Title: The Inferno, Canto IV
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: Sorry for the delay! Hope you enjoy this canto. Oh, yeah I know that Virgil (the actual guide in the inferno) was in this section of Hell but Sev wouldn't be…I have plans for him…
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: This is for the reviewers!
Remus awoke suddenly and gazed around with his rested eyes. He had woken up in the outer edge of the valley of the sorrowful abyss. There were only sighs to be heard at in this cloudy, dark place. And even with Remus' advanced senses it was impossible to see through the thick fog-like substance that surrounded the travelers.
" Come with me." Severus extended his hand to Remus. " We must not stop. We have a long journey ahead of us." Remus noticed that the color had drained from Severus' face. Remus hesitated.
" How can I follow you if you are even afraid of this place?" Remus looked away from his guide.
" It is not fear that has changed me. It is only pity for the souls beyond this point." Severus sighed and pulled his cloak tightly around him. The fabric made no noise as it moved and the slight wind seemed to have no affect on it. Remus studied the fabric carefully from where he stood but noticed nothing out of the ordinary about the cloth.
" Then I will follow you." Remus sighed softly as he continued on the path.
Groups of souls were finally visible as the fog lifted slightly. They sat there, sighing and moaning pitifully, looking more bored than anything else. Severus paused and glanced at them.
" You have not asked me who they are. I think you should know before we move on." Severus turned to Remus and smiled. " They are the souls of those born before religion. They have no place in the afterlife. They exist here without hope. Left with only desire." Severus shook his head slowly.
" Has any soul ever been allowed to leave here or to move on?" Remus asked, blinking.
" There were some. They were souls of religious importance." Severus shrugged. To Remus the action seemed to require more than it had when he had known Severus in life. " Come now, we must move on." Severus held out his hand again and Remus took it, following his guide to wherever the man would take him.
* * *
And I came to a part where nothing is luminous.
* * *
