Disclaimer: See Chapters 1 and 2 for all disclaimers

Much gratitude to…

Evenstar Elanor and Mercury Gray… Yes, you're both right. Meredith is THAT Meredith.

Angoliel… Please, no more gnawing! I'm writing as fast as I can. Glad you're getting hooked on the story!

Chapter 19: A Deal with the Devil

Serena met Jeremy at a small café in Diagon Alley. They had tea and talked briefly about Severus' situation. She was able to let Jeremy know that several people including Dumbledore and Tonks were trying to find out all they could about the charges against her husband. What she couldn't tell him was anything about the Order of the Phoenix, and in the back of her mind she knew that the Order couldn't be exposed. She understood that, and she accepted it, but it still scared her.

"Serena?"

She blinked. "I'm sorry, Jeremy. You were saying?"

"I can stay here until everything's done. I'll serve as Severus' barrister," repeated Jeremy.

"Thank you. I do your appreciate your help," said Serena. "I'll be honest; I don't trust most of the barristers from the Ministry right now. Too many of them are under someone's thumb."

"Someone? Are you thinking the Minister?" asked Jeremy.

"Fudge? Inconsequential." She snorted with contempt. "I was thinking Umbridge."

"Be careful what you say, Serena," warned Jeremy. "That could be considered an accusation and if it's unfounded…"

She flared. "And Severus' accusation has a foundation? Who will suffer for the damage to his reputation?"

"Serena." Jeremy's voice was gentle. "I know about Severus' past and I know he's put the Death Eaters behind him. But you know as well as I do that he's earned his own reputation while being Potions Master, and in many respects he has very few friends. There are a lot of people who would enjoy seeing him brought low."

She glared at Jeremy as tears rimmed her eyes. There was truth in his words and she fought back the waspish comment that flew to her lips.

From a discreet corner of the room, Lucius could tell that Serena was getting upset. Good, he thought. The more upset she is, the less she can focus. He looked at his watch; it was getting later and he had a lunch appointment of his own that he needed to keep. He walked down the street, the end of his walking stick biting the ground with each step.

Meredith Parsons watched him walk smoothly across the room after Lucius came into the dining room of the inn where she was waiting to meet him. The man had an innate elegance that made her flutter. She tucked her shoulder-length hair behind one ear and smoothed her jacket.

"Good day, Lucius," she said. He smiled and gave her an appraising look. Meredith had worn a white silk shirt with buttons down the front. The top two were undone, providing an inviting area for any gentleman so inclined to sneak a look, and Lucius didn't waste the opportunity. The silk of the shirt was light enough for the pattern of the lace beneath it to show through just enough.

"You're looking ravishing, Meredith," he said as he sat down.

The talked about a few inconsequential things and waited until their tea and scones arrived. Once the waitress left, they continued the innocuous banter for a few more minutes. A few times while they ate, Lucius caught Meredith sneaking looks at him. Finally, Lucius dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin.

"Have you considered my proposal, Meredith? I can make it more worth your while than you realize," said Lucius.

"Anything I can do to help the cause," said Meredith. She stayed vague, realizing how many ears were around. It just wouldn't do to mention Voldemort in any way in such a public place. "How worth my while?"

Lucius lightly laid his hand over Meredith's but said nothing. Holding her gaze, he slowly used his thumb to caress her hand. Meredith raised an eyebrow and color crept into her cheeks.

"I do believe Mrs. Malfoy would scupper that idea right quick," said Meredith. As much as she would relish a tumble or two with Lucius, she knew Narcissa Malfoy by reputation. Crossing her was not something Meredith relished doing. Lucius offered Meredith a charming smile.

"My dear, trust me when I tell you that Mrs. Malfoy really isn't in a position right now to object to anything." He let his hand brush along Meredith's arm as he picked up his water glass. She felt the tingle of electricity run up her arm.

"I see."

"I'm certain you do. I must be off, Meredith. Best of luck; I'm sure our next conversation will be quite… revealing."

I do hope so, thought Meredith as he walked away. Lucius Malfoy was a powerful wizard and anyone in his good graces was certain to reap the benefits. I've worked long enough as the Ministry's liaison to Azkaban; its time I move up in the world. And if tormenting Severus Snape and this little tart of his will do it, then torment I will. She smiled as she leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea, trying to imagine what Lucius would look like without his trousers.

Back at the other café, Jeremy said, "I think we've done enough today. You go home and get some rest. I'll collect all of my notes and the information you've given me and see where we stand. I'll also start petitioning the Ministry to let me talk to Severus. It is high time they stopped sandbagging me."

They shook hands and went their separate ways. Serena wasn't paying attention as she walked and didn't see anyone in front of her until she heard a strange woman say, "I know you. You're the woman who married that Death Eater they arrested."

"And just who the bloody hell are you?" Serena stopped in her tracks and glared. She was in no mood for even the slightest amount of grief.

"Meredith. Meredith Parsons. I was Severus' girlfriend while we were in school together."

"I know all about you," said Serena. "You toyed with Severus, broke his heart, and made him feel worthless and used." She looked Meredith up and down slowly, her expression not changing at all.

"I'm a Ministry liaison to Azkaban. Severus has been my guest…" Meredith said, letting the fact dangle in front of Serena. Serena's eyes flew to Meredith's face and she saw the malice behind the smile. Serena wanted to ask about Severus, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to believe anything Meredith told her. Serena stayed silent, grinding her teeth in anger and frustration.

Meredith laughed derisively. "You must not have very high standards since you actually married him. Then again, you were in Gryffindor, weren't you? You're probably not that bright to begin with."

"I'm quite pleased with my choice of a husband," snapped Serena. "The fact that you didn't see what a prize you had tells me that Slytherin's reputation for idiocy is well deserved."

Bitch. "He's a Death Eater and Death Eaters deal in deception." Meredith watched the moment of doubt flash across Serena's face as a whirlwind of memories swamped her. All the lies and deceit surrounding her mother's murder threatened to drag Serena under, but Meredith's malicious little giggle snapped her back to the moment. Serena clenched her fists and started to push past Meredith. She had no more time to waste here, but Severus' ex stepped in front of her and poked her finger into Serena's chest.

"Answer me one thing, did you shag him at first because he's a Death Eater? Did you think it would be exciting? You must have been terribly disappointed. I mean, I've had Severus. Several times. No finesse; absolutely no idea how to please a woman." She laughed. "No imagination at all, really. Nothing more than an inept little boy…"

Serena's eyes got wide. "Nobody talks about my husband like that."

It only took one punch to drop Meredith to the ground. Serena walked quietly on her way while some people murmured and pointed. Meredith sat on the ground, her hands to her face and blood running through her fingers.

"My nothe!" she cried. "My nothe is broken!"

Serena walked away without another word. All she wanted to do was get back to the cottage and think. She'd been upset enough after her conversation with Jeremy, and Meredith hadn't helped. She turned a corner, her stride increasing as she hurried along. Three determined strides later she literally ran smack into Lucius Malfoy.

The day had truly gone from bad to worse.

"I'm glad I've run into you, my dear," Lucius said with a smile that Serena didn't trust one whit.

"And why would I want to have anything to do with you?" Serena's voice was frosty.

Lucius smiled again and it made Serena feel the bile rise in her throat. "Oh, pish, my dear. I would just hate to see your situation get worse. I mean, I know that they've restricted the use of Dementors as guards in Azkaban, except in cases of imprisoned Death Eaters." He paused and looked at her with apparent sympathy. "I would hate too see a Dementor get out of control and have anything untoward happen to Severus."

For a moment, Serena couldn't breathe. Lucius very carefully kept a reserved, stoic face, despite the fact that her horrified expression pleased him to no end.

"What exactly are you implying, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Implying something? Heavens, no! It would just be a shame for an accident to happen. Well then, I must be off." He turned, swirling his cloak around him and vanished.

Serena's face darkened and she scowled at his retreating figure. "You seem to forget, Lucius Malfoy, that two can play this game. And when I play a game, then I bloody well win."

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