Chapter 43:
The much to be done consists of a Death Eater meeting. Fortunately, it is a general gathering and I am able to disappear in to the background. I keep my ears well perked behind my hood, though.
There are rumblings. The Dark Lord's ego took quite a bruising at Hogwarts, and though he publicly proclaims it a victory, listening between the lines shows he is rather unsettled. I hang to the back, listening to Lucius and the others offer their advice on how best to next proceed. Severus, though included in the inner circle, does not say much.
Finally we are dismissed. Severus nods in my direction and disapparates. I make motions to do the same, but, once he is out of sight, take steps towards Voldemort.
"Bena?" his voice snakes out. I feign surprise, knowing full well I had not hidden my step while approaching him from behind.
"My lord." I say, sweeping in front of him and bowing low.
"No, no, my pet, do not bow so low." He says, placing a finger under my chin. I swallow quickly the bile that has risen in my throat. I do not appreciate his nickname for me.
Lucius is still there, eyeing us both curiously. He knows Severus has gone. "Perhaps you missed your husband leaving, Bena. You ought join him." He drawls.
"No, Lucius. It is you who should leave us." Voldemort says. I raise my eyebrows, thankful that for once, the lord of overstatement caught my understatement. Lucius puffs himself up, but does not argue the point. Clever boy.
We both watch him go. I move my gaze around, hoping to find the clearing empty. It is, save for the two of us. I muster my courage, emboldened by Molly and Arthur's proclamations and launch in to it.
"My lord," I say reverently, lowering my head, "There are movements you may be unaware of. I feel it to be my duty to inform you of these."
He motions with his hand that I should fall into step beside him, and we begin walking in to the woods. "What movements?"
I choose my words carefully. "I know you are aware of the Order of the Phoenix, and my husband's position in it." I wait for the minute nod of his head before continuing. "But I wonder if you know of the placement of another spy in your midst."
He stops fully, both our robes slowly follow the gesture.
I wait as a breeze flits through the trees. A few more seconds pass. We begin to walk again.
"Does Severus know?"
"I am uncertain. I know he suspects."
"And you?"
"Oh, I am certain of this person's traitorous acts towards you, my Lord."
We stop again. He turns to face me.
"Who is it?"
I swallow, bracing myself for this. I finger my wand and being to speak. "It is me, my Lord."
I feel his startlingly hot breath as he exhales fully in my face. My eyes flutter, but otherwise I hold my composure.
Moments pass.
Awkward moments.
Finally, he speaks. "What proof have you?"
I hold back a laugh. "Proof? I have no physical proof. But I know my heart, and it does not belong to you."
I brace myself again, still fingering my wand. Still no sudden movements from my companion.
"It belongs to the old fool, then."
"No." I am pleased to say.
He takes a moment to process it, but eventually he does understand. "You pledge your allegiance to Severus?"
"Oh yes."
"You are a fool." He says, the scorn evident and harsh in his voice.
"Perhaps. But I am a happy fool, with a free conscience." I reply.
He is still facing me, our faces only a few inches apart. I can still feel his breath on my face. We are both of us contemplating our next move. I move first, preferring to keep some semblance of the upper hand.
I begin walking again. "You are oddly quiet."
"I am unused to being played, Bena."
I allow him to see the small smile on my face. We continue walking. I am amazed at how this is going. I must have truly taken him by surprise.
"I ought to kill you here."
"If you use the Unforgiveables my body will be found. Severus may not be a man of many emotions, but he would be quick to notice my disappearance." I speak confidently on this subject.
He nods. "I could kill you and transfigure your body into something else."
"It would be detectable."
"I could change you into an apple core, then feed you to a woodland creature."
"Yes, you could."
"Bena?"
"Severus?" my husband's voice cuts through the bizarre conversation from behind. I give a sigh of relief. I had expected him two minutes earlier.
I turn. Severus hurries forward. I heave a sigh, which I know Voldemort detects. Severus approaches us, breathless.
"Is something wrong?" he asks, darting his dark eyes between the two of us. I shake my head warmly.
"Only a talk between friends." Severus looks sharply at me. I smile brightly and tell him with my eyes that I am fine. We lapse in to silence.
"Take her home, Severus. Keep her safe." With that he disapparated, leaving the two of us alone.
"Bena?" he asks, turning towards me.
I hook my arm in his. "Nothing, Severus. Come. Take me home. Keep my safe." We disapparate together back to Hogwarts.
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A/n: Well, after a too-long delay I've returned. I FOUND A NEW JOB! It gives me nights and weekends (what a novel idea!) I have a few more chapters on this one. I'm in the middle of another Sorceress chapter and I have an entirely new story to publish. Thanks for your patience and enjoy!