Chapter 13
Crown of Thorns
A few days away from the Christmas holidays, I opened the potions classroom door seeing Severus' desk empty and knocked on his office door, hoping he was there.
Ever since the last Death Eater revel when the Dark Lord gave me a few drops of his blood, it activated the bloodlust, awakening the dormant monster inside and Severus was whom I needed right now. When he finally opened the office door, his whole demeanor seemed standoffish, as he closed and warded the door.
As I approached him he backed away until the wall trapped him between me and it. I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling him tense.
"Severus, what's going on?" I asked, slightly hurt at his rejection of me. No one rejects me, no one...
"Miss Xavier, have a seat, we need to discuss a few things."
"If you say so, Professor." I emphasized his title even more hurt that we were back to formalities.
"I have orders to not lay a hand on you."
"We can do it without hands."
He arched his eyebrow. I could tell he was considering it for a moment before he scowled. "No, Mercy, I'm not allowed to have any contact with you other than professional. Mr. Malfoy is also only allowed platonic relations, so don't' even think about it." He folded his hands on the desk, waiting.
"What?" I stood and paced angrily. "How? Why?"
"All Death Eaters as well as their offspring have been ordered to not have any sexual contact, especially blood. The Dark Lord knows your preference and has cut you off so you only have him to go to, I presume. The consequence for disobedience is a few rounds of Cruciatus by the Dark Lord himself."
"Damn."
"I suggest you continue your potion."
I waved that idea away, highly irritated. "You of all people know that that potion is useless now, since I've had his blood, not to mention yours on a regular basis."
"Mercy, I'm sorry. But this is how it has to be."
I snorted derisively, "I know, look, I have to go." I walked to the door.
"Mercy, don't hold this against me." He said softly.
My hand on the door I didn't turn, afraid that if I did, he would suffer for my actions. "No, Severus, I won't, goodbye."
I stalked the halls trying to keep the temper tantrum I could feel at bay. Smells of all sorts still bounded around me, traces of warm bodies through out the castle. In reality, the need was only just barely there, I knew I could hold off for a little while longer, but, for how long I couldn't be sure.
I eventually returned to Slytherin common room finding it still full with most seventh years and a few sixth.
My eyes roamed over faces to see who was missing, and not seeing a certain dark haired male, I went up the stairs, entering the seventh year boy's dormitory.
Two beds had their curtains drawn so instead of checking both, I sniffed the air, searching for him. The bed furthest from the door and he was awake.
I glided silently over and parted the curtains, his eyes were closed as if pretending to sleep, I crawled up to him, admiring his hard chiseled chest. I laid over him, and licked his lips softly, making my intentions crystal clear. "Hello Blaise."
His eyes opened wide trying to sit up but my strength held him beneath me. I felt his arousal as well as fear, "Mercy, I can't." I ground my hips into him eliciting a low growl. "You're forbidden fruit, Mercedes."
I licked his earlobe whispering, "Forbidden fruit tastes that much sweeter." Conflicting emotions ran rampant through his body; he shuddered when I trailed my tongue from his lobe down his throat.
"Gods, Mercy, please don't," the sound of his voice so pleading only heightened my own need.
"I want you, Blaise, I need you, please don't deny me, I know you want me." My hand massaged his prick. "I know you want to take me, Blaise, act now don't care about anything but us right now."
Of course it occurred to me to take by force, I knew I could with the many magical talents, it wouldn't be to much of a strain, but I shoved that thought aside, that would not serve my long term purpose.
With no further response from him I withdrew my body from him "Alright, I'll go, Blaise. I'm sorry."
He sat up and it took a lot of will power to keep eye contact and not look at his chest.
"No, Mercedes, I'm sorry I really want to but I can't"
"I understand, Blaise, I do but you know it leaves me no choice, you know?"
"I believe that was the original idea."
"Thanks anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Hey, Mercy?" he said as I stood.
"Yeah?"
"Whenever, you know, I'm off restriction and all, come back,"
"No problem."
Rejected not once, but twice tonight, I went to my own bed alone, not willing to be rejected once more.
Over the next few days, my nerves were raw, and I felt restless and the close proximity of Draco during classes was making it unbearable. The urge to grab him and drain him was frightening in intensity, so I decided to try Draco's will tonight and if that fails I will go to the revel, knowing that this whole situation was beyond my control.
I wondered if I ever had control to begin with, if it all was just an illusion.
I stalked the halls, my veins burning, searching for someone, anyone. I hurt to much to be picky.
I knocked on the portrait that led to Draco's room. I waited impatiently as he finally opened the portrait.
He has his silver robe on, his platinum hair was tousled, "What do you want, Mercy?"
He smelled like sex and giving that he wouldn't let me in I figured his bed was already occupied.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
"Yes."
"I see, who is it? That Ravenclaw? No, doesn't smell like her. Wait a minute, Pansy?!" I tried to push past him, but he caught me.
"Mercy, no."
I stepped back straightening my robes, "Alright, fine but I swear if I catch her smelling like you, I'll kill her."
Draco's eyes widened then narrowed, "Hypocrite, you made sure that there were no strings attached so you could fuck whom ever you pleased."
"Fine, it that's what you want, I'll leave you alone," I said resigned. I turned to leave walking down the empty corridor; I heard his portrait click softly shut.
I realized in this moment of clarity that I got myself into this enormous mess. The Dark Lord ordered this that I could only turn to him and that my favorite donors would refuse me for fear of his wrath.
I wrapped my cloak tighter around me and pushed open the doors stepping out into the cold night. The half moon illuminated my path. I apparated to the home I knew the meeting was being held.
When I opened my eyes, I looked around the familiar foyer as two men approached me; my apparition obviously set alarms off. One of the men slipped his silver mask off, I looked up into steel gray eyes, "Welcome back to Malfoy Manor, we've been expecting you. Haven't we, Severus?" The second man said, "Yes, we have."
I nodded courteously to both men.
"Follow me." Lucius turned stepping a few paces I started to follow as Severus walked beside me, so I was guarded as well as unable to escape.
Lucius stepped in front to large wooden double doors and tapped it twice with his cane and it opened to reveal a large ballroom.
The light was dim and many people were moving about in robes matching my escorts. Voices murmured all around, now died down with our entrance, I could smell fear and blood as we approached the dais.
The two men on either side of me knelt down, I followed them, lowering my head in shame that it has come to this.
"Severus, Lucius, you may join the others." As they stood leaving me I kept my eyes down for I knew what his expression was already, "My, aren't we obedient now? And to think, all it took was young Malfoy turning you away. He obeys better than his father does. Yes, fear of Cruciatus would do that I suppose." He paused, and circled around me once, inspecting me.
"Who else?" I stiffened at this, angry that anyone would refuse me, and embarrassed that it happened so many times over the last few days.
"My patience is expiring."
"Zabini." I paused, unwilling to reveal more, but...
"Anyone else?" He sounded so pleased, obviously he already knew.
I sighed and said, "Snape."
"What was that? I couldn't hear." Yes, he was enjoying this.
"Snape." I said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Why did you not take what you wanted? Surely they don't have to be willing."
"They would have only been a substitution, My Lord, for who I really needed." With that I finally looked up into his eyes.
"I only reward my faithful servants, your obedience as been forced."
"If it is what you wish, My Lord, I will serve you."
"That's what I thought. What of your terms?" he asked. "The only thing I respectfully request, My Lord, is that you wait to mark Draco. He is watched closely as many already know of his father's allegiance, it would not be beneficial to you to lose him if he is brought before Dumbledore and exposed." I said keeping my voice down in order for only the few near us to hear. That was my only bargaining chip; I wanted to make sure that Draco remained untainted by Voldemort as well as my own actions. I did not want him to know the darker side of me, so he would not look at me any different than he already did. Even though I already knew that Pansy had already been warming his bed, that was child's play compared to what I was about to take on.
After a pause, "Very well if that is your wish, prove your loyalty to me and you'll be rewarded." He motioned someone to the left of me and there was shuffling of movement.
A boy was brought in at wand point, looking around franticly. A sheen of sweat shimmered across his features. I've seen his face before, but the name eluded me.
"His family is already dead, but I saved him for you, my pet."
I looked back at the boy who was shaking for a moment then returned my attention to the powerful wizard before me. "Thank you, My Lord, but..."
"No, he dies tonight, do not defy me, little one, or you will not be blessed with my reward."
I felt my eyes tingle and knew that they were changing as I stood and walked toward the fearful captive.
The Death Eaters stepped away, continuing to point their wands. His fear was intoxicating as I drew closer, my eyes locking with his as I entered his mind.
My heart lurched upon my entrance, his identity now known to me. "Shh, little one, I'm sorry, so sorry, but either way tonight you die, no pain my way, only pleasure." I whispered in his mind.
I wrapped my hand behind his head and pulled him down to my lips, kissing this innocent soul goodbye.
When his breathing started to calm slightly, I drew away from his lips and kissed his throat.
"Wrap your arms around me, innocent one, embrace death."
I drew my lips back and bit into the artery, sending us both into orgasmic pleasure. His life force flowed down my throat, bringing my own veins back to life. I kept our minds linked, sending my own pleasure through him, as his heart slowed, I heard him cry out once as the blackness started to enclose us, I pulled out of his mind and off of his body, letting him fall to the floor.
His face forever at peace. I turned and walked unsteadily back to my master, staggering slightly, still reeling from the sensation of the kill, and falling once again to my knees.
"Now that is a Death Eater, and look not a drop wasted."
Soft laughter came from those around us, and then quickly quieted once again.
"Lucius, Severus stay the rest of you may go." Sounds of them disapparating filled the room until only the four of us remained.
I caught myself swaying, slightly a few times; my mind didn't seem to focus.
I could hear them talking, but their voices seemed far away. As the blood absorbed into my system, I started to focus on the sight before me, of three wizards. Lucius met my gaze first drawing the attention of our Lord. "Welcome back little pet." He said as he approached me. I glanced between them anxiously. I averted my eyes back to the floor; I felt his hand under my chin, lifting my gaze to his face gently. He pulled up his sleeve, exposing his wrist before my lips.
I cautiously looked between his face and his exposed flesh. I placed my hand on the back of his, drawing it to my lips, kissing it reverently, wrapping my other hand around his thigh to brace myself as I sunk my teeth in.
As soon as his blood past my lips, it was energy, and life. It was magic black and white and all colors in-between. It was love as well as hate, it was lust as well as divine, the physical realm ceased to exist as well as time.
I felt him pull away; I gave a low groan of protest as he caressed my hair soothingly. Everything looked more colorful when I opened my eyes. I could see auras around everyone and everything. Light that seemed dim before became blinding. My every nerve and cell was alive; I could feel my every hair on my body as it tingled. I barely caught pieces of their conversation but Severus and Lucius' minds were now open to me. All my senses were overloaded, feeling their heat like a bonfire.
Severus was entranced by the sight before him as his once lover latched on to the Dark Lord's outstretched arm. He watched as her ebony eyes rolled up into her head before her lids slid shut. He watched as she swayed back and forth slightly, slight moans of rapture in her throat, her hand on Voldemort's inner thigh caressing upwards.
He watched as his master smoothed her hair, chanting an incantation as his words stopped he pulled away from Mercy. Her pouty lips stained in blood, her eyes still closed swaying as she still had not released her hand from his thigh.
"I trust you have a room prepared for her, Lucius?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Good, can't have her going back to Hogwarts like this." He said a small smile played over his lips.
"Will we be graced with your company as well My Lord?"
"Not this night, Lucius, I leave her in your care, gentlemen."
"What of her promise, My Lord? Isn't she dangerous?"
"Volatile," he paused, "But now completely obedient. I leave her to you both as your reward."
"Thank you for your generosity, My Lord," Lucius bowed.
"You are most gracious, My Lord," Severus bowed as well. Then Voldemort was gone with a faint pop.
"How do we wake her?"
"She's awake, Lucius, she's just not completely aware. She is essentially drunk."
He knelt before her, cupping her cheeks her eyes opened, but glazed, unfocused, "Mercy, love, look at me." Severus searched her eyes, knowing he needed a response before they moved her.
She leaned forward, inhaling, "Mmm, hello, Severus, how are you?" she smiled. Severus looked back over at Lucius and shrugged.
Lucius eased his way beside Severus to gain her attention. She inhaled again. "Mmm, so familiar, my beautiful enemy, ahh yes, so close to Draco. You took something that didn't belong to you."
"Ahh, so did you."
"Touché" she smiled as she stood shakily gripping Lucius' arm for support.
Lucius let her through the ballroom with her hand still on his arm as Severus followed.
Lucius led us to a large room that boasted rich cherry furniture, the walls were gray, and the carpets black, the large four poster's linens were black and silver satin. Heavy black velvet panels adorned the posts.
He stopped in the center of the room, turning around to face me, placing his hands around my waist he pulled me against him. I could only comply as Voldemort's blood still thrummed through me, making all my senses hypersensitive. He kissed my lips softly, as if testing the waters and upon feeling my compliance, his kiss became demanding.
Anger, jealousy and possessiveness flowed from Severus behind me, but I paid him no heed as I pulled at Lucius' robes. I felt this indescribable need, feeling of emptiness, this thirst, and this wizard I was supposed to hate was the closest in proximity to fulfill my desire.
Something in the Dark Lord's blood made me hunger and crave without care or consequence. There was something tickling in the back of my consciousness like a bumblebee but I quickly swatted it away.
Lucius pulled away for a moment, addressing Snape, "Don't you wish to play, Severus?"
"No, I do not Lucius, and I would appreciate if you would take your hands off her."
"She is as much my reward, as she is yours, if you don't like it, then leave."
"I will not leave her here with you alone."
"Fine, watch then, I always knew you had voyeuristic tendencies."
Severus growled and sat in a nearby armchair, as Lucius started to undress me. He sat on the bed, facing Severus and pulled me astride him so I faced him as well. I held the post with one hand to support myself as he held my hips, guiding my movements, impaling myself on his hard prick.
"Look at her, Severus; don't you want to feel her? Don't you want to drive yourself into her?" Lucius asked his voice husky with lust.
"Who is to say I haven't?" he retorted, his own voice low deep velvet, his eyes glittering with lust as he watched my face.
"Then why not enjoy her now?"
"I don't share, Lucius."
"She feels much better this time. Not to say when she fought wasn't enjoyable." Severus' eyebrow rose in silent question which I couldn't reply.
I moved of my own volition, holding the post and his knee, his hands roamed over my breasts. He gathered my long hair in one had, exposing and kissing the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His other hand moved its way down to my clit. His ministrations combined with him pulling my hair sent me over the edge, causing him to groan and pump his release soon after mine.
I leaned back against him regaining my normal breathing. Severus sitting there, watching was on of the most powerfully erotic experiences I've had. His anger and lust fueled my own passion.
Lucius shifted me off him and after a few quick charms we were both clean and he was dressed again.
Laying on top of the cool duvet, naked and satisfied, I fell into blissful oblivion.
"Don't tell me you have feelings for her, Severus." Lucius drawled, standing by the bed watching the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
"I will tell you nothing of the sort." After a pause, "I will let her sleep it off, and return her to Hogwarts in a few hours."
"I found something of interest, and you being the scholar I figure you could explain." Severus stood and followed Lucius to the head of the bed. Lucius gathered Mercy's hair and pulled it away from her, revealing to Severus a large brand on the back of her neck.
There in red against pale skin, a sunburst symbol with a skull and snake, the Dark Mark in the center of the sun. All Death Eaters had the Dark Mark on their left forearm, which has been black since the Dark Lord's return, three years previous. But her's was only red raised flesh.
"I can only assume, that is what the incantation meant as she drank his blood. Since her physiology wouldn't allow the usual Dark Mark." Severus thought that the Dark Lord also needed a guarantee that she would be loyal since she is so powerful, as well as stubborn. He meant what he said, that her blood will control her, only it was his blood in her veins. "So he branded her with fire and blood to assure her loyalty." Severus whispered the last part.
"Interesting, well, I assume you know your way out?" Lucius nodded once in his direction and left him to ponder this revelation.
Albus will not be pleased with this, he thought. The Dark Lord was in no way naive. It was a common misconception to believe a man who was insane with power and greed that in affect they were also stupid. But the Dark Lord was not. He was paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him.
His motivation for marking Mercy in such a way, made his intentions obvious, she would become his second in command, loyal and trustworthy, since she was physically unable to betray him.
No, Albus would be furious, she was bound to the Dark Lord and could not be bound to any other while he still lived.
Severus was close to loosing one more person, who he cared for, who he didn't want to see her soul corrupted anymore that it was. Logically, he knew he shouldn't be angry with her, but it still pained him to watch her being so wanton with Lucius.
From what he gathered, Lucius had taken her by force before, most likely the reason she drained him while on holiday with Draco. But she was more that willing this time. But then again, she couldn't be considered reasonable at the time.
He could do nothing to stop it since the Dark Lord gave them both permission to take her this night, and he was not about to disobey.
Severus could only hope to keep her from truly becoming a Death Eater and opposing the Order. If she defied Dumbledore and survived the war, assuming the Light won, nothing and no one could keep her from spending and eternity in Azkaban.
Crown of Thorns
A few days away from the Christmas holidays, I opened the potions classroom door seeing Severus' desk empty and knocked on his office door, hoping he was there.
Ever since the last Death Eater revel when the Dark Lord gave me a few drops of his blood, it activated the bloodlust, awakening the dormant monster inside and Severus was whom I needed right now. When he finally opened the office door, his whole demeanor seemed standoffish, as he closed and warded the door.
As I approached him he backed away until the wall trapped him between me and it. I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling him tense.
"Severus, what's going on?" I asked, slightly hurt at his rejection of me. No one rejects me, no one...
"Miss Xavier, have a seat, we need to discuss a few things."
"If you say so, Professor." I emphasized his title even more hurt that we were back to formalities.
"I have orders to not lay a hand on you."
"We can do it without hands."
He arched his eyebrow. I could tell he was considering it for a moment before he scowled. "No, Mercy, I'm not allowed to have any contact with you other than professional. Mr. Malfoy is also only allowed platonic relations, so don't' even think about it." He folded his hands on the desk, waiting.
"What?" I stood and paced angrily. "How? Why?"
"All Death Eaters as well as their offspring have been ordered to not have any sexual contact, especially blood. The Dark Lord knows your preference and has cut you off so you only have him to go to, I presume. The consequence for disobedience is a few rounds of Cruciatus by the Dark Lord himself."
"Damn."
"I suggest you continue your potion."
I waved that idea away, highly irritated. "You of all people know that that potion is useless now, since I've had his blood, not to mention yours on a regular basis."
"Mercy, I'm sorry. But this is how it has to be."
I snorted derisively, "I know, look, I have to go." I walked to the door.
"Mercy, don't hold this against me." He said softly.
My hand on the door I didn't turn, afraid that if I did, he would suffer for my actions. "No, Severus, I won't, goodbye."
I stalked the halls trying to keep the temper tantrum I could feel at bay. Smells of all sorts still bounded around me, traces of warm bodies through out the castle. In reality, the need was only just barely there, I knew I could hold off for a little while longer, but, for how long I couldn't be sure.
I eventually returned to Slytherin common room finding it still full with most seventh years and a few sixth.
My eyes roamed over faces to see who was missing, and not seeing a certain dark haired male, I went up the stairs, entering the seventh year boy's dormitory.
Two beds had their curtains drawn so instead of checking both, I sniffed the air, searching for him. The bed furthest from the door and he was awake.
I glided silently over and parted the curtains, his eyes were closed as if pretending to sleep, I crawled up to him, admiring his hard chiseled chest. I laid over him, and licked his lips softly, making my intentions crystal clear. "Hello Blaise."
His eyes opened wide trying to sit up but my strength held him beneath me. I felt his arousal as well as fear, "Mercy, I can't." I ground my hips into him eliciting a low growl. "You're forbidden fruit, Mercedes."
I licked his earlobe whispering, "Forbidden fruit tastes that much sweeter." Conflicting emotions ran rampant through his body; he shuddered when I trailed my tongue from his lobe down his throat.
"Gods, Mercy, please don't," the sound of his voice so pleading only heightened my own need.
"I want you, Blaise, I need you, please don't deny me, I know you want me." My hand massaged his prick. "I know you want to take me, Blaise, act now don't care about anything but us right now."
Of course it occurred to me to take by force, I knew I could with the many magical talents, it wouldn't be to much of a strain, but I shoved that thought aside, that would not serve my long term purpose.
With no further response from him I withdrew my body from him "Alright, I'll go, Blaise. I'm sorry."
He sat up and it took a lot of will power to keep eye contact and not look at his chest.
"No, Mercedes, I'm sorry I really want to but I can't"
"I understand, Blaise, I do but you know it leaves me no choice, you know?"
"I believe that was the original idea."
"Thanks anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Hey, Mercy?" he said as I stood.
"Yeah?"
"Whenever, you know, I'm off restriction and all, come back,"
"No problem."
Rejected not once, but twice tonight, I went to my own bed alone, not willing to be rejected once more.
Over the next few days, my nerves were raw, and I felt restless and the close proximity of Draco during classes was making it unbearable. The urge to grab him and drain him was frightening in intensity, so I decided to try Draco's will tonight and if that fails I will go to the revel, knowing that this whole situation was beyond my control.
I wondered if I ever had control to begin with, if it all was just an illusion.
I stalked the halls, my veins burning, searching for someone, anyone. I hurt to much to be picky.
I knocked on the portrait that led to Draco's room. I waited impatiently as he finally opened the portrait.
He has his silver robe on, his platinum hair was tousled, "What do you want, Mercy?"
He smelled like sex and giving that he wouldn't let me in I figured his bed was already occupied.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
"Yes."
"I see, who is it? That Ravenclaw? No, doesn't smell like her. Wait a minute, Pansy?!" I tried to push past him, but he caught me.
"Mercy, no."
I stepped back straightening my robes, "Alright, fine but I swear if I catch her smelling like you, I'll kill her."
Draco's eyes widened then narrowed, "Hypocrite, you made sure that there were no strings attached so you could fuck whom ever you pleased."
"Fine, it that's what you want, I'll leave you alone," I said resigned. I turned to leave walking down the empty corridor; I heard his portrait click softly shut.
I realized in this moment of clarity that I got myself into this enormous mess. The Dark Lord ordered this that I could only turn to him and that my favorite donors would refuse me for fear of his wrath.
I wrapped my cloak tighter around me and pushed open the doors stepping out into the cold night. The half moon illuminated my path. I apparated to the home I knew the meeting was being held.
When I opened my eyes, I looked around the familiar foyer as two men approached me; my apparition obviously set alarms off. One of the men slipped his silver mask off, I looked up into steel gray eyes, "Welcome back to Malfoy Manor, we've been expecting you. Haven't we, Severus?" The second man said, "Yes, we have."
I nodded courteously to both men.
"Follow me." Lucius turned stepping a few paces I started to follow as Severus walked beside me, so I was guarded as well as unable to escape.
Lucius stepped in front to large wooden double doors and tapped it twice with his cane and it opened to reveal a large ballroom.
The light was dim and many people were moving about in robes matching my escorts. Voices murmured all around, now died down with our entrance, I could smell fear and blood as we approached the dais.
The two men on either side of me knelt down, I followed them, lowering my head in shame that it has come to this.
"Severus, Lucius, you may join the others." As they stood leaving me I kept my eyes down for I knew what his expression was already, "My, aren't we obedient now? And to think, all it took was young Malfoy turning you away. He obeys better than his father does. Yes, fear of Cruciatus would do that I suppose." He paused, and circled around me once, inspecting me.
"Who else?" I stiffened at this, angry that anyone would refuse me, and embarrassed that it happened so many times over the last few days.
"My patience is expiring."
"Zabini." I paused, unwilling to reveal more, but...
"Anyone else?" He sounded so pleased, obviously he already knew.
I sighed and said, "Snape."
"What was that? I couldn't hear." Yes, he was enjoying this.
"Snape." I said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Why did you not take what you wanted? Surely they don't have to be willing."
"They would have only been a substitution, My Lord, for who I really needed." With that I finally looked up into his eyes.
"I only reward my faithful servants, your obedience as been forced."
"If it is what you wish, My Lord, I will serve you."
"That's what I thought. What of your terms?" he asked. "The only thing I respectfully request, My Lord, is that you wait to mark Draco. He is watched closely as many already know of his father's allegiance, it would not be beneficial to you to lose him if he is brought before Dumbledore and exposed." I said keeping my voice down in order for only the few near us to hear. That was my only bargaining chip; I wanted to make sure that Draco remained untainted by Voldemort as well as my own actions. I did not want him to know the darker side of me, so he would not look at me any different than he already did. Even though I already knew that Pansy had already been warming his bed, that was child's play compared to what I was about to take on.
After a pause, "Very well if that is your wish, prove your loyalty to me and you'll be rewarded." He motioned someone to the left of me and there was shuffling of movement.
A boy was brought in at wand point, looking around franticly. A sheen of sweat shimmered across his features. I've seen his face before, but the name eluded me.
"His family is already dead, but I saved him for you, my pet."
I looked back at the boy who was shaking for a moment then returned my attention to the powerful wizard before me. "Thank you, My Lord, but..."
"No, he dies tonight, do not defy me, little one, or you will not be blessed with my reward."
I felt my eyes tingle and knew that they were changing as I stood and walked toward the fearful captive.
The Death Eaters stepped away, continuing to point their wands. His fear was intoxicating as I drew closer, my eyes locking with his as I entered his mind.
My heart lurched upon my entrance, his identity now known to me. "Shh, little one, I'm sorry, so sorry, but either way tonight you die, no pain my way, only pleasure." I whispered in his mind.
I wrapped my hand behind his head and pulled him down to my lips, kissing this innocent soul goodbye.
When his breathing started to calm slightly, I drew away from his lips and kissed his throat.
"Wrap your arms around me, innocent one, embrace death."
I drew my lips back and bit into the artery, sending us both into orgasmic pleasure. His life force flowed down my throat, bringing my own veins back to life. I kept our minds linked, sending my own pleasure through him, as his heart slowed, I heard him cry out once as the blackness started to enclose us, I pulled out of his mind and off of his body, letting him fall to the floor.
His face forever at peace. I turned and walked unsteadily back to my master, staggering slightly, still reeling from the sensation of the kill, and falling once again to my knees.
"Now that is a Death Eater, and look not a drop wasted."
Soft laughter came from those around us, and then quickly quieted once again.
"Lucius, Severus stay the rest of you may go." Sounds of them disapparating filled the room until only the four of us remained.
I caught myself swaying, slightly a few times; my mind didn't seem to focus.
I could hear them talking, but their voices seemed far away. As the blood absorbed into my system, I started to focus on the sight before me, of three wizards. Lucius met my gaze first drawing the attention of our Lord. "Welcome back little pet." He said as he approached me. I glanced between them anxiously. I averted my eyes back to the floor; I felt his hand under my chin, lifting my gaze to his face gently. He pulled up his sleeve, exposing his wrist before my lips.
I cautiously looked between his face and his exposed flesh. I placed my hand on the back of his, drawing it to my lips, kissing it reverently, wrapping my other hand around his thigh to brace myself as I sunk my teeth in.
As soon as his blood past my lips, it was energy, and life. It was magic black and white and all colors in-between. It was love as well as hate, it was lust as well as divine, the physical realm ceased to exist as well as time.
I felt him pull away; I gave a low groan of protest as he caressed my hair soothingly. Everything looked more colorful when I opened my eyes. I could see auras around everyone and everything. Light that seemed dim before became blinding. My every nerve and cell was alive; I could feel my every hair on my body as it tingled. I barely caught pieces of their conversation but Severus and Lucius' minds were now open to me. All my senses were overloaded, feeling their heat like a bonfire.
Severus was entranced by the sight before him as his once lover latched on to the Dark Lord's outstretched arm. He watched as her ebony eyes rolled up into her head before her lids slid shut. He watched as she swayed back and forth slightly, slight moans of rapture in her throat, her hand on Voldemort's inner thigh caressing upwards.
He watched as his master smoothed her hair, chanting an incantation as his words stopped he pulled away from Mercy. Her pouty lips stained in blood, her eyes still closed swaying as she still had not released her hand from his thigh.
"I trust you have a room prepared for her, Lucius?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Good, can't have her going back to Hogwarts like this." He said a small smile played over his lips.
"Will we be graced with your company as well My Lord?"
"Not this night, Lucius, I leave her in your care, gentlemen."
"What of her promise, My Lord? Isn't she dangerous?"
"Volatile," he paused, "But now completely obedient. I leave her to you both as your reward."
"Thank you for your generosity, My Lord," Lucius bowed.
"You are most gracious, My Lord," Severus bowed as well. Then Voldemort was gone with a faint pop.
"How do we wake her?"
"She's awake, Lucius, she's just not completely aware. She is essentially drunk."
He knelt before her, cupping her cheeks her eyes opened, but glazed, unfocused, "Mercy, love, look at me." Severus searched her eyes, knowing he needed a response before they moved her.
She leaned forward, inhaling, "Mmm, hello, Severus, how are you?" she smiled. Severus looked back over at Lucius and shrugged.
Lucius eased his way beside Severus to gain her attention. She inhaled again. "Mmm, so familiar, my beautiful enemy, ahh yes, so close to Draco. You took something that didn't belong to you."
"Ahh, so did you."
"Touché" she smiled as she stood shakily gripping Lucius' arm for support.
Lucius let her through the ballroom with her hand still on his arm as Severus followed.
Lucius led us to a large room that boasted rich cherry furniture, the walls were gray, and the carpets black, the large four poster's linens were black and silver satin. Heavy black velvet panels adorned the posts.
He stopped in the center of the room, turning around to face me, placing his hands around my waist he pulled me against him. I could only comply as Voldemort's blood still thrummed through me, making all my senses hypersensitive. He kissed my lips softly, as if testing the waters and upon feeling my compliance, his kiss became demanding.
Anger, jealousy and possessiveness flowed from Severus behind me, but I paid him no heed as I pulled at Lucius' robes. I felt this indescribable need, feeling of emptiness, this thirst, and this wizard I was supposed to hate was the closest in proximity to fulfill my desire.
Something in the Dark Lord's blood made me hunger and crave without care or consequence. There was something tickling in the back of my consciousness like a bumblebee but I quickly swatted it away.
Lucius pulled away for a moment, addressing Snape, "Don't you wish to play, Severus?"
"No, I do not Lucius, and I would appreciate if you would take your hands off her."
"She is as much my reward, as she is yours, if you don't like it, then leave."
"I will not leave her here with you alone."
"Fine, watch then, I always knew you had voyeuristic tendencies."
Severus growled and sat in a nearby armchair, as Lucius started to undress me. He sat on the bed, facing Severus and pulled me astride him so I faced him as well. I held the post with one hand to support myself as he held my hips, guiding my movements, impaling myself on his hard prick.
"Look at her, Severus; don't you want to feel her? Don't you want to drive yourself into her?" Lucius asked his voice husky with lust.
"Who is to say I haven't?" he retorted, his own voice low deep velvet, his eyes glittering with lust as he watched my face.
"Then why not enjoy her now?"
"I don't share, Lucius."
"She feels much better this time. Not to say when she fought wasn't enjoyable." Severus' eyebrow rose in silent question which I couldn't reply.
I moved of my own volition, holding the post and his knee, his hands roamed over my breasts. He gathered my long hair in one had, exposing and kissing the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His other hand moved its way down to my clit. His ministrations combined with him pulling my hair sent me over the edge, causing him to groan and pump his release soon after mine.
I leaned back against him regaining my normal breathing. Severus sitting there, watching was on of the most powerfully erotic experiences I've had. His anger and lust fueled my own passion.
Lucius shifted me off him and after a few quick charms we were both clean and he was dressed again.
Laying on top of the cool duvet, naked and satisfied, I fell into blissful oblivion.
"Don't tell me you have feelings for her, Severus." Lucius drawled, standing by the bed watching the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
"I will tell you nothing of the sort." After a pause, "I will let her sleep it off, and return her to Hogwarts in a few hours."
"I found something of interest, and you being the scholar I figure you could explain." Severus stood and followed Lucius to the head of the bed. Lucius gathered Mercy's hair and pulled it away from her, revealing to Severus a large brand on the back of her neck.
There in red against pale skin, a sunburst symbol with a skull and snake, the Dark Mark in the center of the sun. All Death Eaters had the Dark Mark on their left forearm, which has been black since the Dark Lord's return, three years previous. But her's was only red raised flesh.
"I can only assume, that is what the incantation meant as she drank his blood. Since her physiology wouldn't allow the usual Dark Mark." Severus thought that the Dark Lord also needed a guarantee that she would be loyal since she is so powerful, as well as stubborn. He meant what he said, that her blood will control her, only it was his blood in her veins. "So he branded her with fire and blood to assure her loyalty." Severus whispered the last part.
"Interesting, well, I assume you know your way out?" Lucius nodded once in his direction and left him to ponder this revelation.
Albus will not be pleased with this, he thought. The Dark Lord was in no way naive. It was a common misconception to believe a man who was insane with power and greed that in affect they were also stupid. But the Dark Lord was not. He was paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him.
His motivation for marking Mercy in such a way, made his intentions obvious, she would become his second in command, loyal and trustworthy, since she was physically unable to betray him.
No, Albus would be furious, she was bound to the Dark Lord and could not be bound to any other while he still lived.
Severus was close to loosing one more person, who he cared for, who he didn't want to see her soul corrupted anymore that it was. Logically, he knew he shouldn't be angry with her, but it still pained him to watch her being so wanton with Lucius.
From what he gathered, Lucius had taken her by force before, most likely the reason she drained him while on holiday with Draco. But she was more that willing this time. But then again, she couldn't be considered reasonable at the time.
He could do nothing to stop it since the Dark Lord gave them both permission to take her this night, and he was not about to disobey.
Severus could only hope to keep her from truly becoming a Death Eater and opposing the Order. If she defied Dumbledore and survived the war, assuming the Light won, nothing and no one could keep her from spending and eternity in Azkaban.