A sudden pain woke me from my stupor; I realize the sting on my cheek where his hand met flesh. "Answer me" his voice is deadly in its seriousness.
"No. Sir"
I felt the warmth of his claw like fingers, brittle and old – skeletal almost in their deceitful fragility, grasp my chin in a painful vice. I could not help the flinch that coursed through my body as he lifted my head to meet his dispassionate and calculating eyes.
"I give you shelter, feed you the blood that will keep your worthless hide sane, protect you, allow you the freedom of your rooms – and you do nothing but continue in your impudence. Must I teach you again Severus?"
My eyes widen, laced with fear as I frantically shake my head – a hard task when your chin is being held in place, but my voice is useless to me now.
Then, suddenly, the bearded man stretched out his empty hand and within a fraction of a second a bronze goblet materialized within it. He held my frightened gaze as his grip tightened, I winced at the tight pressure but my eyes never left his. From the corner of my eye I could see the goblet inching closer to me, until finally it lay only mere centimeters from my mouth. I heard his voice, booming with authority and commanding obedience.
"Drink"
Before I could even think of the goblet's contents, the dark coppery taste had already begun to trickle into my mouth. I drank greedily, forgetting my apprehension and fear – forgetting what may be mingled in the blood that I had been denied for so long, milking the bronze cup for all it could offer. I felt warm trickles of its sustenance, its potency flow down the corners of my lips, as Dumbledore tipped the cup even more. Releasing me from his grasp, I arched into the sweet taste, my knees never leaving the ground. I darted out my tongue licking desperately at the residue within the cup like a child licking the bowl of left over brownie mix. The smile on the old man's lips did not pass my senses: a malicious, cunning, deceitful smile. His pet had obeyed immaculately.
The sudden tinge in the air caused my nose to burn. As I returned from the folds of my thirst, I notice the tangy smell of metal – of liquid metal. The burning smell mixed with a touch of jasmine and newly made tar.
'NO! No, no, no' my mind chants, screams over and over as my eyes widen in terror at the realization that I have come to. I thrust the empty goblet away, scooting my body away from the man before me. Suddenly, I become aware of the burning , terrible burning flowing down my esophagus, the twisting and painful knotting in my stomach, the left over crust that were once my lips – the fell of liquid death. Though as a vampire I strive to remain vigilant of this "liquid death" but it is too late. It is in my body, in my very blood, burning and decaying me from the inside, not killing me but making me weaker and sicker than I have ever felt. And as I bend over moaning over the suddenly cramping pain in my abdomen, I can only utter one word, one word that has completely invaded me.
"Silver"
*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~~*
Draconis stood in the shadows of an abandoned supply room, watching silently as the old white bearded headmaster strode calmly around the kneeling vampire. Draconis knew very well that the headmaster was more than he seemed. However, it disgusted the blond to see the extent of the vampire's weakness. 'Fool of a child' thought Draconis as he continued to view the scene in complete silence.
Draconis had seen the pair enter the abandoned class as he had turned the corner. At first, he had continued his stroll, disregarding the scene; however the strong stench of burned flesh and feel of complete agony quickly shifted his desire. Thus, he had quietly entered the adjoining supply room; using the shadows to watch through the door connecting both rooms.
He watched with growing rage as the vampire allowed a mortal to abuse and belittle him. The old mortal fool had materialized a goblet, and the pale skinned man immediately recognized the scent of blood that permeated from the goblet. However, his senses were not so easily fooled, for he recognized the tangy burning smell of liquid silver. 'Fool! See beyond the thirst! Do not drink!' thought Draconis franticly. However, his heed went unheard as the thirst overcame the raven haired vampire. The Blond, silver eyed man stared in frozen repugnance as the pale immortal began to lap at the goblet like a starved dog. The degradation only continued as the pathetic creature finally caught scent of his plight and hurled himself from the old man, trembling in what Draconis could only discern as complete and utter terror. Suddenly, the cunning old fool spoke, his voice a deceptive gentleness "very good my dear boy. You will adapt in time, now I believe you have a class to teach."
"Yessss…S..s..sir"
"Get up."
Draconis observed in morbid fascination as the raven haired man used the stone wall to prop himself upon shaky feet. Even after ingesting an entire goblet of silver laced blood, he had the will to stand, even as the silver ate at his insides and liquefied his muscles; he stood and even took a few steps. 'So, vampire, are you more than just a vampire with no fangs?' thought Draconis as he impassively watched the stumbling figure reach for the door.
"Oh… and Severus" called the headmaster.
"Yessss…sir?" his lips cracked and bled as the raven haired man uttered the words. Draconis could see the visible flinch in his stance, but could not determine if it were from the old man's presence or the burned and abused vocal chords throbbing in pain. Then again it could be both.
"The windows will remain"
Draconis could almost taste the disbelief that radiated off the vampire as he stared unblinking at the headmaster. His lips forming the words but his voice unable to connect sound to them, until finally he relented and gave only a small nod of acceptance to the order. The two figures retreated from the room, Severus at a much slower pace, Draconis stayed in the confines of the supply room going over what he had just witnessed.
"The leash on you must be cut. I will see the truth behind your veil vampire. And for my brother's sake, prove my judgment false.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
An: phew finished. And what am I doing while I'm doing this? I'M SUPPOSE TO BE DOING MY RESEARCH PAPER GAH! I swear I am going to fail *cries* anyway I hope all of you enjoy and thank you so much for your reviews on both stories. Please keep them coming cause they really do motivate me I'm not kidding. Girl with low self esteem over here! Lmao.
Anyway, Lost But Not Yet Broken will be updated soon, well more after my finals which end next week woohoo! So bare with me here. The next chapter to this is coming along nicely and I already have plans for a sequel. Yeah it is going to get a lot more angsty by the way.