Ch. 10

Soon Voldemort sent the Death Eaters away to come back later. He had noticed earlier the way Severus reacted to being told to cut off Siria's head and when she came back. Now it was time to use Lucius to find out what the connection was between them.

Back at Hogwarts, spring was returning to the grounds. Most of the students spent their time after class outdoors. Siria was busy trying to explain to Severus about what had happend. After awhile it was all clear to him. Professor Dumbledore had decided it was best for Remus and Sirius to remain near or on the grounds. Usually Sirus pretended to be either Siria's or Remus' dog. Most of the students were too worried about future tests and exams to even think about the deal with Voldemort. Only Harry, Ron, and Hermione were worried about it. Along with Draco Malfoy.

One morning an owl came to Draco with a letter from his father, Lucius. It told Draco to keep an eye on Prof. Snape and Prof. Black, and to inform him whenever he found something out. So, of course, he got Crabbe and Goyle to help what little they could. Unfortunately, he ran into them together and overheard a bit of their conversation.

"Severus, they'd find out and it would put you in grave danger!" Siria said.

"I don't care. We've been together for so long. Voldemort always ruins our plans. If he hadn't taken over 16 years ago, we'd be married," Severus responded. After hearing all this, Draco ran off to write a letter to his father.

A few days later, Siria was sitting outside. Soon, she got up and was about to go inside, until she nearly ran into Lucius Malfoy.

"Lucius. What are you doing here?"

"And what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dead?"

"Oh yeah. I forgot you're a manslave for Voldemort."

"Yes, well, I'd listen if I were you. I know you and Severus are together. I could accedentally let slip to Voldemort, but I think I might be nice...Leave him, and I won't tell a soul. Stay with him, and he dies."

"You're cruel!"

"Oh thanks. Anyways, all's fair in love and war...and I'd say it counts as both."

"So I take it I'm not allowed to see anyone?"

"Just not Severus. You could stay with me and that would keep my lips completely shut."

"And your wife?"

"Getting closer and closer to a divorce."

"Uh-huh. So basically leave Severus for you and nobody dies."

"You could say that."

"I'll think about it."

"You better. I'll be expecting word from you soon." Lucius said as he turned to walk off. Siria stood there and shuddered for a second, then returned to the castle. At first she was going to go to Severus' office, but then she decided it would be best to go to her own. She just sat there thinking about what she ought to do, when a knock came to her door.

"Siria? Can I come in?"

"Sure. Severus."

"What's wrong? You seem troubled by something. Tell me," Severus said.

"Well, it's kind of hard to explain..."the tears started stinging her eyes. Severus started getting worried.

"Don't worry. Just tell me. I'll understand." he comforted.

"Lucius knows about you and me. He said that if we stayed together he'd inform Voldemort!" she told him. Severus embraced her.

"We've stayed together through difficult times before...we can do it again."

"I was hoping we wouldn't have to be separated again. That the first time would be the last."

"We just have to wait until the war is over. It's not like you have to be with someone else, is it?"

"Lucius said I had better be with him or else he still might tell."

"If that's the case, I'd rather die than see you with him!"

"But then I'd have to kill myself too. I'm not particularly fond of Romeo and Juliet you know."

"Yes I know. I don't know. See if he'll let you go without him. If not, say you're with him, but stay as distant as possible," Severus told her. Siria looked out the window. The moon was full.

"Umm...Severus...Did you give Remus his potion?"

"No...Why?" he asked as he looked out the window. "Oh no. We'd better go to Remus' room to see if he's transformed." So they walked off to his room.