Chapter 27

Down In It

"Where's the fire?" I asked.

Severus swiftly advanced toward us, "You really are a reckless little shite." He was angry as all the professors were.

"Those of you who are not Miss Xavier's or Mr. Potter's Head of House you may return to your beds," Dumbledore said. His voice resonated but his eyes held a merry twinkle.

After the other professors departed as well as Head Boy and Girl, I wandlessly lowered Lucius' body with a thunk.

"What was that?" Severus demanded.

Harry pulled his cloak off the body.

"Couldn't leave that lying around," I said.

"Is that…" McGonagall gasped.

"Yep," I said. After all the tension and stress of the past months leaked away I was kind of giddy.

"If you would follow me to my office," Dumbledore suggested.

"What should I do with that?" I gestured to the body on the floor.

"The house elves will transport him to an unused dungeon for now," Dumbledore replied.

I lifted my dress and stepped on the corpse's back issuing a pop as his spine dislocated. Everyone but Severus flinched at the sound. He grasped my hand gentlemanly as I stepped off my dead pedestal. "That was uncouth," he snarked.

"He didn't feel a thing," I dismissed. Severus just arched an elegant black brow in reply.

Once ensconced in Dumbledore's office Harry and I sat in the armchairs before the Headmaster's desk. Professor McGonagall stationed herself in an armchair adjacent to Dumbledore. Severus paced restlessly to my right. There on the plush carpet was worn more than any other space. It gave proof that it was there that Severus released his tension. No chairs were in this area to hinder his stride.

"So, I take it you have something for me? I will assume that your only bounty this evening was not the body of Lucius Malfoy."

I looked to Harry and he removed his cloak from his arm, revealing the burlap sack. He placed the sack before the aged wizard. He then pulled the jar out of an inner robe pocket setting it beside the large sack.

Dumbledore pulled out his wand and poked the dense object from outside the fabric. He tapped the wand on the side of the jar then pointed the wand at me. His wand gave a low hum when directed at me. I didn't know what he was searching for and I didn't cringe. He put his wand away and sat back in his large chair to hum and pop another candy in his mouth.

"Is this what I assume it to be?" he asked either one of us.

"It's Voldemort's head, sir," Harry answered. "As well as the ashes of him."

"I see." All this while McGonagall and Snape had remained silent.

"Whatever your plan was, you acted irresponsible and reckless. You are both idiots. Self appointed martyrdom with delusions of grandeur!" Severus' voice seemed to rise with each word.

I stood up and stepped in front of him preventing his next stride. I grasped the front of his robe and looked up at him. His features softened from his fierce scowl. "Please don't be angry with me, Severus. It was a good plan and it worked. We're free now. No mass genocide, no war, no more death and destruction."

He wrapped his arms around me fiercely, "It was too high a risk. Too foolish. Too brave. Too bloody Gryffindor. Besides, I'll never be truly free." He said solemnly. He pulled away and uncuffed his left sleeve and rolled it up. There in the contrast to his pale flesh the Dark Mark stood out in relief of darkness and pain. "This just won't go away, Mercy. I am bound to the fear of its discovery."

I held his hand in my left palm upward. I quickly tightened my grip to keep him still. I cut his forearm from inner elbow to wrist. He gasped in surprise and pain. I used my left thumb and moved my right wrist over it. I completed the process of slicing my own arm. I placed my forearm over his palm down so our wounds met and our blood mingled. I held his palm beneath my elbow and incanted once more tonight, "Ego consumere vester tenebrae apud amor. Vester copula in hic insigne nunc separare apud amor."

There was a low hiss of magic and I released my hold of his arm. Our wounds were closed and healed, leaving a paler line and nothing more. He looked back and forth between his formerly scarred arm and me.

"Albus, release me this instant. What has she done? That was Dark Magic. Blood Magic," McGonagall declared.

"It's alright, Minerva. Dark Magic to counter Darker Magic," he explained.

Severus snatched my arm and inspected it. Two parallel scars matched his one, "You've done this before," he stated almost angrily.

"Yes, I have. About and hour ago."

"Lucius," he almost spat. "I had no idea you felt so strongly for him," he accused.

"Severus, you misunderstand my intention."

"I'm waiting," he said as he crossed his arms.

"I promised Lucius revenge. I got it. I killed him. But I did not want his body found and the Mark revealed for Narcissa's sake and for Draco's."

"It always comes back to that little tosser, doesn't it?" he hissed.

"Children, we are getting off course. Harry and Mercedes need to explain their actions from the beginning. This is not over. There are many Death Eaters who are still free to cause mayhem."

Harry reiterated when I approached him and his friends with the plan. He explained how Hermione found all the spells we needed to pull it off. He told them about our backup plan that included his Portkey and my plan of feigning ignorance and my claim that I was merely followed. He glossed over the manner in which Voldemort released his shield. He only spoke of the release of it to allow me to feed and his actions thereafter. I picked up by explaining that we encountered Lucius on our escape and his fate. I confessed to retracing my steps to alert Narcissa with the intent of her fleeing. That was it. Complex and simple at the same time.

"Was this the extent of your plan? Or did you have something further in mind?" McGonagall enquired.

I went over my idea to them. It was mutually decided to act on it that evening after the sun went down. In the meantime, Dumbledore would have an emergency meeting with the Order to finalize the strategy. Dumbledore then dismissed all of us to get some sleep. He handed a vial of Dreamless Sleep to Harry. He knew Harry would need a temporary reprieve from all he witnessed tonight.

Severus stalked past me in the hall heading for his chambers without a backward glance. I knew he would be angry but furious seemed more applicable. I released the firm posture of my spine in defeat and rejection as I trudged toward Slytherin Common room.

The next afternoon I woke up and groggily cleaned up in order to make an appearance in at least two classes. I arrived at DADA twenty minutes late and the professor docked Slytherin twenty points.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts is a crucial subject in these times, Miss Xavier. Tardiness does not reflect well on your prospects of Defense in your future. Mr. Potter saw fit to arrive to class on time regardless of the late hour in which you retuned from wherever you we off gallivanting," she said sternly.

Harry and I both slunk in our chairs from all the eyes peering between us. Whispers started almost immediately and Draco snapped his quill.

"Now class let's pair off and try the spell we have been working on." The class got out of their seats and Professor Murray selected today's partners. "Miss Xavier since we are uneven you will partner me." I knew it was closer to the fact that I was late. Her shot about our activities last night was unnecessary and unprofessional to announce to the entire class. With my feathers ruffled I was ready for anything she could throw my way. I would give better than I got.

She cast a relatively harmless hex my way and I deflected it easily with my wand. She threw a more advanced hex and I deflected it. She was puzzled as to why I had not hexed back.

"You have permission to try and hex me. For this period at any rate."

Like I needed permission. It was just mental warfare to unbalance your opponent.

"Am I so intimidating that you will not even try?"

"I don't intimidate easily, Professor." I said.

"It seems to me that you are. Or you would put forth the effort."

"I really don't want to incapacitate you. That's all."

"You have my permission. You mustn't be squeamish about disarming your opponent."

"I meant that I would rather not be expelled for killing a professor. I am hardly the squeamish type."

By now the class had ceased their individual practice and watched us with rapt attention. We slowly circled on another watching, waiting to see our opponents sign that they would strike. She grew restless and fired another hex. She smiled enjoying our banter and the competition. I didn't' deflect this time but I sidestepped and quickly shot one off myself. She dodged it quickly and nodded her approval. But it wasn't over.

"How much experience do you have with Dark Arts, and the Defense of?" I asked.

"Are you asking for my credentials?"

"Yes."

"Many years in the field of Aurors"

"That doesn't tell me much other than the fact that you enjoyed camping."

"No, it doesn't."

We fired our next curse at the same moment and mutually dodged.

"I don't mean offense but can we step this up because I'm getting rather bored." I said cockily.

"Not bored. I believe scared is more accurate." She returned.

"Do you want to see scared?" I asked in a sweet threatening voice.

"Mercy, don't do it," Hermione warned.

"Miss Granger, do not interfere," she said without taking her eyes off me. "Let us see what Miss Xavier has. I think she is too cocky for own good."

"It's possible, and probable," I said.

"The let's step this up, shall we?"

"If we are at a level three what step would you prefer? Six or seven, or ten?"

"You should not be pre-warned to the level of your opponent is fighting, class. You never know what tricks they have or how underhanded they are."

"I didn't mean your level, Professor. What level do you wish me to assume for your demonstration?"

"Give me ten, Miss Xavier. Give me what you're capable of. Show true effort."

"You really don't want that much. Does she Harry?"

"Umm. No," he said.

"Come on girl. Enough stalling. In order to pass this class and get your NEWTS you must show your potential. That is the point of this exercise."

She faltered minutely when my pleasant smile grew wider.

"No Unforgivables then?" I asked.

"Unforgivables are illegal and will not be a part of a legitimate duel."

"The ones we would duel with will use them. Legitimacy doesn't count when you are in pain, forced action or dead, Professor."

"Not that you would have the skill or training with any Unforgivable to make it effective. No Unforgivables."

"Spoilsport," I called. It elicited gasps from the Gryffindor crowd who were unaware of me. The Slytherins remained impassively interested. They knew I was a Death Eater but they did not know anything else. We began to hex and counter or deflect in earnest. I matched her level and enjoyed myself in the process. I could hear her heart beating rapidly with adrenaline. The bell rang but no one moved and she did not dismiss class.

We remained our exercise. "Do you wish to call it a draw?" she asked.

"Nope," I answered. "Are you tired? Do you need a break?" I taunted.

"Never, child," she condescendingly countered. She fired again. Movement of students passing the classroom and their attention drawn to our demonstration stopped them.

I was growing bored and decided to step up the pace. I knew it may not be bright but I would not walk away with anyone accusing me of loosing. It was now a matter of pride. I deflected her spells with my wand and returned fire with my hand. She worked twice as hard now to keep the pace and her heart raced. I stepped closer as we circled, narrowing our distance to ten feet. She did not retreat but continued her work. Her brow began to soak with sweat. I wanted to finish it and her. She needed to address me with respect, and never condescend me because she assumed I am no match. I fired two hexes and while she dodged one and deflected the other I stood nose to nose with her and said, "Expelliarmus," wandless and she flew back with the burst into her protective bubble she created to contain our hexes. Her wand sailed to my waiting hand as she picked herself up off the floor. She staggered to me and bowed her defeat, grudgingly.

Slytherin's clapped politely as well as Gryffindors. Applause could be heard out in the corridor by any who witnessed the duel.

"Miss Xavier, my wand?"

I handed it back to her.

"You did well and I am quite impressed. Fifty points to Slytherin for a job well done," she wasn't altogether happy about it but I recognized respect in her eyes. That was all I aimed for.

The rest of my afternoon was typical. No news had broken about what transpired the previous evening. After History of Magic I felt compelled to resolve my issues with Draco. I went to his room and knocked. He opened the portrait and was surprised to see it was me.

"Gryffindor is five floors up," he stated.

"I am aware of that, Draco. Can I come in and talk?"

He stepped aside and opened the portrait for my admittance. I sat in my old chair and waited for him to join me.

"What is wrong with you? Wasn't the last lesson from the Dark Lord enough? The whole school knows you were with him last night. It's bound to get back to him."

"Draco, please sit down so I can tell you something."

He grumpily sat with a huff. I rolled my eyes at his juvenile behavior.

"Nothing leaves this room, Draco." I warned.

"Agreed."

"After the events of last night combined with tonight, your freedom is absolute."

He was curious and disbelieving. "Do you mean that tonight the war will begin?"

"No, no war. Voldemort is dead." My statement hung heavily in the air.

"You're joking. You can't be serious. I mean if it were true the whole school would be celebrating."

"Only Dumbledore, Harry, McGonagall, Snape and I know. Now you do as well. That's where Harry and I were last night. It was no secret rendezvous. Harry defeated him privately. After tonight then yes, the world will know. Tonight is the capture of all Death Eaters."

He sat utterly still for a moment, absorbing my words and their implication. He stood and began to pace in the space between the sitting area and his bed.

"All Death Eaters?"

"Technically, yes."

"What do you mean 'technically'? My father will be arrested, tried, convicted. But he could escape. He could pay off certain people like last time and be free in a matter of days. Then he will be furious."

I stood and grasped his hands looking directly in his blue eyes. "Your father is dead."

He flinched as if struck, "What?" He turned and sat on his bed, the pace evaporated from him. Still holding his hands in mine he looked away.

I knelt on the floor to look up into his eyes to repeat, "Your father is dead."

"And my mother?" he asked afraid.

"She knows. I warned her and told her to go on holiday for a few days. She is fine, Draco. I would never harm her."

"So you're saying that you killed him?"

"Yes, I did." Silent tears spilled out of his eyes. He pulled me up into his arms and sobbed. I held him inhaling his once familiar scent hoping it wouldn't be the last time I was so near. I had fully expected his anger and rejection. This was a welcome surprise. He seemed to release a great weight with his overflowing emotion. I held him to my breast and kissed his head rocking and comforting. His tears were sadness, grief, regret as well as relief. He calmed after awhile. "He was a bastard. But he was the only father I had."

"I understand." I whispered into his pale hair.

He lifted his head in order to see my face, "Was it quick?"

"Yes, Draco. It was."

"Good." He reached up to hold my face in his hands and pulled me toward him. He offered his lips and I closed the distance. His lips were as soft as I remembered and I could taste the saltiness of his tears. I refrained from pushing further intent only on following his lead. He lips parted beneath mine and he tasted my lips in request. Mine parted granting permission. He slowly reclined on his soft bed applying pressure in his fingertips on the back of my neck pulling me down with him.

Soon we lay side by side on the bed with my leg draped over his pulling him closer, pressing our bodies together. We gently tasted one another our tongues danced together. My arm pillowed beneath my head to ease our angel. I held his shoulder and caressed his hair and his jaw. I tickled the back of his neck. His arm was trapped beneath my waist his hand pressed into the small of my back drawing circled alternately. His hand rested on my thigh holding me there. His palm moved to my knee his fingertips slipped below the hem of my uniform skirt and up my bare skin to grip my backside. He pulled me closer undulating his hips to cause friction on my cleft from his turgid eager prick.

Our mutual moans were echoed in each others mouth. There was no way in hell I was going to stall, stop or resist him ever. I was not noble and would not do the noble thing by saying 'no, not now in your grief'. Nope. Never. If he called a halt, which I doubt, I would acquiesce. But I would be disappointed a very hurt. His fingers moved over my bottom to delve in my begging entrance wet with anticipation.

In that moment I remembered al the casually cruel things he has done to me recently and in fact for months. I pulled away, "Draco stop. I can't do this."

He opened his eyes, hazy with lust, "Let's get undressed, then we can."

I released him and sat up. "No, Draco. You were right. I'm not human enough for you."

It took a moment for the fog of lust to clear from his brain to realize what I said. "You seemed alright with it a few minutes ago."

"For months you have all but spat on me whenever I was near. And for months this is what I thought I wanted." I gestured to us on the bed. "I can't be with you like this. I love you Draco whether you return that or not, but it is different now. There is a part of me that you'll never understand. A part that you'll never be able to accept and I can't live like that. I don't want to hide pieces of myself for fear of your reaction then rejection."

"Like what? I haven't forgotten what you are, Mercy. Things you've done in the past were for a good reason. I understand that now. It doesn't change who you really are."

"No, it doesn't change who I am. But you don't know the real me, the whole me. And if you did I can guarantee you would not be sitting here with me."

"Then tell me," he pleaded.

"Alright, but don't say that I didn't warn you." I breathed deeply preparing to tell him the hardest truth. "I fucked your father."

"I knew that," he interrupted.

"Let me finish." I looked at him seriously. "I fucked your father repeatedly after… over the corpses of our victims, Draco. And I enjoyed it. Now look at me and tell me honestly that you could be with a monster like that. A monster that could do such things and get off by it?" I really had no choice but to tell him the worst of my actions, otherwise he would lie to both of us and say that he could handle anything else I confessed.

He sat in stunned stillness before his face contorted with disbelief then disgust and anger. His eyes turned hard and cold as he stared into mine, "No, I couldn't."

"Exactly," I said softly. "I do love you, Draco. I once vowed to myself to protect you at all costs. I will continue to do so, including protecting you from me." I stood up and left the room quietly. Neither of us had anything to say to each other. I felt as if a weight had been lifted when I realized that grasping for him was grasping for air. In my heart I knew that Draco couldn't offer what I needed. He couldn't and I was more the fool for not admitting that to myself sooner. He was still a boy who needed to grow up. His adolescent views of the world as either black or white would change in time but I wasn't going to wait. I wasn't going to throw away the chance of being accepted wholly now for an illusion of what couldn't or wouldn't be there when Draco grew up.

The thing was that I really wasn't upset by it and that was a pleasant surprise.

I knocked on Severus' chamber door to inform him of my revelation. When he threw the door open and glared at me I was taken aback. Then I remembered that he wasn't all too happy with me right now either. He stood holding the door and the frame clearly not inviting me in. I ignored his body language and ducked under his arm holding the frame and entered his chambers. I walked over to his couch and made myself comfortable.

The sound of the door slamming redirected my gaze. "Stop being so melodramatic and come sit with me," I demanded. He huffed a bit but sat nonetheless.

"First off, what is your problem? I thought you would be grateful to be rid of the Mark?"

"Maybe I deserve to be imprisoned with the other Death Eaters."

"If that is what you want, then I can give it back. Is that what would make you happy?"

He waited a minute before replying, "No. I don't want it back. I would however have appreciated being warned first though. I don't like the fact that you performed the same ritual with Lucius, even if it was for his wife and son."

"I was just keeping a promise."

"And what happens after tonight? Will you continue where you left off with him?"

I knew he spoke of Draco, but couldn't say it outright. "That's what I came to tell you."

"Right then. If that is all you'll have to pardon me as I have many things to tend to." He was dismissing me but he continued to sit stoically. I ignored his request and straddled his thighs. I rested my head on his shoulder but kept my arms bent into myself.

"I told Draco about his father's death. He took it better than I had predicted. In fact he kissed me and it almost went further."

"You are informing of this, why?" He had remained still, his arms resting at his sides. He was confused as to why I closed the distance between us.

"I am informing you that I told him that there will be no future between us. We could never give each other what we want or need. I guess you could say that I had an epiphany and what or rather who I want and need is you."

He held my shoulders and pushed me away from him and for a moment I thought he was rejecting me. Until he looked deep in my eyes, "Are you saying that you want me?" his voice was hushed.

"That's exactly what I am saying."

He pulled me back to him, his lips descended to mine and his arms released my shoulders to wrap around my back, holding me close. When he released me our lips were swollen and our breath came in small bursts. "We don't have enough time for more. We both need to prepare for tonight. Afterwards, we will have more time," he reasoned.

"Just a few more minutes won't hurt," I pleaded.

"Yes it will. And we both know it. Neither one of us will be able to stop. We have much to do yet."

Reluctantly I climbed off of him. Once he stood he readjusted his erection as he could walk and I smiled. With his movement he just drew my attention further to that section of his anatomy. I slid off the couch to the floor. I ran my hands from his knees up the back of his thighs. I looked up to him as he looked down upon me.

"Let me please you, Severus."

"And what about you?" he asked archly.

"I can take care of myself," I replied.

"Doesn't seem fair," he said as he unbuckled his belt regardless. I loved belts and buckles. Every time you open them it's like a bow on a gift. Just seeing a belt buckle made me giddy with the prize beneath its clasp. I helped unbutton his trousers and slipped them down. His turgid cock was almost purple at the tip begging for worship. I eagerly surrounded it with my mouth and tongued the weeping slit. His gust of inhalation showed his appreciation but he quickly pulled away. I was unsure what his meaning was until he knelt on the hearthrug with me and guided me down.

He unbuttoned my black Hogwarts robe revealing my uniform underneath. He placed my feet flat on the rug spreading my thighs in the process. My gray skirt lifted from this position revealing the engorged lips at the apex of my thighs. With his thumbs he spread them and hummed his approval before dipping his digits into me. I bucked off the floor in surrender and need. He withdrew his hands and climbed above me placing his hands on either side of my head. I wrapped my hand around his shaft and guided him to my needy cunt.

Once positioned properly he thrust forward forcefully. A whimper caught in my throat as he set a quick steady pace of thrust and withdraw. With my legs braced on the floor it gave me the opportunity to lift my hips to meet his thrusts. The only parts of me on the floor were my feet, my shoulders and head. His hands and toes were all that braced him from collapsing, toppling our whole structure. It wasn't long before I stiffened and climaxed with a keen that echoed off the dungeon walls. My nails dug into his back as I arched into him still as he groaned his orgasm. His deep voice of pleasure sent ripples of shudders through me and then we did collapse. Our limbs and clothes tangled together, our bodies sticky with sweat from our mutual exertions.

"See, that didn't take too long," I panted.

"But we are still late for the meeting," he breathed heavily back. We both sat up putting our clothing to rights.

I noticed a small envelope next to the hearth, "What's that?" I pointed to the envelope.

After Severus buttoned his trousers he leaned over and picked it up. He opened it and read the contents quickly. He start laughing and handed the letter to me. Puzzled I read:

Severus and Mercedes,

Step through the Floo to my office when you are presentable. The requested Order members are here and waiting. Next time be certain to close the Floo. Imagine my surprise upon witnessing such an acrobatic display.

Albus

It was rather funny in a mortifying sort of way. "Oh my god," I said.

Severus was just catching his breath from his amusement. "I told you that we didn't have much time."

"I notice that now." I sourly said but I couldn't contain the wry smile that followed. Severus gentlemanly offered me a hand up and finished closing my robe.

As soon as we entered, Albus twinkled over his spectacles at us and said mildly, "That was quick."

"And satisfying," I retorted. The Headmaster chuckled merrily in reply. Severus, having an image to maintain, just scowled.

"Now, we must Floo to Grimmauld Place and Severus and Mercedes will tandem apparate with one of us since Malfoy Manor is unplottable. We will continue taking turns apparating until we are all present. Is everyone ready?" With the crowds assent I noticed that all in attendance were at the last meeting including a few more.

Harry and Dumbledore were the first to Floo to Grimmauld Place. After each of us had taken our turn and gathered in the foyer of this place I had never been.

Severus grabbed Tonks and I a man named Shacklebolt, we disapparated to the familiar foyer of Malfoy Manor. Once the Aurors checked around they returned to the foyer and the four of us apparated to Grimmauld. We each gathered another Order member and disapparated. When we reappeared, Severus and I entered the ballroom to prepare as the Order members disappeared only to reappear with more members. Everyone was present; Dumbledore cast a powerful glamour on Harry to further resemble Tom Riddle. The candles were dimmed a bit to set the stage. Harry took his place on the throne that Severus had brought out. I took my place reclining between Harry's legs with my head resting on his thigh. Severus stood to the side of the throne in Lucius' spot as second in command.

"Is that your normal position," A gruff man, who I was pre-warned was Mad Eye Moody, asked me.

Before I could retort, Severus cut me off, "As his consort, Mercy was expected to sit in that fashion during surprise summons. Otherwise she could be anywhere she chose."

"Consort did you say?" Moody inquired.

"His consort and his downfall," Harry quickly interjected. It was eerie to look up and see the man we executed just last night. With every bit of trust gained in me, Harry's protectiveness increased. It was a nice feeling. Something in his countenance seemed to silence Moody.

"Is everyone ready?" Dumbledore asked. The crowd gave their agreement and they all were stationed around the room with their wands at the ready.

Harry held his wand to my brand I pulled forth an image of Augustus Rookwood. My brand burned painfully and I knew it worked. We didn't have to wait long before Rookwood appeared and bowed customarily, waiting for the Dark Lord to give permission for him to rise. The Aurors acted quickly binding and disarming him. Before he realized what had happened the Aurors disapparated with him to Headquarters to put him in a holding cell to await trial.

We repeated the process ambushing every Death Eater one by one. We knew that there were more that we didn't know the identity of but those we would save for last. We started with the remaining Inner Circle and worked our way down. Rudolph and Bellatrix Lestrange did not answer their summons immediately and we continued with our mission. We agreed that we had enough members ready for when they finally arrived. We had exhausted our list of known Death Eaters and we all prepared for the next and final batch. I ordered a general summons so anyone with a Mark that remained would feel it and be captured as well.

The group answered almost simultaneously and twenty five unknown Death Eaters bowed in subservience. All were disarmed by the out of sight Order members. The process of removing them to their respective cells was interrupted by a grief stricken howl of pain coming from Mrs. Weasley. She approached a bowed red head. The bowed man looked up his eyes wide with fear as she grabbed the bound man buy the upper arms and shook him violently. She screamed, "How could you? How could you do this? How could you betray everything you've been taught? How could you, Percy? How could you?"

The man had tears streaking down his cheeks to match the woman's. He stuttered out, "I'm sorry Mum. I'm so sorry."

"How could my son, my flesh and blood join them? How could you?" She all but shrieked. Mr. Weasley held his wife as she sobbed brokenheartedly into his chest. He only graced his son with a look of utter disappointment and sadness and led his wife away. I looked to where Ron was standing and he looked dejected. It was like he wasn't exactly shocked by the revelation, but disturbed by it nonetheless.

He was the last one to be apparated away in shame and disgrace. After the Aurors disapparated with Percy Weasley simultaneous pops of Rudolph and Bellatrix Lestrange had finally arrived. I nudged Harry for him to stall a few minutes until the Aurors returned.

"You took your time getting here didn't you?" He asked in a fair imitation of the former Dark Lord. Voldemort's phrasing my have been a bit different but not much.

"We humbly apologize, My Lord." Rudolph prostrated himself.

"Excuses are unacceptable," Harry hissed completely in character.

Just then the Aurors returned and their noise alerted the prostrating Death Eaters. They stood and whirled immediately with their wands drawn. The Aurors and Order Members closed in and quickly disarmed them with only a few hexes fired.

As they were being bound, Harry stood calling, "Bellatrix," removing the glamour. I scrabbled quickly to stand with him.

Bellatrix turned and gave him a hate filled look, "You…"she said.

"I hope you get the Dementors Kiss you bitch. That's what you deserve for killing Sirius," he spat.

She didn't reply but swiftly drew another wand secreted away, aimed at Harry and shouted, "Avada Kedavra."

I didn't think, I just acted on instinct and stepped quickly in the path of the curse. I felt my heart stall and watched the edge of the dais fast approach before blackness enveloped me.

After Mercy went down in a crumpled heap, pandemonium ensued. Bella's wand was quickly snatched from her. Harry and Severus were stunned still by the quickness of Mercy's interference and subsequent death. But they both sought retribution together. Severus was the first to strike, punching the kneeling woman squarely in the face and Harry wrapped his hands around her throat. Lupin grabbed Harry and physically removed the younger man's hands from the dying woman.

"She's not worth it, Harry. Don't destroy your future by killer her." Harry seemed to shake off his rage induced blindness.

Hermione had ignored the fight and was kneeling next to Mercy's body. She wasn't sure what to do so she knelt over her one time friend and confidante. She couldn't believe that she was dead. She had helped them gain their freedom and stepped between the curse intended to kill her boyfriend, Harry. Her watery brown eyes widened at the pool of dark crimson blood pooling beneath Mercy's head. "She's bleeding," she shouted. It was futile to stop the bleeding of a dead person but it upset her further to see that amount of blood.

Hermione's shout turned the attention of Severus who came close and gathered Mercy to him. He held his hand over the gash in her forehead, rocking her back and forth. Hermione was unsettled even more by the display of affection and emotion that her Potions Professor exhibited.

Professor Dumbledore approached the pair and popped a lemon drop in his mouth jovially. "Take her to the Infirmary, Severus."

"What will that do?" he snarked.

"Just do it, Severus." Dumbledore's demeanor shifted lightning fast to stern war general and Snape complied. He disapparated with his precious burden to Grimmauld Place and Flooed directly to the Infirmary. Poppy had been on alert since everyone left earlier that night. She immediately directed Severus to the nearest cot where he gently released his cargo.

"What happened?" Poppy asked.

"She got hit by the Killing Curse and hit her head when she fell. It's pointless Poppy, she's not breathing."

Poppy performed several diagnostic spells. "No breathing and no heartbeat." Then she cleaned her head wound. "You said she hit her head after she received the curse?" she questioned.

"Yes. I did not stutter, Poppy," he said acerbically.

"Well, the wound is gone and I can't find any other evidence of injury."

"That doesn't make sense," he replied.

Their attention was redirected from their staring contest by a wheezing inhalation of breath from the cot between them. Mercy turned on her side and coughed violently. Once the coughing subsided and she was able to catch her breath, Severus gathered her in his arms and broke out in uncharacteristic sobs.

She held him back fiercely and accepted his emotional display. Poppy felt as though she were intruding upon a delicate and intimate moment. She retreated and pulled the curtains closed surrounding them. She busily tended to her other patient, trying to shake the image of the unflappable Potions Master breaking down. On the other hand it was a moment she would cherish. She knew that the cold hard exterior of Severus Snape was a façade and now after more than twenty years of acquaintance bordering friendship, this was proof.

17