Chapter Eight

Snape eyed the coin bag, and then slowly turned his gaze back on the young man sitting before him. "You said you've taken precautions that my name will not be linked to this information."

"Of course." Draco smiled, a glint in his eye.

Snape deliberated for a few more seconds before taking a breath.

"Black is back."

"Black? Sirius Black? You mean that man who escaped Azkaban? The one that was killed?"

"The same."

There was an excited gleam in Dracos eye now, and a small smile curved one side of his lips. "He was dead... and now he's back." It was a statement, not a question. "You've seen him?"

Snape gave a curt nod which broadened Draco's smile to a grin.

"Very well earned," he said, pushing the bag towards Snape.

Snape stood, but did not take the coins.

"Take it. You earned it."

"I think not."

Draco scowled but took the money back, hiding it within the folds of his robes. "Very well. One last thing before you go."

Snape turned back, curious.

"Do you have any idea how he got back?"

"No, but it seems to have something to do with that werewolf."

Draco frowned, deep in thought, and he waved Snape away.

Snape exited the pub in a flurry of snow.

Remus woke early the next morning, stretching languorously. Once more, Sirius was not there.

Fighting back the first wave of panic, Remus replaced it quickly with annoyance. Where on earth... no, why on earth did Sirius have to get up before him every morning? Just once Remus would love a lazy morning snuggled up next to that delectable body

Before Remus' thoughts began to go off on a tangent all their own, he swung his legs off the bed, pulled on a robe and made his way downstairs.

He was descending the steps to the kitchen when he saw a dark figure crouching at the slightly open door as if listening to something. As he stepped closer he saw it was Sirius, who put a finger to his lips, gesturing inside.

Brow furrowed, Remus crept close, leaning forward just far enough to peek through the crack. Snape was in the kitchen, his head stuck in the fire. He was obviously having a conversation with someone.

In another minute or two, Snape began to straighten up.

Immediately Sirius entered the kitchen, suspicion clearly written on his features.

"Morning, Snivellus. To what do we owe the pleasure of you being here so early?"

Snape was obviously surprised, but schooled his features so they were unreadable. "I can assure you the pleasure is all yours." He sneered, making his way to the door.

"Who were you talking to?" Sirius demanded.

"That is none of your concern, Black."

"In case you hadn't forgotten, this is my house, Snivellus." Remus placed a warning hand on Sirius' shoulder but Sirius shrugged it away. "What you do in my house is my business."

"What I do is none of your business," Snape spat contemptuously.

"I'm keeping my eye on you, Snape."

"Watch away."

Snape turned and left the room.

Remus turned to face Sirius, anger welling up inside of him. "Are you thick or something?"

"What?" Sirius asked innocently.

"When will you let up on Snape? He's on our side! Do you want to get in trouble?"

"Our side? The only side Snape works for is his own. I wouldn't be so sure of him if I were you."

Remus' patience broke. "For fuck's sake, Sirius! Leave it alone! Who cares what he's doing? Just so long as it doesn't affect us."

Sirius blinked. "Re, how could you defend him? After all he's said?"

"Words, Sirius. Nothing but words. Just drop it. Don't try to dig up trouble just because your life seems so boring right now."

Sirius' jaw clenched. "I'm not dropping it, Moony. He's up to something-"

Remus slammed a fist on the table. "Enough! I don't want to hear it. In fact" He gazed at his lover, hurt and rage and pain coursing through him, but fear for Sirius' safety more important than anything. "I don't want to see you until you've given up this crusade of yours."

Sirius spluttered and stammered, his dark eyes pleading, until finally they glazed over with resolution.

"You'll see, Re. You'll see."

And he swept out of the kitchen. Remus heard his steps retreating up the stairs and he sank wearily into a chair.

As much as he wanted to believe Sirius, he just couldn't believe Dumbledore had been wrong about Snape. As much as he disliked Snape, Dumbledore trusted him, trusted that he was on their side, and that should be enough†shouldn't it?

Remus ran a hand despairingly through his hair, and fought back tears. Fighting with Sirius was not his idea of a merry Christmas.

There isn't anywhere I can go, Sirius silently fumed as he clomped up the stairs. Can't go out to a pub, can't go for a walk... Hell, I can't even go out and buy Remus a sodding Christmas present! Muttering curse words under his breath, he locked himself in the bedroom, leaning back against the door and surveying the room with undisguised distaste.

What the bloody hell am I supposed to do in this mausoleum all day? How am I supposed to prove that Snivellus is plotting against us if I'm shut up in here? How am I supposed to clear my name?

"Sirius?"

Sirius grudgingly opened the door at the tentative knock. "'Lo, Tonks," he grumbled. "Remus sent you, did he? Has to make sure I'm being a good boy?"

Tonks shook her head. "No, I haven't even seen him. Um" She glanced around the bedroom. "Can I come in?"

He stood back marginally to allow her enough room to squeeze by. "What can I do for you, Tonks?" he sighed.

"More what I can do for you," she replied, grinning.

Sirius raised one eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?"

"No, not like that," she added hastily. "But I'm off to do a bit of last-minute shopping. D'you want me to pick up anything for Remus for you?"

"Would you?" he said, immediately brightening. Yanking open the night-table drawer, he felt around for the small sack of Galleons he'd always kept there. "Here," he said, dropping the entire sack into Tonks' small hands. "I don't know how much you'll need, but make sure you pick up some good chocolate, if nothing else."

"Will do." Tonks winked as she experimentally hefted the bag of coins. "That's an awful lot of chocolate, Sirius."

"He likes chocolate," Sirius said.

"I know," Tonks said, rolling her eyes. "We all know." They both laughed.

As she turned to go, Sirius grabbed her elbow. "Take care of yourself," he whispered urgently. "Watch your back. I don't know who these new Death Eaters are, but odds are they know us."

Tonks nodded solemnly. "Master of disguise, I am, remember?"

"Fair enough," he chuckled. "I sound like Moody, eh? Constant vigilance!"

As he closed the door behind her, Sirius' good spirits quickly deflated. What did it matter if he got Remus a Christmas present or not, if Remus wouldn't see him? Briefly he considered actually doing what Remus had asked, but he couldn't leave the business with Snape alone. I'm like a dog with a bone, he thought wryly. Fitting.

However, he couldn't shake the fact that he'd seen Snape in a questionable place with, of all people, a Malfoy. Like father, like son, he thought grimly. He'd overheard their conversation. He'd –

He'd go to Dumbledore, that's what. Why didn't I think of this sooner?

He fairly bounded down to the kitchen, intent on using the fire there to speak with the Headmaster, but pulled up short when he saw Harry and his friends clustered around the table. They didn't see him right away, immersed in their gift-wrapping as they were, but glanced up when he self-consciously cleared his throat.

"Sorry," Sirius said. "I – erm – thought everyone was out."

Harry hastily threw a tea-towel over the small box he was wrapping. "Sirius!" he exclaimed. "You're here!"

Sirius took a step closer, trying vainly to peek around Harry to see what he was hiding. "Sure. I live here."

"Quit it!" warned Harry, keeping himself between Sirius and the table. "It's for you, okay? I'm not so quick at wrapping."

Sirius' eyes lit up. "For me? Harry, you didn't have to... Can I see?"

"No, you can wait till tomorrow like everyone else," Harry said.

Sirius threw himself down on the couch in the corner, long legs hanging over the armrest. He whistled tunelessly for a few moments, trying very hard not to keep glancing over at the table.

"Ginny, go distract him!" Harry whispered. "I can't do this with him watching!"

"Sure. I'm done with mine, anyway," she said. Ginny picked up her Butterbeer bottle and sauntered over towards the couch. Halfway there, she stopped, holding up her bottle. "Did you want one of these, Sirius?" she asked.

"No, thanks," he said, offering her a genuine smile. She sat down next to him and tried unsuccessfully to think of something to say – anything! – that didn't involve him, Remus, and what she'd overheard the other day on the Extendable Ears.

"All done!" Fred sang out cheerfully from the table as he and George Vanished the leftover bits of ribbon and paper. "Give us a hand, Ginny?"

"Of course," she said, grateful that she wasn't going to have to distract Sirius any longer. It was bad enough that she was bursting with questions that would have made her mother faint, but it was certainly a relief to know she wasn't going to accidentally ask one of them now. She and the twins gathered up the gaily wrapped packages and left the kitchen, leaving Harry alone with his godfather.

"Did you and Remus have a fight?" Harry asked, after a slight awkward silence. "Only he was in a bit of a temper when he went out."

"Sure," Sirius muttered. "He can go out, but I can't."

Harry looked uncomfortably at his feet. "He doesn't want to risk you, Sirius. No one does. I don't."

Something in Harry's tone caught Sirius' attention. "I'm sorry," he said humbly, and meant it. "I was going to firecall Dumbledore. Would you, though? I mean, in case he's with anyone who shouldn't see me?"

"Sure," Harry said, a bit unnerved by this new, docile Sirius.

"Ask if he's got a minute to stop in," Sirius added.

Kneeling on the hearth, Harry took a pinch of Floo powder, and tossed it on the flames. He'd barely had his head in the fire a few moments when he pulled back, grinning. "Says he'll be right here."

"Thanks, Harry."

Harry frowned at Sirius. "Is something wrong?" he finally asked.

Sirius sighed. "Harry... D'you trust Snape?"

Harry thought for a moment. "I'll never like him," he said honestly, "but I've fought side by side with him against Voldemort. Dumbledore trusts him, and I've learned to accept that."

There was a sudden bright flash as Dumbledore stepped out of the fireplace, brushing soot off his robes. Bright red and festooned with intricate gold and silver embroidery, the robes made him the very image of Father Christmas.

"Sirius!" the Headmaster said cheerfully. "What can I do for you?"

"Uh" Sirius shook his head to clear it slightly. "Erm... nice robes."

"Yeah," echoed Harry faintly.

"Thank you. They are rather festive, aren't they? But," he said, eyes twinkling, "I daresay that isn't what's on your mind."

"No," Sirius admitted bluntly. "I'm concerned about Snivel – I mean, about Snape." Briefly he recounted the conversation he'd overheard in the Severed Head. "And if Malfoy – Lucius, I mean – was a Death Eater, odds are his son is one, too."

"A fact that is well known to us," Dumbledore agreed solemnly.

"And then this morning... Snape was firecalling someone, and he flat out refused to tell me who. I thought... Well, I thought he was in contact with... with them," Sirius finished lamely.

Dumbledore smiled. "He was, in fact, speaking with me, and I do assure you I am not a Death Eater."

"I can't... I'll never trust him. Not with a Dark Mark still engraved on his arm."

"Severus has always been an excellent spy for us, Sirius," Dumbledore continued. "I trust you will keep this to yourself, of course. And you too, Harry."

Sirius glanced guiltily over at his godson. He'd quite forgotten Harry was even there. "I did tell Remus," he admitted.

"Another completely trustworthy individual," said the Headmaster.

There was a sudden crack! as Tonks Apparated. Her hair, currently shoulder-length and violently pink, was disheveled, and a fresh bruise was developing along the line of her jaw. Her eyes, round as saucers, were utterly terrified.

"D-death Eaters!" she stammered, as Sirius, Dumbledore and Harry all leapt to their feet.

"Are you all right?" Sirius barked.

"Y-yes," she said, still shaking. "But I s-saw... They're onto us. They... they've taken Remus!"

Remus turned his collar up against the bitter cold, thrusting his hands deeper into his pockets as he made his way along the Muggle street.

Admittedly, it was nice of Tonks to accompany him, but with the mood he was in he preferred to be alone. Tonks tried for the first ten minutes to keep up a steady flow of conversation but when it became obvious she was the only one talking, she soon fell silent.

They parted company when they reached the stores, Tonks popping into a sweet shop and Remus continuing until he came to a jewelers.

After a discussion with the owner he finally found what he was after and amid smiles it was packaged neatly into a small box.

If only he knew

Smiling contentedly, some of his bad mood easing, he strolled along the snow-covered footpath towards the café where he'd arranged to meet Tonks.

Halfway there, he sensed he was being followed. He quickened his pace, seeing Tonks in the distance. From the look on her face the pursuers weren't exactly friendly.

Quite suddenly, sooner than he was expecting, he felt hands on his shoulders, halting his progress. He turned around and was faced with Draco Malfoy, along with two extremely heavy set men, who each had one hand on a shoulder, preventing him from moving.

Remus attempted a small smile. "Master Malfoy. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

Draco returned the smile, but his held no trace of warmth.

"Let's just say we're having a little trouble with something and need your... er... expertise."

"Well, gentlemen, I'd love to be of help but I'm really rather busy today. Perhaps another time." He tried to pull away but the two large men held on tighter, digging their fingers into his shoulders.

"Well, I'm afraid we need your help now." Draco pulled something out of his pocket and held it to Remus' chest. "Now," he breathed, leaning in closer, "we can do this the easy way"

Remus spat at Draco contemptuously.

"Ok, then. The hard way." He replaced the steel dagger he was holding with a gleaming silver one, holding the tip against Remus' heart.

Tonks was almost upon them when one of the men struck out with a fist, catching her on her cheek. She fell to the ground with a soft thud.

She was the last thing Remus saw before he was whisked away.

They used a portkey to arrive at their destination, a huge old manor house, grey stone and sculpted gargoyles.

He was taken to a dark room deep below the house. The stone walls were damp and slimy looking. There was only a chair in the centre of the room. Remus was shoved into the chair while Draco waved his wand, making topes tighten around Remus, holding him tight.

"Such hospitality." Remus stated, his eyes wary.

"I try to supply the best for my... guests." Draco came close and crouched down before him. "We want your cooperation, werewolf. How did Black return through the veil?"

Remus' eyes flew wide open. How on earth did Malfoy know that Black was back in the first place? Not only that, how did he know he had something to do with it?

"I wouldn't tell you, even if I could."

Draco straightened, fingering the silver dagger. "Look,' he said to his companions, 'the dog wants to play games."

The others snickered foolishly.

Remus held his head high, staring Malfoy in the eye.

Malfoy grinned, his eyes flashing malevolently.

"Time for round one."

Malfoy placed the tip of the silver dagger a fraction away from Remus' throat. "Are you going to tell us what we want to know?" he asked again.

Remus dared not move a muscle. "How can I tell you what I don't know myself?"

Malfoy suddenly nudged the blade forward, very slightly nicking Remus' skin. Remus hissed in pain as Malfoy stared in fascination at the tiniest wisp of smoke rising from the wound.

"Interesting," he mused, sheathing the dagger. "Very interesting indeed. Silver does hurt you."

"You should have paid better attention in class, Malfoy," Remus spat, "or you'd have known that already."

Malfoy stood up, rocking back and forth on his heels, surveying the man (not man, he reminded himself, werewolf) glaring up at him so defiantly. Suddenly he pulled out his wand, pointing it straight at Remus. "Crucio!" he shouted.

It was as if the very marrow in his bones was afire, a pure white-hot agony under which he writhed, worse than any transformation had ever been. It was as if the blood in his veins had been suddenly replaced with boiling lava. His bones felt as though they were being pulverized under staggering amounts of pressure. He threw back his head, his eyes bulging in their sockets as he howled soundlessly. It was a pain beyond words, beyond measure, beyond comprehension.

And, just as suddenly, it was gone.

Remus' head dropped forward onto his chest as he strove to catch his breath.

Malfoy watched him critically, eyes glittering with pure malice. "Imagine," he drawled, "what that would have felt like had I really meant it."

"You miserable bastard!" Remus choked out. He felt as though he'd been chewed up and spat back out. "I'll take my secrets to the grave rather than give them up to you."

Malfoy shrugged. "All in good time, beast," he said. He slowly circled Remus' chair, pulling the steel dagger from beneath the folds of his cloak. "The Dark Lord was returned by the sacrifices of flesh, blood and bone"

Remus tensed, waiting.

A malicious grin spread across Malfoy's pointed features as he stood again in front of Remus.

"Let's start with blood," he said, and slid the dagger along the inside of Remus' forearm.