Chapter 25
Sanctified
"I'm being summoned," I said. I had my arms outstretched trying to avoid running into walls or furniture as I entered the room.
"I am over here," Severus warned.
"I know. I can smell you. I don't smell furniture though," I inhaled and walked further into the living area and scented the air again, "Draco?"
"What's wrong with her?" Draco asked Severus.
"I'm standing right here. I may not be able to see but I can still hear and speak."
"So, what's wrong? Why don't you open your eyes?" Draco redirected his question.
I gestured for Severus to answer. "The sun burned her eyes more severely than anything else. Eyelids are thin so when she closed them, they still burned. She refused my blood to heal her."
"Can we kind of hurry this up because I'm still being summoned. That is what woke me."
"You need clothes first." Draco stated.
"I don't have any here. Unless my last articles are around here, everything else is at home."
"I have a set of robes that can be resized to fit you. I'm not as talented with Transfiguration as Draco is. He could do the honors than we can go. Shoes will be another problem though."
"I don't need them. Besides the burn extended to my feet and shoes will hurt more."
"Show me what we have to work with and I'll make the changes so you can wear them." Everyone seemed completely unaffected that I was still naked; it kind of hurt my pride. But I know that right now wasn't the time to draw attention to it. Besides we have all seen it, well except for me right now.
I didn't understand why Draco was here helping and I didn't say anything about it. Severus and I went over what to say to Voldemort as they searched for a robe. We knew that time was of the essence and the Dark Lord did not like to wait. Draco was careful to leave enough room in the robes so it didn't chafe my sore skin. He was being very understanding and it confused me further. I decided to question him later about his abrupt turn in attitude.
We exited Severus' chambers and Draco said, "Good luck," softly. Severus led me by the hand down a different corridor and when I felt the gust of wind he picked me up and carried me to his usual apparition point. He carried me because snow was still on the ground and for the sake of time.
Severus apparated us to the ballroom of Malfoy Manor. He released me and we bowed. I kept my position as Severus was bid to rise. "I did not summon you, Severus. What brings you this evening?"
"There was an accident in on of my detentions early this morning. Mercy was working on an independent project when Longbottom exploded a cauldron, My Lord."
"That doesn't explain your presence, Severus."
"My Lord, as a result of the Squib's inability, Mercy was injured."
"Is this true, pet?"
"It is, My Lord."
"Is my Death Eater so fragile that a potion caused you such harm?"
"Severus offered me blood, My Lord, but I thought it prudent to seek your permission."
"What was done to Longbottom for his error of harming my pet?"
"I Obliviated him, My Lord. That way the news would not spread through Hogwarts."
"That is acceptable for now. Rise pet, so I may see what that Squib has done to you." I did as he bid and stayed completely still.
"I received a message earlier today that your things were missing from your dormitory this morning, pet. And a note was left for Severus. Are you sure this was not self inflicted?" See? Psychotic does not equal stupid.
"No, My Lord. The letter was for Severus as my Head of House informing him that I was going home to repack my wardrobe and would be back in time for our appointment. I lost track of time and returned without my trunk with the plan to retrieve it later."
"You carried your whole trunk to change your wardrobe?" He asked suspiciously.
"Shrinking it and carrying it seemed the more sensible idea rather than carrying individual articles of clothing, My Lord."
"Women are enigmas, aren't they Severus?"
"They are, My Lord."
He moved closer so that I felt the hem of his robes brush my knees. He placed his wrist against my lips, "Drink pet. You are of no use to me crippled."
"Thank you, My Lord." I said before I sunk my incisors into his flesh. His blood always made my body hypersensitive. I drank deeply and I felt immediately strengthened. It would take a few hours for his blood to absorb into my body for me to heal completely. The lust I felt was increasing and I felt an emptiness that had nothing to do with my stomach.
Voldemort pried me away. "After that much pet, you should be completely healed tonight."
"I am grateful for your generosity, My Lord."
"Severus, escort my pet back to Hogwarts. You have both been obedient and I am pleased. I will lift the curse, pet, only for Severus. Do I make myself clear, Mercedes?"
"Crystal, My Lord." I leaned over to kiss his hem in supplication and genuine gratitude. Severus bowed and lifted me carefully then disapparated. I was so distracted by the scent of him and licking and playfully biting below his jaw, I had not noticed our entrance into Hogwarts until he released me on his bed and tried to pull away.
"No, don't go," as I tried to pull him down with me.
"I am just going to ward the door and Floo. I will be back in a moment."
I tried and couldn't open the borrowed robe. I pulled at the buttons and fabric getting further frustrated by the second. I couldn't help but rub my thighs together eliciting the most delicious friction. It seemed like I had been forever since I felt anything from my clit. I gave up the struggle to remove the clothing and pulled the robe up and spread my thighs to slide my fingers in my slit.
"Started without me?" Severus' silky purr reached my ears.
"Um hmm, you took to long."
I continued my ministrations as he deftly unbuttoned his clothing and then mine. He removed my slick fingers and sucked them clean of their moisture. He settled himself over me and gathered my hair in his hands and kissed me gently parting my lips and tasting my tongue.
I could not control my hips undulating beneath his, inviting, begging. He entered me slowly prolonging the feeling of initial penetration. He released my lips and I breathed against his, "Be still a moment more."
"I am not one of your young boys, Mercy. I can move and not come immediately," he said it teasingly not with a hint of malice.
"I didn't mean it that way. What I meant was for you to be still so I can adjust to your big cock." He released a sharp bark of laughter and withdrew a moment and thrust back in, silencing us both. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held on to the fabric of his shirt, and then I slid my hands under it to feel his bare back.
He slowly rocked his hips controlling my hips as well. Every time I tried to speed our rhythm he would grasp my hip and still my movement He lifted my leg and held my knee and he slid his thigh under mine and continued his maddening leisurely thrust only now at a different angle.
The tidal wave I have been denied so long finally approached and with it Severus' pace increased. When the wave of pleasure engulfed me stars burst behind my eyes as I arched into him. I felt my nails dig into the bedding beneath me and shred.
I must have passed out for a moment because when my eyes fluttered open, Severus was looking down at me smirking devilishly. I had only smiled back and realized that my eyes were open. He thrust his hips letting me know that things were not over yet. Now he pounded into me over and over unwavering and powerful. He slid out and slammed back in at a consistent pace, bringing me over the precipice once more. As he continued his endeavor he groaned loudly as he filled me deep.
His muscles went lax as he collapsed on me. My internal muscles spasmodically flexed around his prick eliciting shudders from him each time. He lifted his head from beside mine and kissed me tenderly. He kissed me softly brushing his lips against mine before it turning deeper, our tongues massaging together.
When the kiss ended he lifted off of me withdrawing his softening prick. He lay beside me and I felt the trickle of our combined fluids leaking out of me and I didn't care. Instead I reveled in the afterglow and turned to entwine my body around his.
We lay like that for a time allowing our breathing to return to normal. I felt myself dose off with a feeling of peace overtaking me. Distantly I heard a clock chime and Severus said something about a meeting with Dumbledore as he extricated his body from mine. There was a movement of cloth and the click of the bedroom door before I succumbed to sleep completely.
Severus had his standard meeting with Dumbledore. Then after was a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. Albus usually like to hear what Severus had to say before revealing any information to the Order members for safety and sanity purposes. Severus had dressed in his buttoned frock coat over the white shirt and black pants he wore on his free time.
He wondered during his walk to the Headmaster's office if Mercy would be there in his bed when he returned. He hoped so but decided not to count on it. He said the password and ascended the stairs.
Albus was looking through a large tome as Severus entered and sat. "So Severus how is everything?"
"In regards to Mercy she is healed and stable."
"What did you find out that pushed her to such drastic action?"
"The Dark Lord's control of her and her lost hope to ever be released of it was one thing. She has no hope that the Order will prevail. She truly does not believe that Potter is able to defeat him."
"What made her think that? She has hardly been here long enough to know what Harry has survived."
"She doesn't think Potter is ready. His training has been all magical and not physical. Most wizards use their wands in a duel and rarely physical strength. She relies on physical more and she insist that she could take Potter easily, which I have to agree. If any Death Eaters are so inclined they could do the same."
"What do you suggest? Do we increase his training with someone familiar with physical combat?"
"I think that would be beneficial," Severus replied.
"You mentioned her being healed. How did that occur?"
"She was summoned a few hours ago and the Dark Lord gave her a substantial amount of blood. He was pleased that she was obedient enough to come when summoned even though she was injured. Also she refused my blood."
"Is that so?" Albus obviously knew that it wasn't the complete version and he looked intently over his glasses at Severus.
"Draco knows the truth now about me and Mercy."
"Do you think that wise?"
"As long as he remains at Hogwarts for the Easter Holiday, it will remain a secret."
"Most students of seventh year stay anyway so that won't seem suspicious. The attack is planned for just after that and by the summer holiday the information will be moot. Go retrieve Miss Xavier. I believe it's overdue for her to attend an Order meeting."
Severus got up and left. The members of the Order would be gathering in a half hour. That would give him plenty of time to find her if she left his chambers. When he opened his bedroom door, she was still there asleep. He gently nudged her until her eyes opened.
"Come to bed," her voice was husky with sleep. She reached for him but he shook his head.
"I only came back to retrieve you for an Order meeting."
"Does that mean I have to get dressed?" She pouted beautifully.
"Yes, it does."
I was feeling insecure enough as it was. With only a robe that was obviously belonging to Severus transfigured to fit me, no wand and barefoot. Draco did an excellent job on the robes though. The torso was tapered giving it a corseted look and draped down my hips and legs. I liked it enough to keep it, which I would.
Severus wasn't impressed with my red toenails peaking beneath the borrowed robe. But red and black were my signature colors. Being a Slytherin for a few months would not change that. I walked a pace behind him as we entered the Headmaster's office. There was a large crowd gathered and they were all in separate clumps talking. It was more people than I thought were involved. Their individual scents collided. There was a burst from the fireplace and two figures emerged wearing blue Auror robes.
I moved so fast I knocked over one of the fluffy armchairs in order to escape. Severus turned and grabbed me. He recognized the panic in my eyes and said quietly, "It's alright. They are members of the Order. They are not here for you."
The woman in Auror robes approached us. Her hair was a vibrant blue. "I'm Tonks," she held out her hand.
Severus relaxed his grip on my upper arms but remained holding me. I smiled weakly and nodded to her and hesitantly shook her hand in greeting. When I looked around I noticed everyone in the room had ceased their conversations and were staring.
A balding freckled man righted the overturned chair. Severus guided me back into the office. After a moment I sufficiently calmed down to glance at those here. I caught a whiff of an odd scent. I narrowed it down to the corner of the room. The scent was distinctly lupine. I had not encountered a werewolf in a long while but I was sure that it was what I smelled. The man dressed in tattered robes and was obviously underweight was the originator of the scent.
He looked up at me and narrowed his amber eyes at me. "What is that doing here?" he said loudly.
"Are only werewolves invited to join?"
Dumbledore cleared his throat attracted all the attention, "No fighting amongst us," he said.
The office door opened and closed behind me and I turned around quickly as Harry, Hermione and Ron came in.
"What's she doing here?" Harry said incredulously.
"Miss Xavier is here at my invitation. Any of you who have a problem with this you may speak with me after the meeting."
"Albus, she is a vampire," the tattered man objected. All the rest of the room looked in surprise at me and a touch of fear.
"She shouldn't be here after what she did to Seamus," Harry added.
"Enough!" shouted McGonagall.
The room immediately quieted. "I am disappointed in you Remus and Harry. This is the kind of biased and prejudice we fight against. Especially you Harry, your parents died at the hands of Voldemort sixteen years ago. Miss Xavier lost hers just this September past. She is on our side, fighting and bleeding for the Light. We all have made sacrifices, hers are no less important." Dumbledore's speech subdued the opposition. I was distinctly more uncomfortable now, but hoped it was not in vain.
"Now, let's get started. Our sources tell us that Voldemort will attack on April 30th through the tunnels. Any suggestions?"
"What is the significance of the 30th?" Hermione questioned.
"Walpurgis Night," said the tattered man named Remus.
"What if we block all the tunnels?" Tonks the Auror suggested.
"The front doors would be next," the freckled man replied.
"Why do we take the defensive not the offensive? Why wait?" I asked no one in particular.
"We can't be sure of where Voldemort is and the remaining Death Eaters could lurk until they decided to strike." Dumbledore answered my question.
I leaned over to whisper in Severus' ear, "The Dark Lord had a constant shield aura in place. When he decides to attack, he won't be vulnerable."
"What are you saying that can't be shared with us?" Remus asked in a snide tone.
Severus must have felt my muscles tense in preparation to strike out the wolf. "I just told Sev…Snape that I have an extra bag of Kibble from the last litter my dog had. I wondered if you would like some," I said.
"Children. Enough." Dumbledore chided.
"What Miss Xavier said, was that the Dark Lord has a permanent protection shield and when he attacks he will be almost invincible."
"She seems to be able to speak well enough on her own, Snivellus. Do you hold her leash so tightly that she can't speak for herself?" Remus antagonized.
"I'll give you a leash wolfie," I said. Then I leapt from the chair and went around Dumbledore's desk. I was a hairsbreadth away from the wolfman before I felt Severus' arm clamp around my waist and carried me back to my seat.
The display of Severus' only further amused wolfman, "See? He does hold it doesn't he?"
"I just saved your neck, Remus. In the literal sense of the word." Severus answered. No one had the chance to withdraw their wands and a few looked shocked.
"Do you need to be restrained, Miss Xavier? And silenced, Remus?" Dumbledore asked.
"No sir," I answered.
"No Albus," Remus said.
"Now Harry. Do you think you could have prevented an attack with the speed Miss Xavier just displayed?"
"Umm, no. She seemed to be sitting there and just appeared in front of Remus. I barely seen Professor Snape move after her."
"That is another order of business we will attend to in a moment. Now about this protective shield around Voldemort. Any suggestions?"
I leaned toward Severus once again, "He drops the shield temporarily when I feed."
"That may not be an appropriate discussion right now," he whispered back.
"Why is she whispering?" the freckled man asked politely.
"Mr. Weasley, she can only discuss things related to Voldemort through Professor Snape and me," Harry answered for us.
"Why? You are both sitting here," he said. Obviously the freckled man was Ron's father. I felt sorry for Ron though. He had a higher risk of loosing all his hair at an early age.
"It's a powerful binding charm. Voldemort cast it during her initiation to keep her loyal. Harry is scarred by him so therefore she can speak freely with him as well as Professor Snape," Hermione answered.
"How come no one told me anything?" Ron asked.
"After Miss Xavier told Harry and he told Hermione, I asked that they not tell anyone else. You three run a high risk of being captured and the less you know about certain things, the better." That seemed to satisfy Ron for now.
"Is this child your recent source of information, Albus?" a female redhead said. Obviously Mrs. Weasley.
"Looks may be deceiving, Madame. I am no child." This conversation was getting on my nerves. Not for the first time I cursed Michael for making me seem like an eternal teenager. "I was turned many years ago."
"What did you whisper a bit ago?" Hermione asked.
"That information is not relevant at this time, Miss Granger," Severus stated brooking no argument from the crowd.
"To bad Moody couldn't make it tonight. He would have a field day with her," Remus said. He was steadily rising on my 'Do Not Make it Through the War' list. Who would have guessed that a werewolf would be such a bigot? Maybe it was a side effect of the moon's cycle. I knew werewolves shown more aggressive tendencies just before the full moon.
"On to other business. Harry needs a physical trainer. I suggest that Ron and Hermione take part in it as well. Severus is familiar with it but his schedule is too full. Is there anyone else who would be capable of handling such and assignment?"
"I vote for Mercy," Hermione piped up.
"I was thinking Remus or Mercy," Harry said.
"Miss Xavier, would you accept?" Dumbledore inquired.
"I don't think that is such a good idea," Remus broke in.
"I guess. It's fine," I said.
"Excellent." Dumbledore ignored Remus' objection.
"Then this meeting is adjourned," the Headmaster declared. Tea and cookies appeared on his desk and various members were helping themselves.
I stood and approached Harry, Hermione and Ron who were huddled together. I heard Harry say that he did not want to wait for Voldemort to attack Hogwarts or anyone else. Ron said something about there had to be another way. Harry whispered about taking offensive rather than wait for the defensive.
"Can I talk to you a minute, Harry?"
"Okay," he sat back waiting.
"I need to whisper. You can tell Hermione and Ron, that's fine, but I can't say it directly."
"Oh, alright," he stood and walked with me a few paces. I leaned over, my hand rested on his arm to steady my balance because he was taller than me. "I have the perfect offensive plan. But it will only work if you trust me. I can't raise a hand or wand against him and I know you have to be the one to finish him off. But you will have to hear me out and trust me. Can we meet tomorrow in Hermione's room and go over the details? The main question is, do you trust me?"
I pulled back to see his reaction. He looked skeptical but he nodded nonetheless. I was abruptly pulled away from Harry by the tattered wolfman. "You stay away from Harry," he ordered me.
"Remus, we were just talking," Harry defended.
"Stay away from her, Harry."
"Calm down, Remus," Hermione pleaded. Evidently his raised voice caught the attention of the others.
"No, I forbid you to speak with her, Harry."
"What? I'm not a child Remus. You have no control over who I talk to," Harry defiantly told him. The ironic thing was that until now, Harry felt the way Remus does. It was probably teenage defiance though and not protecting his right of friendship. Hermione stood next to Harry and entwined her fingers in his. I didn't see that one coming. They are back together. They are cute together and I figure they balance one another.
I felt Severus standing behind me almost but not quite touching me. "Is there a problem here?"
"No, Professor," Hermione answered giving Remus a baleful look.
"It is almost curfew. The students should be sent to their dormitories," he said.
"Yes Professor," Hermione pulled Harry and Ron to the staircase to leave.
"The curfew applies to you as well, Miss Xavier," Severus said. He was effectively trying to separate Remus and me before we got into a catfight. Oops, wrong species. I nodded in reply but kept my eyes on Remus. I walked away muttering, "Goodbye wolfman," under my breath. I'm certain the heard me. I did it purposely.
As I walked down the steps, Severus approached behind me.
"Am I to be sent to my dormitory as well, Severus?"
"Not unless you want to be," he said softly.
"I don't. But where will I sleep?" I teased.
He glanced at me as we walked, "My bed of course."
"I had hoped so, but I sincerely hope that sleep will not be the only thing we do in your bed."
"It won't be. But first I have to repair the duvet that was shredded earlier."
"Sorry about that. At least it wasn't your back."
"I was not complaining. Merely an observation. Making you pass out was more than worth the effort to repair it."
"You'll never let me live that down, will you?"
"Never," he said as he warded the door behind us.
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