Title: The Inferno, Canto II

Author: "Kitten Malfoy"

Disclaimer:  The characters do not belong to me.  They belong to JKR.  The title does not belong to me.  The book that this fanfiction is based on was written by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321).  I have used quotes from his book as an introduction and to show some of his description. 

Author's Note: This is Canto II.  There are 34 Cantos in the Inferno.  I would like to know if you are interested in reading more.

Warning:  SLASH!!!!  MEN WITH MEN!!!!  This is based on a book that describes hell.  This is Dante's version of hell and the only version I can agree with…if I believed in hell.

Dedication:  To Lady Feylene for agreeing with me about the pictures by Gustave Dore and to the one who goes by the name Molloy for reading whatever I throw at him.

            Remus paused for a moment and Severus turned to look at him.  For a long time they stood like that.  Not knowing what they should say to each other.  It was Remus who spoke.

            " Why are you here?  Why did you come to lead me through?"  Remus watched as Severus smiled coldly. 

            " I was sent to guide you.  I will tell you of the point where I became concerned for you.  I was among those souls you will see in our time together when a boy called to me.  I at once asked what I could do for him and he began to speak gently.  He told me of your situation, mentioning the beasts that were forcing you off the right path.  He feared that you were already so far lost that even his help could not save you."  Severus closed his eyes briefly.

            " Harry told me to help you, saying that his request was made out of love.  He wept for you then.  That was when I accepted the request.  It is not often that an Angel sheds tears for a mortal."  Severus held out his hand to Remus.

            " Harry sent you?"  Remus thought he had heard Severus incorrectly.  Severus nodded, hand still extended.  Remus hesitated before reaching out to grasp Severus' hand.  It was not cold, as he had expected it to be.  The hand held all the warmth that it had in life.  Remus pulled away from Severus in confusion.  He knew the man was dead.  Why did he not feel dead?

            " Do not be alarmed."  Severus grinned broadly.  Remus took his hand again.

            " Why did Harry send you?" 

            Severus pulled Remus close, whispering in his ear.  " He was shown your situation by the others.  One said to him that being what he was he should help you.  So he came to me.  I was the spirit he chose to guide you."

            " To guide me.  This was all planned?  Why was it I that needed guidance?  Aren't there others out there?"  Remus pulled away from Severus again.  He did not want anyone to pity him, especially not Harry.

            " Calm yourself."  Severus smiled.  " It was Harry's concern that brought you guidance.  He knows what you have been doing.  You have wandered far off the path old friend.  I only hope I can place you on it again."

            It was true that Remus had been in a dangerous situation but he felt that he could handle it.  Maybe he was wrong.  There was only one way to find out.  Remus took Severus' hand for the third time and returned his smile.

            " If Harry sent you to guide me he must have been more than just worried.  I will follow you, my guide." 

*       *       *

            I entered upon the deep and thorny way

*       *       *