Chapter Seven
A Matter of Trust
Harry stood there, in front of the fireplace, watching the empty room. A bit of relief washed over him quite unexpectedly. After he had learned that Moira was an animagus and that she took the form of a snake, many things got clearer in his mind… things that he was glad were cleared up. That was the reason he felt helpless under her gaze. Looking in the eyes of a predator is not quite relaxing, is it? That also explained the sensation that she was reading his mind. Snakes observe quite closely their prey, knowing their weaknesses, their movements, allowing them to attack… the relief was gone. One thing Harry also knew about snakes was that they are not suppose to be trusted. The reptile can act a certain way to attract the prey and BAM! Dinner is served.
Harry sat down slowly on the couch. The wind blowing strongly on the outside of the castle, making a howling sound, much like Lupin does on full moon nights. His thoughts began to race in his mind. The first time he had seen Moira, was the first one to appear. The way she waltzed inside the classroom, looking like an evil queen; gorgeous appearance, soft but strong voice, hypnotic eyes. Harry shivered. When he had had problems with the Angrynim, Moira had been there to guide him through it. He had seen the sparkle in her eyes, just like Albus Dumbledore's. She could have never faked that. Then again, she had been engaged to Voldemort himself. It was a spell, but he heard what Megan had said; Moira had very strong Dark abilities. But she was there when he had passed out… she healed him. She put herself in danger for him tonight. Harry braced himself as he remembered Moira falling into Snape's arms, closing her eyes, and blacking out. He remembered the coldness inside him when he saw Snape run out of the Hall with Moira limp in his arms. Snape never runs anywhere. Harry thought Moira had died… not only that… he thought he had lost her.
Why did he feel that way? They had just met and pretty much everything he knew about her came from what other people had told him. But why did he care so much about her? Harry had never crushed on a teacher before but he knew that was not it. It felt different. It was as if he had known her before that first day in the classroom. Well, he had known her, as the boa constrictor he set free at the zoo, but that wasn't it either. After Sirius trial, when Moira and he embraced, he felt weird, as if that had happened before but when? How? Why couldn't she be just like other teachers, like McGonagall or Hagrid? With no secret life, without so many hidden facts about her past, herself…why did he care so much about all of that anyway? Why couldn't he stop thinking about her?
"Thank Merlin!" exclaimed Ron as he entered the Gryffindor common room, followed by Neville. They both sat tiredly on the floor, but Hermione went flying up the stairs to the girls' dormitory, closing the door behind her, with no word to anyone.
Harry looked over at the boys. Ron cheeks were really blushed and Neville rubbed his hands over his stomach and moaned softly.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry.
"Hermione is insane!" said Ron "First, she got that note from Professor Crane, and ran to the library. Then, she read a few hundred books looking for the right spell or potion, to do what I have no clue."
"Then after she was done, she took me to see Poppy, who gave me an enormous chocolate bar to eat. I really like chocolate, but I didn't need another bar, Harry. I had too much of it after what had happened in the Hall" and Neville groaned again.
"But, according to Hermione, Neville had to eat the bar, or Professor Crane would suspect." Ron said, getting up and helping Neville do to the same.
"Suspect what?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, but by the way Hermione is acting, we'll only find out in the morning. I have to go to sleep, Harry" Ron said as him and Neville went up the stairs to the boys' dormitory.
Harry just couldn't bare the questions anymore. He got up from the couch, put his invisibility cloak over him and left the common room.
Things were far from calm in the Slytherin common room. Malfoy's light blond hair stood out in contrast with the dark green that dominated the walls and furniture of the room.
"Did you see what they did? That was dark, Dark Magic! Incredible!" said a third year boy.
"Spells like that require a big amount of intimacy and trust between the wizards" said Phillip "Did you see how Professor Snape ran out with Professor Crane in his arms? Do you reckon he likes her?"
"Please... with a woman like that unconscious in your arms, wouldn't you run like hell to get her alone?" said Iago, with a sneer on his face.
His comment got some Slytherin boys laughing but some girls turned their faces at him.
"So...what seems to be the problem?" asked Snape in his low voice as he emerged from the entrance to the common room.
"No problem here, sir" said Draco promptly "We were wondering if everything is alright with the professor."
Snape scrutinized the boy. Certainly Lucius asked him to report Moira's actions to him.
"Professor Crane is fine." Snape said, looking at the boy's reaction.
"What was that all about, sir? How did those vampires get inside?" asked Iago.
Snape turned on his heals slowly, looking for the owner of that voice. Iago was standing behind him, his eyebrows drawn together in what seemed to be a very concerned expression, but Snape knew better than to believe him. Sly as his father, Iago was probably reporting everything to Liam as well. The two sons of the two most loyal Death Eaters together…that couldn't be good.
"I was on my way to a meeting to find that out when you called me here" Snape said, sounding very annoyed. "Will there be anything else?"
Students shook their heads. Incredibly disciplined they all were and he was proud of that. Disciplined but with secret agendas. True, Snape favored his students over the others but he also knew he had to, for that was the only way for him to keep up with what is going on in their little minds.
"Sir, we thought that what you did was...really amazing" said a seventh year girl as she approached Snape.
"Indeed. Your calm and expertise during the whole ordeal was inspiring" concluded another one, both speaking in no more than a whisper so that the others wouldn't listen.
Snape gave a half grin at the two. He liked to be complimented but he truly hated students crushing on teachers. Beautiful young girls they both were, capable witches as well, but not for his league. There was only one who matched him, and unfortunately, that one had to remain untouched for her good and his. He had survived her once, but he wasn't so sure he could do it again. That damn witch! Making him...feel! He had lived fine without her for many years, shutting down every kind of feeling he could have. It was easier that way. But now...that temptress had returned, even more beautiful than before, getting closer to him than before. One thing he was certain of: he would not stand aside while Voldemort hurt her. He would not do that again, never again.
Waiting no longer, Snape urged them all to continue with their normal assignments and then, to be off to bed. The students followed and he left the room.
As soon as Snape left, Draco and Iago went up to their room. Smiling broadly, the opened a window.
"Your owl or mine?" asked Iago as he wrote everything that had happened today in a parchment, sealed it, rolled it up, and gave it to Draco.
Moira walked slowly and with difficulty, complaining under her breath about the sting she still felt on the back of her head and rib. It was healing fast, but it still stung her. She rubbed softly the back of her neck with one hand and placing the other along the fabric of her corset. Moira's thoughts took her back to Harry. He looked so much like James it was scary: thoughtful as him and yet extremely brave, big curious eyes like Lily's. They would have been proud of their son. They would also ground him forever after learning about all the trouble he had gotten himself into.
She smiled to herself when she remembered what he had told her. He had worried about her; afraid that she had died. When she had gone to talk to him, she feared he would not be willing to listen, but he did. That boy never ceased to surprise her.
Moira continued her slow walk up to the gargoyle when she heard hurried footsteps. By the light sound they were from a student and by the approaching smell, cinnamon shampoo, they belong to a girl.
Moira stopped facing the way the footsteps were coming from and it didn't take long for Megan Malfoy to appear around a corner. Her cheeks were flushed from running but her lips were white.
Megan froze when she saw Moira. In return, the teacher frowned at the girl.
"Is everything alright, Miss Malfoy?" Moira asked, concerned.
Megan's eyes started to water, her lips moved but no sound came out from them. She just ran towards Moira, throwing herself in her arms. Moira gave a small gasp since the girl was pressing the broken and now healing rib. Moira had to hold Megan's arms away from the wound as she knelt in front of the girl so they could be face to face. But Megan couldn't face her.
"What's wrong?" Moira asked, trying not to think of the pain this position was causing her.
"I didn't know... I swear I didn't" Megan said, tears flowing down her cheeks as she lowered her head towards the floor.
Moira held the girl by her shoulders, making her face her.
"What, Megan? What didn't you know?" Moira asked softly.
Megan looked at Moira. Her clear blue eyes showed sadness and surprise for being called by her first name.
"I'm so sorry, professor. I didn't know she was going to hurt Harry. I didn't know she was going to hurt you" Megan said, more tears flowing.
Moira's face hardened.
"She told me someone was going to look for me by the gates to deliver a package that was too heavy to be owled. All I had to do was invite the woman in, take the package and leave" Megan said between sobs "I should have known. Who delivers mail at night, professor?" Megan said, crying harder, her whole body trembling.
"It's alright, Megan. No harm done" Moira said softly, controlling the anger that was building inside of her.
"It's not alright, professor. Why does she hate you so much? Why can't she just forget it?"
Moira closed her eyes, as her anger grew stronger. Maeve had used her own daughter.
"Look at me, Megan" she urged and the girl followed "Who was the vampire you invited in?"
"It was a woman. She didn't look like a vampire though"
"There's a spell for that" Moira said fast "Did she tell you her name?" Moira asked.
As Megan was trying to remember, Moira's eyes traveled from the girls face to focus on something passed her, following the approaching tall and dark figure of Snape.
Moira got up slowly, still feeling the stings by her side, but her eyes were not leaving Snape's. Megan turned around and swallowed down hard when she saw him.
"What is going on?" Snape asked, annoyance and curiosity mingled in his silky tone of voice.
Moira put her hands on Megan's shoulders, giving the girl confidence to face the irate professor. When Megan was about to say what she had done, she felt Moira grip her shoulders.
"Nothing much. Miss Malfoy got a little impressed with the events of this evening"
Snape looked at the two of them. Moira stood there, defiantly, although he knew she was lying and he knew she was still in pain. Megan in the other hand was trembling.
"I'll see you at the meeting then, professor" Moira said to Snape.
He recognized that tone. Snape turned, whispered the password to the gargoyle, and disappeared up the stairs that led to Dumbledore's office.
Moira turned to Megan, lowering her body once more, so that they were face to face.
"Listen to me, Megan. None of this was your fault"
Megan tried to protest but Moira cut her off.
"You couldn't have known...you couldn't suspect your own mother."
"But I should have."
Moira looked at the girl. Usually so strong and in control and now she was falling apart.
"Please don't hate me professor" Megan whispered.
"Why would I do such a thing?"
Megan raised her eyes. She wasn't crying anymore. Her eyes were swollen and red, and her face was still wet from her tears.
"Because I am her daughter" she whispered again.
Moira was thunder struck. She knew that the girl wasn't on such good terms with her mother but she never would have guessed that she resented her this much. She could only imagine what kind of life Megan was going to have.
"Megan, your mother and I will never get along. I assume you know the reasons for that?" Moira asked, her voice calm.
Megan confirmed with her head. Her eyes were set on the teacher's.
"I don't blame you for her actions, and I never will. Understood?"
Megan shook her head once more, relieved.
"Your mother is a tough headed witch. I see a lot of her in you. The good parts, I mean." Moira said as she regained her full height and posture.
Megan lowered her head as she cleared her tears from her face.
"I know she cares about me. She just doesn't think that much about me when her plans involve revenge, that's all."
Moira frowned at that statement. Probably this wasn't the first time Megan was used so Maeve could get what she wanted.
"I should go" Megan said, raising her face to meet Moira's. "I'm sorry I broke down like that."
"There is nothing to be sorry about Miss Malfoy. Now go back to bed before you pass curfew." Moira said, the teacher tone back in her voice.
Megan smiled weakly at her and left. As Moira entered the passageway to her father's office, Megan turned the corner and left for the common room.
Inside Dumbledore's office stood several teachers, some, like McGonagall were still thunderstruck. Moira went in, perceiving the gazes she was receiving but also keeping in mind that she was amongst friends; no reason to get hostile then.
"Did you talk to him?" asked Sirius as he approached her.
Moira nodded, and sat down with a little difficulty by her father. Just by being close to him, she felt a bit safer. Sirius stood by the back of her chair. Moira's eyes searched the room and found a dark figure standing opposite her, leaning against a wall. Just by looking at it, she knew it was Snape. The tall figure was almost eaten away by the dark. She sighed as her chest contracted on what one would call nervousness. They had done spells and brew potions together before, but this time…this time was different. He held her, took her in his arms to the hospital wing, healed her himself, and kept her secret. She had always been around him, but they had never gotten this close to each other. Things were getting complicated.
"Care to share your little meeting with the Malfoy girl, Professor Crane?" came Snape's baritone voice from the dark.
Even though she couldn't see him, Moira raised her eyebrow slowly at him.
"Curious aren't we, Professor Snape?" Moira spat back as she got up. It was too painful to stay seated "It was rather enlightening. Megan Malfoy told me that her own mother talked her into inviting a vampire in without her noticing"
The room roared with disbelief. Snape came slowly out from the shadows. His face was set in anger but with his frown, Moira could see he thought she was lying.
"Tell me something, Snape" Moira whispered to him "Are you angry because Maeve was the architect of that mess or because her daughter trusted me with the information instead of you?"
Snape was furious at Moira but decided to play along.
"What makes you think I'm angry at all?" he whispered back.
"You are doing that thing with your lip. Oh…you're angry" Moira said with a mocking little smile on her pouty lips.
Now Snape couldn't hide his anger. He hated the way she knew him almost as well as he knew her.
"That can't be true" said Lupin "I never thought..."
"Indeed, you never do" Snape spat at him, moving to the other side of the room. The hem of his robes framing his steps.
"How is Megan taking all of this?" Lupin asked, ignoring Snape's comment.
"She's frightened, thinking it was her fault. She told me the vampire she invited in was a woman, but she was probably using a spell on her appearance, for Megan told me she didn't look like a vampire"
"She invited one but a bunch came in. Another spell must have been used to extend the invitation" Sirius said.
"Yes. Probably Maeve did them both, since vampires can't do magic" Moira finished "All we need now is to find the vampire who got invited."
"Look what I found" said Hagrid as he walked inside the office almost on queue, holding a human sized bag over his shoulder. The content of the bag was tossing and turning, and the smell… Moira got up from the chair slowly, her eyes set on the bag.
Hagrid held the bag upside down and from it a very ugly but familiar figure came out.
"Saskia" Moira hissed as she stepped closer, venom in her eyes.
"I knew I smelled something rotten" Snape said in his low voice, stepping away from the shadows.
The teachers in the room looked at Dumbledore, and took a few steps back as did he, letting Snape and Moira get closer to the vampire. Lupin and Sirius were on their guard, waiting to get in the fight if needed. Moira could smell what she did in the Great Hall only a few hours before. Fear.
"Ooohhh…this is not good" said Saskia, as she pulled her knees to her chin, trembling.
"Found her before she ran to the forest. Don't like snakes much, do you?" asked Hagrid to Saskia.
At that the creature looked from the half giant to Moira, who, by the look in her face, could kill her right there and then, without thinking twice.
"Long time no see" Moira said to Saskia "Tell us, please for I'm very curious about this. What where you thinking?"
Saskia looked at her, but didn't answer. In a blink of an eye, Saskia's thin body was thrown against a wall. Teachers, caught by surprise, moved against the walls, wands in hands.
"I won't ask again" Moira said in a calm, velvet low voice. Her hands behind her back.
"Please sir…I can't…" pleaded Saskia to Dumbledore as she forced herself to kneel.
Dumbledore didn't move. He exchanged glances with his daughter.
"Minerva, would you please go look after Megan?"
McGonagall understood the suggestion and left. So did the others filling the room. Sirius and Lupin were asked to patrol the grounds, performing a spell that undid the invitation.
Saskia had gone to school with them, but she was a few years younger. A Hufflepuff, she was very different from the students in her house. Hungry for power and looking to be invincible, Saskia made a really dumb choice when she decided to become a vampire. Thinking she would become this powerful immortal wizard, she was wrong. Only immortal was the part that came true for when wizards become vampires, they loose all of their magical abilities. Right now, in front of Moira and Snape, Saskia wasn't so sure of her immortality anymore.
"We already know who got you in. What we want to know is what for" said Snape.
"They'll kill me…please...sir" Saskia pleaded to Dumbledore.
"Listen Saskia" Dumbledore leaned over the creature "You know I don't want to fight with your kind but you entered my school looking to hurt my students and my daughter." Dumbledore's voice grew more severe and his face along with it. His usually serene features gave way to a look he hadn't used in a long time, not since the Dementors had gotten into the school grounds "I will not stand such behavior. You tell us what you know or I'm afraid I can't protect you" Dumbledore finished. He approached his daughter and whispered something in her ear. She listened carefully, nodding, but not once taking her eyes from Saskia. The Headmaster left the room after that.
Saskia looked desperate. Moira and Snape were looking at her in a very unfriendly way. If her kind didn't kill her, they certainly would.
"We were supposed to get in, get the boy and leave. I don't know who sent us" Saskia said trembling. "I didn't want to come along, but I was the only one who knew my way around. I didn't want to hurt Harry"
At the mention of the boy's name, Saskia was thrown against a wall again, stronger than last time.
"How dare you say his name?" asked Moira, rage clearly showing in her eyes. She walked toward the creature very fast; Snape could barely follow her movements
"What did you want him for?" Moira asked.
"I don't know" Saskia said as she curled near a corner, hurting all over. With no previous warning, her body started to ache. Pain like she had never felt before.
"Tell me, Saskia; you know I can carry this on the whole night if I have to" Moira hissed by the vampire's ear.
Crucio was an Unforgivable curse that would take any wizard to Azkaban if it were performed on a human. Saskia wasn't human. Snape knew Moira was as capable as he was to perform all of the forbidden curses, but he'd never expect she would actually go through with them. She performed it without even taking her wand out or pronouncing the curse out loud. Clearly, this wasn't the first time she had done it.
The pain suddenly stopped. Saskia looked up at Moira. The witch wasn't even sweating and she saw that she wasn't going to pity her either.
"All I know is what I told you. I swear…I don't know why they wanted the boy"
Moira turned and exchanged looks with Snape. He caught the message. Moira left the room silently.
"This is your lucky day, vampire" Snape said "Apparently, Lady Crane got tired of you."
The vampire got to her feet, an ugly smile on her face as relief washed over her. Her sharpened yellow teeth could be seen.
"However…" Snape said, "I haven't"
The vampire wasn't expecting this. Snape grabbed Saskia by her collar and pinned her against the wall. His bottomless black eyes were filled with wrath. Saskia's feet weren't touching the ground anymore.
"You listen very carefully now" Snape hissed without ever raising his voice "I'll let you go, but you'll carry a little message for me. You'll tell your kind that if they ever come back near any child or teacher in this castle, they'll be exterminated. Do you understand?"
Saskia moved her head, trying to agree, but she was pinned so hard against the wall she could barely move. Snape let her go and she fell to the floor, crawling out of his way, out of the room, out of the castle, and into the forest.
Snape left the room and found Dumbledore by the other side of the door, in the hall, next to the gargoyle.
"What do you think?" the Headmaster asked.
"She'll deliver the message and will be killed" Snape said.
Dumbledore lowered his head as he started walking back up the steps, thoughtful.
"I really didn't want it to be this way" the old man said.
"You had no other choice, Headmaster" Snape concluded.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well…thank you Severus, for your assistance this evening. Both for this and for taking care of Moira." Dumbledore said. Snape nodded softly.
"She likes you, you know?" Dumbledore said, the twinkle back in his eyes.
Snape looked at him, stunned.
"Good night, Severus" and Dumbledore left, leaving Snape with so many thoughts racing in his head, he couldn't decide how to organize them.
What had that meant? Moira and he had always gotten along, everyone knew that, but what had that meant? Was he just stating the obvious? What did the "like" in that sentence mean?
"Is she gone?" Moira asked, making Snape turn fast on his heals.
"Yes" Snape said a bit too fast.
"What's the matter?" she asked, her brown eyes wide.
"Nothing" he said, walking passed her.
"You are getting used to lying to me. Why?" Moira asked as she caught in step with him.
"I'm not lying, Crane" Snape said, stopping and facing her.
Snape regarded her. The outline of her eyes, close to her eyelashes, were darker than they had ever been. He remembered Tsarina's eyes and they were the same way. The dark outline was in great contrast with the creamy white skin, making her gaze deeper.
"What is it?" Moira asked, doubt in her voice.
Snape noticed by her tone that he had been staring at her for quite some time now. He regained his formal posture and putting aside that last comment from the Headmaster, he decided to voice his concerns, even though he knew she was going to talk back at him for it.
"You should be more careful" Snape said "You might have managed fifteen years on your own, but being back under the public eye is very different"
"I know that" she replied "It feels like everyone is watching my every move" Moira said, weariness showing in her voice. She turned to the arches.
"That's because they are" Snape replied in barely more than a whisper.
Moira turned to find the Potions Master behind her with a very deep frown on his face. Moira looked him in the eyes and didn't have to say a word. He understood the question in her eyes. Snape sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Maeve is measuring your abilities, but she can't measure what she can't see. She might not be a match for you, Crane but she has ways of sending others to do things for her like she did today"
"What do you suggest I do then? Lie low and let her hurt people I care about for some purpose I don't even know of?" Moira said "I can't do that. I've been hiding for far too long Snape, helplessly watching friends get hurt. I'm not going to let Maeve scare me. She never had any type of power over me and never will" Moira finished, sounding very determined and equally upset.
Snape came slowly toward Moira. In one fluid movement, without giving time for Moira to react, Snape had his arm around her, pressing his hand hard against her side, where the healing rib still hurt. Moira gasped for air and looked at him thunderstruck. Snape held her against him, pressing her wound with one hand and the back of her neck with the other, making her have no other choice of movement but to raise her head to meet his. Her hands griped his arms tightly as pain shot through her body, enabling her to breathe properly.
"Doesn't she? What is this then?" he whispered in her ear "I had forgotten how stubborn you are" Snape whispered, not letting her get away from his grip.
Snape's eyes were locked with Moira's. He could feel her body trembling from the pain he was causing her, but she didn't cry. Instead she kept her eyes locked in his, making him notice what he was doing. He loosened the grip a bit and it was all she needed. Moira put her hands on Snape's chest and pushed him away from her. Although she didn't have the strength to actually move him, he let go of her. Moira took two steps back, leaning against a pillar, breathing heavily. Her eyes didn't leave Snapes. He could clearly see hate in them. Hate and something else he couldn't define.
"Don't underestimate her, Crane" Snape said unmoved.
Moira stood leaning against a pillar, slightly bowing forward catching her breath, but never taking her eyes from his.
"It is all she needs" he said as he turned and walked away.
Moira stood where she was for a couple of minutes more, not wanting to believe what had just happened. She managed to regain her strength and moved as fast as she could back to her office.
On the outside of Dumbledore's office, after Snape and Moira gone, a certain cloak revealed a young man with glasses underneath it. Harry Potter stood in awe of what he had just heard and seen. He had stood by, helplessly watching Snape hurt Moira and it had felt terrible.
Snape knew he was right, knew she had to be more cautious, then why was he still thinking about it? He had been right. Crane is not immortal and she has to understand that she is also a threat to some wizards and witches and therefore, caution has to become part of her dictionary. He was right and she was wrong but for some reason Snape couldn't be satisfied with that. Maybe it was the burning mark on his forearm that bothered him.
He went back to his rooms, got into bed and before falling asleep his last thought was of how it felt to hold Moira's body in his arms. How much she trembled under his hold. Even after he had let go of her, she hadn't pulled her wand on him. She didn't threaten him nor sent him flying against a wall like she did Saskia. He knew she was able to do such things, then why didn't she? He saw hate in her eyes, but not only that. Did he see fear? Did she fear him? That thought bothered him and he decided not to think on it until the morning, when things might get a bit more complicated.
Moira went inside her office walking fast but with difficulty. Closing the door behind her, she went to a cabinet, looking quickly for a potion. It hurt to breathe. Bastard! When she was starting to heal, he hurt her. Moira's movement got slower as the facts hit her. Only a few days ago Remus had asked if Snape had hurt her and she told him he would never do such a thing. She had been wrong. She had underestimated him. Since they've known each other, he had never touched her like that. They barely touched each other at all. He had healed her only to hurt her again. Snape had done the one thing Moira had been afraid of: he had used pain to prove his point. She had seen in his bottomless black eyes what she dreaded: the Death Eater in him. She had fought Death Eaters before, but tonight, she couldn't manage the strength to fight back.
She stood there, helpless in his arms while thousands of ways of getting away from him flooded her head. She could have easily shot him across the room, but she didn't. She could have suffocated him without the need of her wand, but she didn't. She could have done many things to get her to safety, but she didn't. Part of her wanted to believe that she was too much in shock with what was happening to react to it, or that he was too powerful and wouldn't be hurt by any of the things she could have done to him. But the other part told her something truer. Moira couldn't bring herself to hurt him.
"Bastard" she cursed under her breath.
Not wanting to think about it any longer, Moira soaked a cloth with a potion and was about to put it on her neck when the door to her office opened. Lupin came through. He had a very tired look on his face but when he saw her, his clear big eyes gave way to concern.
"What happened?" he asked as he approached her.
"It started to bleed again" she said simply.
Lupin took the cloth from her hand and gestured for her to sit down. She followed his instructions. Lupin put it the cloth to her neck. Moira closed her eyes, as the wound stung its way into healing again. Her body became rigid and Lupin noticed she was in pain.
"Sorry" and his touch grew lighter. He took some strands of her hair away from the wound. His hands were warmer than Snape's.
"So...what happened with Saskia?" he asked as he removed the cloth and blew softly on the wound, making the potion dry and Moira shiver.
"She learned her lesson. Won't bother us anymore" Moira said weakly, not mentioning the curse, the throwing around and the fact that her heart was in a knot.
Lupin put down the cloth and sat opposite her.
"What about you and Sirius?" Moira asked as she got up and searched for a different potion in her cabinet. Walking with difficulty but trying not to let it show.
"Fine" Lupin said as he studied her movements "He's on his way up. It took us a while but the spell worked just fine"
Moira found what she was looking for: a very small flask with a dark blue liquid in it. She opened the cork and drank it all in one gulp.
"Did Severus give you that for the pain?"
Moira didn't answer but threw the flask into the flames burning in her fireplace. They grew stronger and then went back to their normal size.
"I see you two fought again" Lupin said.
"Remus, I've had a really long day and I don't want to end it by talking about Snape" she said it without looking at him. If she looked into Lupin's eyes it would only make things worse. He had a way of making her confide in him even when she didn't want to.
"I've forgotten how big this place is" said Sirius as he entered the room and threw his broad shouldered body on the couch, exhausted.
"Everything secure?" asked Moira.
"As Gringotts. No vampire can even dream of entering again" He said, looking at the ceiling.
"Good. I'm off to bed then. Good night." Moira said as she moved across the room and out of it.
"What's the matter with her?" asked Sirius to Lupin.
"She and Snape had a fight and by the look of it, it was a bad one"
Sirius pulled himself up very fast and walked to the door, looking for Moira, but she had vanished already.
"I don't like this, Remus. I don't like this one bit" Sirius said, looking at the empty corridor "Have you noticed how she has been..."
"Distant? Yes, I've noticed" Lupin said, coming to stand beside his friend "She has always been secretive, but not like this. Something happened, Sirius. Something is still happening to her"
"We should talk to her tomorrow" Sirius suggested and Lupin nodded.
The Marauders bid their good nights and left for their rooms but no one got much sleep that night.
Saturday came with a pleasant weather. Cloudy sky with a pleasant breeze was the setting for the first Quidditch practice of the year.
"I MADE IT!" screamed Ron as he ran through the portrait hole, into the common room. A few Gryffindors were still asleep but woke up with Ron's screaming.
"That's great Ron!" said Neville, looking better than the night before.
"Have you seen Harry? I want to see the look on his face when I tell him"
"No. I haven't seen him or Hermione. They woke up pretty early, I guess" Neville said yawning.
As Longbottom went to breakfast, Ron left the room, looking for his friends. The Gryffindor team was really proud and happy for him. Ginny wrote home telling their parents that Ron had made the team. She was beaming.
Ron was going to the library when he heard a familiar voice.
"Congratulations Weasley" came a soft female voice from behind him.
"We were cheering for you" the other voice concluded.
Ron turned around to find the Ravenclaw twins smiling at him. In two thousand years, Ron would never imagine they would even notice him, and now, the two beautiful students were smiling broadly at him.
"You know, Ron, to be a keeper at Quidditch you have to have pretty strong arms" said one, coming closer to the red head.
"Oh…he does!" said the other, touching Ron's upper arm.
Ron was speechless. Not that he had a crush on them but being in the center of their attention felt really good, he couldn't deny it. The giggles only died away when a certain bushy-haired-pretty-faced young girl cleaned her throat.
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, looking half guilty, half happy to see her.
"Congratulations for making the team, Ron" Hermione said simply, hiding the fact that she was feeling very, very jealous.
"Thank you. I went to the common room to tell you, but you weren't there" he explained.
"Probably had her nose stuck in some old book" one twin said, cutting Ron off "Pay no attention. Tell us, Ron, what are your plans for the coming Hogsmeade visit?" continued the dark-haired siren.
The twins, each wrapped at Ron's arms, lead him to the Quidditch pitch. Ron tried but couldn't help to follow the girls. Hermione stood frozen in place, holding back tears. She held tighter the books she was holding against herself, brushing away what the twins had told her.
"You don't know me" she whispered and turned away, looking to follow with her plans, until.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"
A bunch of black robes came tumbling down the stairs and fell at Hermione's feet.
"What..? Julie?" Hermione asked at the bodies.
Julie sat up, her hair all over her face.
"I'm so sorry… I tripped and…"
"Ouch!" exclaimed Harry as he moved to sit up straight.
"Sorry Harry" Julie said half smiling.
"It's ok. Are you hurt?" he asked, helping her to stand up. She shook her head no.
"Are you?"
"No. Just…be careful next time"
"Oh, I will. Promise. How are you, Hermione?" asked Julie, turning to meet her mentor's eyes.
"I'm not hurt if that's what you're asking" she replied a bit too quickly and a bit too firmly.
"Oh...ok" Julie said a bit unsure "I have to get going, Potions Homework to catch up. I'll see you later" Julie said and left for the Great Hall in a hurry, holding up the hems of her robes.
Harry looked at Hermione, not sure about what was going on.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing" She said quickly and got his hand "I need to talk to you" and pulled him to follow her.
They both walked hastily towards Hagrid's hut.
"What is it?" asked Harry as he and Hermione sat on the steps of Hagrid's back door.
"I have been studying the handwriting, pictures and signatures that were inside that spell book you got for your birthday and yesterday I found out who sent it to you" Hermione said.
"Who did?" Harry asked.
"Professor Dumbledore" Hermione replied.
"No he didn't. He told me so"
"Not him. Her. Professor Crane Dumbledore. Look" Hermione said and handed Harry a picture.
The picture had been taken in one of Hogwarts many corridors. In it, Lily, James, Sirius and Remus were waving happily, dressed in their graduation robes. In the background, many people were running and some talking.
"Look closer" Hermione asked and Harry narrowed his eyes as he took the picture next to them.
"I have never noticed this before" Harry said, his thoughts racing.
In the background, talking to each other were a young Moira and Snape. He had his own graduation gown on, and she didn't look too happy about it. Harry didn't know what to think anymore. Yesterday's events played on his head and the image of Moira looking quite saddened about Snape's departure were confusing him even further. Was she already engaged to Voldemort when this picture was taken?
"How did you find out? This doesn't mean she sent me the book"
"She handed Neville a note and I compared the handwriting. She has a very unique one. It's her, Harry. She sent you your parents' book. The question now is why" Hermione said, standing up "How I already know. She must have known where you've been all your life, Harry"
"What brings us back to why" Harry said. Was she spying on him for her father? For Voldemort?
"Hagrid said they were quite close when they were students here. After the spell they did yesterday, I have no doubt of that"
"I do" Harry said.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Harry and he knew he had to tell her what he had witnessed last night. He went into detail about what he had seen and as he told Hermione, her face went from curious to indignant.
"Harry, this is bad. You have to tell someone"
"I can't. I was breaking curfew and besides, who would believe me? It's my word against Snape's" He said, sounding defeated "It was awful, Hermione. They way she looked at him...helpless. And I did nothing to help" Harry said, sitting back down on the cold stone steps, lowering his head "I can't stop thinking about it".
"Don't beat yourself up, Harry. There was nothing you could have done" Hermione said sitting down beside her friend "But we have to tell someone before he does something worse to her"
"I know. But who?"
"Sirius" Hermione answered "He will believe you for sure"
Harry knew how much Sirius and Snape hated each other. He would believe him, but he would also march down to Snape's dungeons and snap his neck without thinking twice. Since every possibility had worse consequences than the others, they agreed to wait to see what happened and if something like that should come close to happening again, Harry would go to Dumbledore.
Even troubled, Harry found the strength to go down to the Quidditch pitch. Following Hermione's instructions, Harry couldn't behave differently or Snape could notice something was wrong. Of course he was late and Angelina was already calling for him. She would be a perfect captain. Obsessed with the game, just like Wood. Hermione told Harry Ron had made the team, but asked him to act surprised when he told him.
"That's it. I give up" Sirius said as he sat inside the teachers' lounge "We looked everywhere, it's almost lunch time and no sign of her".
Lupin sat on a chair opposite Sirius, looking as tired as him.
"Full moon?"
"In a week" Lupin replied.
"I'll be there" Sirius said casually and Lupin smiled at him.
Sirius was like that. He wasn't the type of friend who would talk about how he was loyal to you. He was short and dry. Exact opposite of Remus, and that is why they got along so well. Sirius was impulsive, Remus was rational and Moira was the balance between the two.
Professor McGonagall passed by the open door and took a glimpse of the two inside the teachers' lounge.
"What are the two of you doing inside? The practice has started" the old witch said as she went inside the room.
"We were looking for Moira but couldn't find her. Do you know where she is, Minerva?" asked Lupin.
"She left very early this morning" she replied weakly.
"Left? Where to?" asked Sirius.
"I don't know, but she was in a hurry" McGonagall turned to leave but stopped at the door and turned to the two young men again "Do you already know the story about what happened last night?'
"Oh yes. We are still trying to find the vampire. Since she was a former student, the invitation to get into school grounds was still good and by buying a potion from someone we are still tracking down, the invitation was enhanced" Lupin said as if he had memorized it.
"Very good" McGonagall said.
The three of them stared at each other in silence for a bit. It was Saturday afternoon. What business did Moira have to attend so urgently on a weekend? McGonagall excused herself and left for the Quidditch pitch. Since there wasn't much to do but wait for Moira's return, Sirius and Lupin left to watch the practice as well.
It was darker than Moira remembered. The Pentagram was a pub in Hogsmeade every wizard knew about but didn't dare go in. During the dark times, when Voldemort kept people afraid of their shadow, Death Eaters and Voldemort's sympathizers filled the tables of this bar. It was still very early in the morning but the front door had been opened as he said it would be. Moira also knew the owner and knew he would have been told to open early for this "little meeting".
She stopped in front of the pub. The streets were still deserted. The hood of her raven black cloak was up, covering most of her face. She looked again at the entrance, took a deep breath and walked inside.
It was indeed darker than she remembered. As she walked inside, the owner, a tall and extremely skinny old man looked up at her from the bar. Moira didn't take down her hood but turned enough so the man got a glimpse of her face. As he did so, the hand that was holding a porcelain cup shook so hard, she thought the man was having a heart attack. He stuttered for a few moments before he could manage the control to speak to her.
"He is in the back, my lady. At the usual table" the man said obviously nervous.
Moira knew the table well. It was the best one in the place, in the back of the pub, near a fireplace. From that table, one had a clear view of the door, no one came in and went out without their knowledge. Moira walked slowly, her head held high and her royal like posture making the other man working in the bar know who she was. As soon as he saw her dark figure walk past him, he got to the kitchen and stayed there. Silence was almost tangible. The only noise that could be heard was the swooshing of her dress as she walked. She came to a halt as his eyes saw her.
"My, my...I thought I wouldn't live to see you again" he spoke softly as he stood up to meet her.
Moira's hood was still up, but he could clearly see her face. She didn't smile nor moved. The potion she had taken after her little "encounter" with Snape the night before had worked perfectly. She felt no pain whatsoever, but her sense of smell was impaired and that lack of that sense made her a bit insecure. But she couldn't let him notice it.
"Please Moira. You are with a friend. I believe is safe to take off your cloak" he said as he reached his hand out to take the garment out from her.
Moira took the hood down and unbuttoned the cloak, taking it off and handing it to him. He took the cloak and folded on the back of the chair beside them. Then he moved a chair for her to sit on. She did so and he moved to sit in front of her.
"So, Mr. Malfoy, what do you want to discuss?" she asked in a silky yet firm voice.
"What's the rush? It's Saturday. Why don't we use the time to catch up?" he asked, his clear blue eyes flashing at her "I would love to know where you've been all this time"
"I bet you would" she said smiling "But even being Saturday, and as much as I would enjoy spending the day with you, I do have quite a workload to get done" she completed politely.
Lucius smiled at her. He should have known better. She was quick in thought as a student and now, that quality was enhanced, along with her beauty.
"Very well. Tea?" he asked and in less than a second the owner of the place had a tray in his hands and was serving them. His hands shook violently.
"Apparently your reputation remains intact even after fifteen years." Lucius purred, clearly amused at how much the man feared Moira. The man didn't dare look in Moira's eyes.
"So, what did you invite me her for?" she asked after the man had left.
"For several reasons. One, because I wanted to get some things cleared out" He said in a very business like tone of voice, his smile fading. Moira raised her eyebrow at him, already knowing what he was going to say "My sister didn't have anything to do with what happened last night, at Hogwarts".
"News travels quickly over here. I had forgotten" she said, her brown eyes not leaving his.
"My son got a little too impressed about what happened and wrote me looking for comfort."
Moira felt an almost uncontrollable will to laugh. Please...Draco looking for comfort and Lucius actually giving it. Hell would freeze before that happened.
"I know that my niece probably got a few of the facts mixed up and could have thought the messenger she invited in was a vampire. Did she tell you anything?"
"No. I find Miss Malfoy really quiet" Moira said.
"Oh well. Since she has been sorted into Gryffindor" Lucius said with a tone that made Moira remember how much of a snob Lucius was "I thought she would have come to you. I guess I was wrong"
"I guess so. But tell me, Mr. Malfoy, why was it that your sister sent a messenger to Hogwarts? Was the delivery too heavy for an owl to carry?" Moira asked.
"Yes" he said dryly, as he took a sip of his tea.
"A book this big is not on our supply list. I can only imagine what your sister sent her" Moira said looking way too innocent.
Lucius almost gasped at that. His eyes met hers once more. Those chocolate brown eyes had more cunning in them than he had seen before.
"Probably some mother-daughter thing" he said sounding unconvinced himself.
"I see. Don't worry Mr. Malfoy. Your niece is very clever and will do great in Gryffindor"
"I'm sure of it, since she'll be under your care" he said, smiling maliciously at her "What better teacher to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts than a witch who knows her way around them...from her own experience"
Moira looked at him, wanting to get up and walk away but she managed to control that urge and to smile a weak smile at him.
"The other reason I wanted you to come over here was to remember the old times" he said, still smiling "Remember the nights when we used to talk until almost dawn, right here, at this table? Narcissa misses you greatly. I remember well, the three of us talking about spells and curses. Severus would never join in. Then again, he is rather anti social. Is he still that way?"
"I wouldn't know" Moira cut it.
"I thought you would, since you work so close together now. Draco also told me about the spell"
"Desperate times call for desperate needs and that is all that was. As you probably know, I work with Remus Lupin, not Snape"
"I know that, yes. Shame really. Severus would do great as a Defense Teacher" he took another sip, keeping his eyes on her from the rim of his teacup "I didn't know you were an Animagus, Moira"
Moira's blood froze.
"I see Mr. Malfoy junior happened to comment on that as well. When one is unregistered, one doesn't talk about it" she said casually.
"I see. And what an interesting animal you turn into. A snake. I can see where that comes from" Lucius said, just waiting for Moira to explode on him.
Moira didn't say a word. Her deep eyes only glared at Lucius' cold ones.
"I've known you for years, and yet I feel as if I don't know you at all. You never cease to amaze me. How did you get sorted into Gryffindor? I mean, Lady Crane was a Slytherin and..."
"But my father was in Gryffindor" Moira said cutting him off "I believe I got that part from him" She added "Mr. Malfoy…"
"Why so formal? We are old friends after all aren't we Moira?" he said with a chivalrous smile, hissing her name.
"Yes we are" she narrowed her eyes slightly "As I was saying, Lucius, I don't think you went through all of this trouble only to discuss my sorting, my Animagus form or Snape"
"You are right"
"So, let's get back on track shall we? I see now that your sister wasn't involved in this, nor can I find a reason why she should be"
She lied and Lucius pretended she was right. He shifted in his chair.
"I guess we'll try to find the vampire who started all of that mess and go from there" she said nonchalantly "Now, will you tell me the real reason you asked me here?"
"Longing" he finished "I miss being in the company of a pure blood, intelligent, and crafted wizard. There are so few of us left that I sometimes feel I don't belong. Have you ever had that feeling? That you are too good to be where you are?" he asked.
Moira didn't move. Suddenly, her left shoulder blade started to burn. As the seconds ticked by, the pain increased and Moira was running out of strength. All she wanted to do was scream. She knew Lucius was a loyal Death Eater and was probably taking all of this information back to Voldemort. The pain ceased only to came back again, stronger and in spasms, making it harder for Moira to keep herself from screaming. She focused harder to keep her mind clear and fool a clever snake like Lucius that everything was normal.
"I think we all have that feeling from time to time" she answered, playing his game, trying to get it over with.
"We do. A few days ago I was talking to Narcissa and we were discussing you. How you should have taken... a different path"
"Really? And what would that path be?" Moira said, not blinking, trying to suppress the pain.
"You know what I mean" he whispered to her.
He was expecting everything but this. He thought she would curse him, slap him, walk away, but never this. Moira laughed at him.
"Lucius, you are right. This place brings memories back to me, but none of them is as funny as what you are saying to me right now" she laughed once more and then, her expression hardened "I can't believe you are actually asking me this".
Lucius was frowning at her, clearly not expecting such a reaction when the matter was so serious. Moira leaned closer to him.
"Do you know why I didn't marry him?" she hissed, looking straight at him "Because it is not in my character to drag half-bloods around"
Malfoy was in awe. He opened his mouth, but no words came out of them. Moira smiled mischievously at him as she saw his expression. She stood up slowly and put on her cloak. Her left shoulder blade still stinging.
"Voldemort was powerful. He still is. But it doesn't matter what he does, he will always be Tom Riddle, a half blood. Even Salazar wouldn't be too happy that his heir has mixed blood. I trust you will take this message to him, if you're loyal...and foolish" she leaned closer to him "I would choose a side carefully if I were you, Lucius. When he falls again - because he will - people are coming after you and your little white masked friends and they won't be as merciful and stupid as before" she pulled her hood up and turned to leave.
Lucius stood up and grabbed left her arm, pulling her back against his chest. Moira gasped both in surprise and pain.
'Then help us" he hissed by her ear "Come back to us".
Moira turned to face him, having to raise her head to do so.
"I'm afraid I can't help you. You see, unlike you, I wasn't born to follow" she said firmly, looking into his clear blue eyes.
Moira couldn't smell him, but she could see the fear in his eyes. Fear and doubt. She knew he wouldn't tell Voldemort about what they had discussed for that would mean he would have to stand in front of his master, and try not to look guilty about having second thoughts about his loyalties to the Dark Side. He also feared Moira would take his request as an insult and blow his disguise as a well known rich and powerful wizard who was under the Imperio curse during Voldemort's reign. But she also knew that his Lord had already something in mind for her or she wouldn't be feeling this torture.
"Give my regards to Narcissa" Moira said and left the pub.
The two marauders sat beside McGonagall and Hagrid on the teachers' stands. Hagrid cheered for the team as if they were playing an actual game instead of only practicing. Hermione and Neville weren't too far from them. Some Slytherins joined the practice and made comments about Ron and the new game plans, but the head of their house was nowhere to be seen.
"Save it Rony! Woohoo!" the Ravenclaw twins would scream.
Hermione couldn't believe they were throwing themselves at Ron like that. They had their own house's team to drool over. Professor Sprout didn't mind. "Girls will be girls" she had said.
Hermione looked over as she felt Neville touch her sleeve. Megan Malfoy was arguing by the stands with her cousin, Draco. Neville looked at Hermione and she understood what he wanted to say and they walked over to the girl.
"So what? I was sorted into Gryffindor!" Megan replied.
"So what? You are the only family member who is not in Slytherin, Megan. With that placing, I'm starting to think your father was a Mudblood" said Malfoy.
"You take that back, Draco" Megan threatened, pulling out her wand and pointing at him.
"Defensive of your father are you? You didn't even know him. For all we know, Aunt Maeve could have married a Mudblood without her knowledge as well. How is she regarding your housing, cousin Megan? Upset that her only daughter got into the house of her arch enemy?" Draco said, laughing soundly.
"My mother's enemy? What about yours? Harry is twice the wizard you'll ever be"
"I'll make you regret this"
Seeing that the two of them would kill each other in a blink, Neville and Hermione pulled Lupin by his sleeves and got him to stop the fight.
"Stop, both of you" Lupin demanded "What do you think you are doing? You are family."
"I'm not so sure about that Professor" Draco teased.
"Yes you are and will behave as such. I don't think your parents would be very proud of this" Lupin said, looking at the two of them.
"I'm sorry, Professor" said Megan. Then she looked at Draco "Sorry" she said clearly without meaning.
"I bet you are" he hissed back.
"Mr. Malfoy, I think you'll be serving detention on Monday" Lupin said.
"But...she..." Draco tried to argument but there was no way he was going to win this one.
Lupin knew he was right in giving Draco a detention. Megan was younger and clearly under more stress than he was, but the sweet taste of avenging Hermione, Ron and Harry didn't lose his flavor at all. Draco was going to serve detention just like the three Gryffindors were.
"I'll see you Monday after dinner in my office, Mr. Malfoy" Lupin said, standing his ground.
Draco was in flames as he left to take his seat by Iago, telling him everything.
"I'm very sorry Professor. He insulted my dad and..." Megan started but stopped when she saw Neville and Hermione behind Lupin.
Lupin knelt on one knee so he could face Megan.
"Listen Megan, I know that it is hard to be in Gryffindor when all of your family line was put in Slytherin, but for everything there's a reason. Don't wish to be somewhere else, but make the best of where you are" he said.
Megan was a Malfoy to the core, but her heart was in the right place and it wasn't made out of stone like the rest of her family's. She looked into Lupin's clear blue eyes and saw compassion there. He didn't pity her. He was showing interest. She could tell the difference and liked what she saw.
"Thank you" she whispered.
Lupin smiled at her and got back to his feet.
"Now, I have to go back and try to keep Sirius from falling from the stands. Do I trust you not to threaten anyone else?" he turned to Megan, she smiled and nodded at him. "Good" and he left.
Megan was left with Hermione and Neville. The three of them sat beside each other in silence for a while.
"That was really brave, Megan" Hermione said.
"Thanks" she whispered.
"Draco shouldn't have said those things" Neville said "So what you're in Gryffindor? It is one of the best houses, you know"
"It sure is. Several great witches and wizards were sorted here" said Hermione.
"Including Albus Dumbledore, his daughter, Professor Lupin, Sirius, Harry's parents and himself"
"And the three of us and a bunch of Weasleys" Megan completed.
"Yes, us too" Hermione said it with pride "He is just upset that his own kin is now friends with his arch enemy" Hermione told Megan.
"Humpf...Draco knows Harry can win him on anything, anytime. Merlin, any of us can. Draco is such a weasel" Megan said.
"In fact...I think Neville remembers the time when Professor Lupin actually transfigurated Draco into a weasel" Hermione said.
Megan's eyes were wide open and a broad smile came upon her face.
"He did? You must tell me all about it"
And they talked until the practice was over. Megan didn't want to have a conversation with them, but somehow, she was unable to not do so. Harry had good friends and she was beginning to see why her mother envied Moira so much. Friends made all the difference, not mattering how much she was taught the contrary.
Screams like "CATCH IT HARRY" and "FLY, JOHNSON, FLY" could be heard from Sirius. That and Remus' laughter. Weekend practices were the only time when teachers could be, let's say, out from their normal behavior. Even McGonagall would scream at them.
The team members smiled at the support they were getting and Harry felt his heart smile. He had never had someone cheer for him like that. Like family. It didn't take long for Angelina to call the end of practice.
The team went to get changed but Harry stopped at the entrance to the changing room. He gasped and put his hand to his forehead. Sirius was beside him in no time.
"What is it, Harry?"
"My scar's burning but it is different than before"
"Different how?" asked Lupin.
"I usually feel more pain and see things...visions of Voldemort and my parents. I'm not seeing anything and the pain is weaker"
Sirius looked at Harry and with the corner of his eye, watched Lupin.
"I'll tell Albus about it" Sirius said.
"Do you think it means something?" Harry asked, worry clearly showing through his glasses.
"Might be. Voldemort is getting stronger. As his powers increase, you might feel this ache" Sirius said and looked over at Remus, who was watching him very closely. "Meet me at my room after you change, Harry. Remus, why don't you stay with him, just in case?" and Sirius left.
Sirius' classroom was, unfortunately, located next to Snape's for it was the only place with enough space to hold his class.
"Moira, where are you?" Sirius spoke to himself as he walked hastily back to the castle.
"He asked you that did he?" came the voice of the wise headmaster.
"I couldn't believe it either" Moira answered.
Silence filled the room while Dumbledore paced across it. He turned to Fawkes, stroking the bird's feathers thoughtfully. Moira was standing behind him, waiting to hear instructions on what to do next now that the Dark Side had "Invited" her to join them. She hoped not to be sent away again.
"I saw this coming, Moira. I knew that when your powers got stronger, he would want you back" Dumbledore said "Do you think Lucius was sent by him or looked for you of his own accord?"
"I don't think Voldemort sent him. I find it very difficult that he would ask me such things so openly. It would mean to accept weakness and he wouldn't do that. I don't think he'll tell Voldemort about what I said either"
Dumbledore turned to his daughter, looking at her through his half-moon spectacles.
"Sooner or later, he will come for you, you know that don't you?"
Moira didn't say a word. The pain was over but her shoulder still ached. Not only that bothered her; but the memory of the afternoons she had spent with Tom came back to her. As much as she loved someone else, being close to him had made her feel different, as if they belonged together. It had all been a lie, a spell. He fooled her thoughts but not her heart and that was what had saved her from crossing the line and joining him. Every time he was near her, she could feel her body get warmer, stronger. She knew that with him, she could unleash all of the powers she had, and not ever look back. But deep down, she just couldn't do it. Her mother had taught her that. You can do great things, Moira. Terrible, but great things. It is up to you to decide where to focus your strengths. I know that when the time comes, you'll choose wisely. But Voldemort was wise and didn't only want Moira by his side because of the prophecy or her powers. There was something else that happened. Something he wasn't planning on. On that terrible Halloween night, the one Voldemort chose to kill Lily and James, it was their last confrontation. Moira had won, Harry was safe, but they weren't spared by the marks of the battle. The echoes of that night still remained inside Moira's head and she was beginning to worry that they would pop up into Harry's mind as well. She hoped, with all her heart, that they didn't. For his own good, she hoped they didn't.
"What should I do, father?" Moira asked softly, as if she was ten years old again.
Dumbledore turned to her.
"What do you want to do?" he asked.
"I'm not running away from him any more" she said firmly, raising her head "I'm needed here and I need to be here, father" she spoke softly.
"I thought so" he said, smiling at her "as I said, he won't take no for an answer and things might get complicated. You know this, in fact, you felt this today didn't you?"
Moira nodded.
"Did Lucius suspect anything?" he asked.
"Not him, not anyone else. Only you, Him and I know about it"
"Sirius? Harry probably felt something as well"
"He knows nothing about the outcome of that Halloween night. He'll think Harry was the target and I just felt the reflex" Moira said firmly, hiding the fact that having to lie to her best friends hurt her.
Dumbledore regarded his daughter. So brave and yet, he knew she was scared. Scared that her condition as she received her mother's powers would make her open to temptation to take the easy way and join Voldemort. He was after her already. It would be a tough battle to fight: against a prophecy, against Voldemort and against herself.
"Well, let's not worry about things before they happen. We'll prepare for them and work as they come, all right?" Dumbledore asked and Moira agreed with her head "How are your wounds healing? Last night's I mean"
"I'm fine but I took a potion for the pain last night and, I can't smell a thing" she said, walking towards the door.
"I see. I thought Severus had helped you with them"
Moira stopped in mid step. What should she do? Tell him about what his trusted Severus had done to her, or pretend it never happened. She chose the second alternative, since her father had his way of figuring everything out by himself, she didn't want to be asked questions about what happened.
"He did, but it wasn't enough. I'll see you later, then" she said and turned to leave but he softly cleaned his throat and she knew that he wanted to say something else, so she turned back to look at him.
Dumbledore came closer to her and put his long hands on her face.
"Love is strength, not weakness" he said "I hope that by your experience you have come to understand that"
Moira's heart skipped a few beats. She should have known better than to believe he wouldn't see right through her.
"Did you ever hurt mother, only because you could?" she asked already knowing the answer.
"Of course not"
"Then you loved her" she whispered back and turned to leave.
"Have you ever not hurt someone even knowing you easily could?" Dumbledore asked as Moira opened the door. She didn't say anything and by her silence she was already giving him the answer "Then you loved him"
Moira left without another word.
"You still love him" Dumbledore whispered after her.
The house was still standing. The Riddle manor was still haunted according to villagers, and to Snape, that meant Voldemort was still around. Moving from place to place, he would come back to his manor for Death Eater meetings, but this time was different. It was just him and Voldemort.
"Come in Severus" a chilling voice hissed at his ear and Snape followed it.
Inside the living room, the tall figure of Voldemort stood. Wormtail was nowhere to be seen. The Dark Lord had his long cloak hood up and only his red eyes could be seen from it. As Snape noted, his body was getting stronger and closer to what he once looked, before Dark Magic had corrupted him.
"Come closer" he hissed again and Snape followed. When he got closer to Voldemort, Snape kneeled down.
"I'm here my lord. What is your will?" he spoke in a low voice.
"Rise, Severus" and Snape did "Always loyal to me, aren't you?" he hissed mockingly "I have a job for you"
Snape felt his stomach turn. He knew what was coming and only hoped that he was wrong.
"Do you know where Lucius Malfoy is as we speak?"
"No master"
"He is eating breakfast with my girl, MY Moira" the wizard hissed with rage.
Snape didn't move.
"Poor idiot thinks that he can persuade her to come back to us, but he can't, can he Severus?" Voldemort turned to Snape and took back his hood. Snape couldn't believe his eyes. The Dark Lord was turning back to what he used to be, only older. His eyes were still red and his skin cold to the touch, but his looks were getting more human "Surprised?" he asked, smiling "It is all coming back with my powers, but she won't will she?"
Snape didn't move.
"Strong tempered witch that one" he looked at Snape with his red eyes shinning with malice "Tell me...is she still beautiful?"
Snape didn't move.
"It's all right Severus. I won't punish you for admiring her...not this time"
"She is beautiful, my lord" Snape said.
"Her powers are getting stronger aren't they?" Voldemort asked, his voice firm as if he wanted the answer to be negative.
"Yes, master"
Voldemort nodded and moved away from Snape.
"She is going to be hard to break down. Harder than before. Lucius is trying his best to please me. Trying to get points for his sister I think, but he won't get far with Moira, oh no" he said as he sat down "Even I had to put a spell on her. Insolent man, thinking he can simply talk to her into coming back"
"I'm sure he is only trying to please you master. We all are" Snape said.
"I always liked you Severus. You did a fine job spying on her for me, and I know it was hard for you. Too bad she left before you could finish the job I sent you out to do, but I'm sure we can rearrange that, can't we?"
Snape felt his insides turn cold.
"She likes you, you know?" Voldemort hissed.
Snape frowned as the words Dumbledore had used only the night before were spoken again.
"She trusts you. I imagine how hard it must have been for you not to take advantage of that trust. Of course...I would have killed you if you had. We never did find out how she managed to break the spell did we?" he asked. His red eyes not blinking "but that is not the point"
"What is your will, master?"
"I have somebody else watching her this time. Don't worry, Severus. You won't have to go through temptation again"
Snape bowed his head.
"But I have plans for you. I'll call you when the time comes. And as for that annoying little boy...Harry Potter...he is not getting away this time. Even with his little friends, that old fool, his godfather and my Moira beside him, he won't get away" Voldemort stood up "Last year I got rid of his mother's protection. Now, he doesn't have anything for him anymore, since his godmother was killed so long ago. You were brilliant to find that out for me, Severus"
"Thank you master" Snape said, bowing his head.
"I have to admit that it was very clever of Dumbledore to have his wife as Harry's godmother. Tough witch to kill, she was" Voldemort said "I see where my precious gets her temper from. Soon, Moira won't bear to fight the darkness inside her and will have to unleash it. She will be mine again and help me up to my prime once more" he turned to the cold fireplace "She will either join me or her mother" he hissed.
"Master, how do you plan to persuade her?" Snape asked, waiting to be cursed for his insolence.
"That my boy, is a secret. I'll get her before she gets too strong and when I do, she'll be sorry she got away before you could kill her, fifteen years ago" he whispered and put his cold hand upon Snape's shoulder "Go back to Hogwarts. I'll let you know when your time to serve me arrives"
Snape bowed his head and turned to leave. He was glad Voldemort didn't know what had happened between Moira and him the night prior to this meeting. Not that he cared about her welfare but he would want to know the reasons she didn't fight back, and Snape was suspecting he knew the answer for that. He wanted his suspicions to be wrong.
"And Severus" Voldemort called again and Snape turned "She might ask if you met me. Don't lie to her and let me know how my precious girl reacts to that"
Snape bowed in return and left. When he was getting passed Hogwarts' gates he whispered to himself, "She is not yours"
Moira walked away from her father's office stomping her feet. I don't love him. I don't. I can't. She whispered to herself as the memories of last night flooded her brain. How could you? I could have easily gotten away from him, then why didn't I? Her thoughts were broken by a cry from a very familiar voice.
"Moira, where have you been?" asked Sirius as he got closer to her.
"I was...out" she said plainly.
"Are you all right?" Sirius asked, frowning at her.
"I'm fine, I'm just...upset. I need to get my mind off some things, why?"
"Harry felt his scar burn. Did you feel anything?" he asked in barely more than a whisper.
"No" she lied "But then again, I don't feel everything he does" she whispered back "Is that all?" she continued, walking in the direction of her room.
"No, Remus and I have been meaning to talk to you about some things" Sirius said as he accompanied Moira to her room.
They went inside and Moira left for the bathroom. Sirius stood by the closed door, listening to the shower run.
"What is going on, Moira? Is there something bothering you?" he asked.
In a few minutes, Moira walked out of the bathroom fully clothed, black pants, boots and a long black puffy sleeve shirt. It looked like she was ready to fence.
"Nothing is going on besides the invasion we had last night, Harry feeling constant pains in his scar and Lucius inviting me to switch sides" she said as she performed a drying spell on her hair and tied it up with a black ribbon in a low ponytail
"He did what?" Sirius exclaimed "When did this...now?"
"We had breakfast together"
"You have to..."
"Already told my father, Sirius"
"And?"
"And I'm staying right where I am"
"Do you think this is the best choice?" he asked as he sat near her.
"In Azkaban, no one could hurt you. As weird as this might sound, you were safe there. Out here, being so close to Harry, you become a target too. Which one do you prefer? Stay close to people that you love and fight for them or run for your life?"
Sirius didn't answer.
"I thought so" she said as she got up.
"It's different with you Moira, you know that" Sirius said as they left her room and walked to his classroom.
"Yes, I do. But I'm not eighteen anymore" she stopped and turned to Sirius "Have you ever heard of the expression ' keep your friends close and your enemies closer?"
"Moira, you get too close, you end up hurt" Sirius said softly.
"Don't I know it" Moira whispered, glancing at Snape's classroom door.
"Why do I have a feeling you are not telling me everything?" he asked.
"Because I'm not" she smiled at him "What you don't know can't hurt you"
Sirius got closer to her and cupped her face with his hand.
"I don't want you hurt" he said softly.
Moira smiled, taking his hand in hers.
"You sound like Remus" she said tenderly.
"I do don't I?" he asked smiling "He is worried about you too"
"I know. Suddenly, everyone is. I vanished from the world for fifteen years and nobody asked anything, then I come back and everybody is worried" she said as she they got inside his classroom.
Sirius classroom had his name written all over it. It was dark, since it was located in the dungeons, but it was not as cold as Snape's office. The roof was really high and there were lots of columns. His desk was in the back and on the shelves behind it were located the four house swords. There were other kinds of weapons as well; all put away with guarding spells so no one would get hurt. There were desks and chairs as well but since it was a physical class, they served the purpose of throwing and hiding under.
"That is not true. After you left, we all worried as I'm sure you did concerning us"
"I know. It's just that since I came back..."
"The pressure is big isn't it? You feel the eyes burning at your back as you walk by. Pull out your wand and everyone will run for cover" Sirius said
"It will pass, Sirius. You didn't kill anyone" Moira said softly "With me, it might get better but will never go away. It is not only what I did, is what I am"
"Who. It's who you are, Moira" Sirius said "Once you settle in, it will get better" Moira smiled at him and he pointed to the table in the back of the room "Now, choose your weapon Miss" he said.
Moira got closer to the table Sirius was pointing to. The four house swords were above it. The Gryffindor was considered a warrior sword for it would perform easily according to its master's movements, defending him from mortal strikes. The Hufflepuff was the loyal one for when lost, it would come back to its master until combat was over. The Ravenclaw was the intelligent one, always making smart moves, catching the opponent by surprise. And then there was the Slytherin sword. Sneaky one that would strike in lethal places, always looking for the fastest way of disabling the opponent.
The young witch stroked the blade of the Slytherin sword thoughtfully.
"Your mother mastered this one like no one I have ever seen" Sirius spoke softly behind her.
Moira picked the sword up and moved it around, feeling its weight and energy.
"I've missed it" she said, smiling at him.
Since house swords don't fight each other, Sirius went to a closet and picked up another one. It was as long as the house ones but it had an inclined blade, not as curvy as a saber. The handle was made out of gold and beautifully crafted and the blade was darker. Moira smiled at him.
"Remus kept it for me" Sirius said, moving it as if to cut the air in front of him "Do you think he would mind?"
"I think he would be proud of you" she whispered back "So would she"
"I hope so" he said as he took his wand out from his sleeve "but there's only one more thing that she wanted me to do"
"What is it?" Moira asked as she took her own wand out from her sleeve. They pointed their wands to each other.
"Marry you" he said smiling.
As they were about to catch a protective spell upon each other, she raised her palm in front of her, signaling for him to stop.
"No spells" she said smiling "I feel like hurting you for what you said just now"
Sirius laughed soundly.
"You didn't know of my mother's secret plan?" he asked, amused at Moira's reaction.
"I had absolutely no idea. Why haven't you told me? Oh...this isn't why you were looking for me is it?" she asked with her eyes wide open and a very worried complexion.
"No, no...wait a minute...are you saying you wouldn't have me as your husband? Why not?" he responded, sounding outraged.
It was Moira's time to laugh.
"Please, don't get me wrong. You are a very good catch, but marrying you would be like marrying a brother"
"I tried to tell her that myself but she wouldn't listen" he said as he took his fighting position.
"What were her arguments?" Moira asked as she took her own fighting stance.
They faced each other, put their swords in front of them, as in a duel, and started the fight.
"She said that we got along fine" his sword found hers and a loud metallic noise echoed in the room "that we knew each other well" echoed again "looked good together" he had cornered her against a wall and their swords were against each other about chest height "and that I was the only one that could control your temper" he hissed.
Moira narrowed her eyes and use her body weight to push him away from her. He tried to corner her again, but Moira knew what she was doing. In perfect control of the most fickle sword in the school, Moira advanced on Sirius fast. She was as agile as he was and it was becoming very hard to decide who would win. In no time, she was in advantage and used her leg to throw Sirius' back against the floor. She pushed the sword away from him with her foot and straddled him, keeping the tip of her sword on his throat.
"You could never control me" she hissed, catching her breath.
Sirius smiled and when he felt her relax for just a second, he moved and Moira was on her back and they had shifted positions. Sirius held her wrists pinned against the floor on either side of her face and smiled as he heard her complaint.
"Can't control you, huh? What am I doing then?" he asked, mockingly.
"You only won because I let you" she said, obviously lying "Now get off of me"
"Not before you admit I can control you" still pinning her arms against the floor.
Moira laughed soundly as did Sirius.
"You can't even control yourself let alone me. If we got married, we would kill each other in a week"
"Probably. But we would be a very good looking couple"
"Absolutely, we're gorgeous"
They laughed again but a sound of a clearing throat made them stop and look at the door. Severus Snape was standing in the doorframe and the look on his face was of absolute shock. As he apparantly lost his voice, Sirius spat the answer for him.
"We're discussing marriage" Sirius said angrily "What do you want?"
Snape wasn't expecting that as an answer. Clearly, they have been practicing for the noises he had heard from the outside indicated as much, but he wasn't ready to come in and find them like this. His eyes traveled to Moira. She was lying with her back against the floor, and Sirius over her. Snape saw her smile fade when she looked at him and he knew very well why.
Moira looked from Snape to Sirius. The floor was starting to get cold on her back and very uncomfortable.
"Sirius" she whispered sweetly to him and he looked at her, his hair falling into his eyes "This looks more like imposing than discussing, don't you think?" she asked, indicating that their position wasn't quite helping them at the moment.
"Oh...right" he said and got up, helping her do the same "You haven't answered my question. What do you want?" he said turning to Snape.
Snape was following Moira's movements. As she got up, she turned her back at him and left for the back of the class, trying to get as far from him as possible.
"I wasn't aware you were going to be teaching here. By the racket you are making, I suggest a silencing spell" Snape said, protecting his grounds.
Sirius never liked Snape and never would but he had never seen Moira act like this toward the Potion's Master. She would always take part in the discussions and break them apart when needed. Why was she avoiding him? There was only one way to find out.
"Tell me Snape, how long since you fought anyone? Using swords, I mean" he asked.
Moira turned from the back of the room. She knew what he was going to do and was starting to think this wouldn't be such a great idea.
"I'm in perfect shape if that is what you are asking" Snape answered, raising his head.
"Good. Then you won't mind a bit of practice, will you? You see, Moira is very upset about something and I was trying to help her out. Since you two are such good friends, why don't you give her a hand?" Sirius said as he tossed another sword to Snape, who caught it.
"I don't think this is a good idea" Moira said softly behind Sirius.
"Scared I might win, Crane?" Snape challenged as he took off his robes and frock coat.
Moira raised her left eyebrow. How dare he? After everything...
"The only thing that scares me about you is the grease in your hair" she said firmly, coming over. They took their fighting stances.
Sirius sat near the door. This was going to be good.
The clanging sounds could be heard from the outside. Snape was indeed in shape but Moira was angry and when she felt that way, there was no stopping her. She focused all of her energy into moves, not getting distracted. The swords touched with such force that sparkles were formed. He would corner her but she would always find away of getting away. Honest sword fighting, with no use of magic.
"How was your little meeting with Lucius?" He hissed by her ear. She hit again.
"Have you been spying on me?" she asked as she got away from his drive.
They took a distance for a few seconds and went at it again. Moira's ponytail was undone and her long dark brown hair was covering her shoulders reaching until the middle of her back. Her eyes never leaving Snape's, even though his were almost eaten away by his raven black hair. She cornered him against a pillar.
"He might seem tame but he isn't. You know that" Snape whispered.
"I know what he is capable of; of what Death Eaters are capable of. It was all very clear to me last night" she said between clenched teeth.
There...she said it. They drew back from each other. She stood in front of him but a few inches away. Their chests were heaving, but she still clenched her fingers around the handle of the Slytherin sword. Her eyes were set on Snape, waiting for him to make the next move, but he didn't. Instead, he lowered his sword.
"I won't fight you over this" he said in barely more than a whisper.
"Who said I gave you a choice" Moira replied and stroke again.
Snape raised his sword just in time and they continued the fight. He tried to stop her but she wouldn't let him get close enough to do so.
"You misunderstood me, Crane. I didn't mean to hurt you" he whispered to her.
"Yes, you did" she replied, "We both know that"
"You're wrong" he told her from behind a pillar.
"What was that then? Missed your Death Eater days and decided to remember them?" she replied from behind the same pillar "Tell me, how did it feel?" she whispered.
Snape turned and unleashed his fury. She had no idea what he had just been through. She didn't have a clue how did it feel to hear Voldemort call her his.
Their fight was becoming more and more fierce and Sirius was starting to get worried. Neither of them was under a protective spell that he would use on his students. But there was nothing he could do that would stop them now.
Snape knew that she was fighting him like this because she did nothing to stop him the night before. He knew her well, so he decided to play her game, but the rules changed, taking him by surprise. He couldn't let her think of him as a Death Eater, not again. They had had a terrible fight after she had found out he had joined Voldemort's followers. She was engaged to him at the time, but didn't know that her sweet and handsome fiancée was indeed the Dark Lord Snape served. A couple of years after that, Snape changed sides and became a spy for Dumbledore, for a reason Tsarina knew of but Moira must never find out.
"What's the matter?" Moira asked Snape "You don't have to hold back" she said smiling maliciously at him.
Snape grinned at her. She was wrong on so many levels.
"Tell me...how was your meeting with Lucius?" Snape asked loudly enough for Sirius to hear and frown at Moira.
"You tell me since you've been watching me so closely" she replied, as loud as he did.
They went at each other again, but this time, Snape had advantage and pushed Moira against a wall, swords crossed above her head; faces inches from each other.
"End this Crane, before you get hurt" he whispered.
"Too late for that" Moira said in a more tender way than she wanted to.
Her face was flushed and the few light freckles she had could hardly be noticed. A few strands of hair that fell on her face moved with her heavy breathing. Her eyes gave her away this time. The pain went beyond her flesh wounds and no potion could be brewed for healing that.
Without thinking twice, Moira put her foot to Snape's stomach and pushed him away from her. Caught by surprise, he fell to the floor and she advanced on him.
"Have you been telling your master I'm getting stronger?" her sword hit his as he tried to get up "Darker?" they hit again, flicking the tip of the blade along Snape's left cheek, making a superficial but ugly cut "and that I'm no longer a worthy opponent to you..." she disarmed him and put the tip of the blade to his neck "but to him?"
Sirius was so taken by what he was seeing and hearing he didn't even notice that Lupin and Harry had been by his side for a long time.
Moira observed Snape's calm toward her threat and hated the fact that he didn't show fear like she did when the roles were different.
Sirius got up from his seat but Moira didn't need to be told it was time to end the fight. She stepped away from Snape and walked to the door as the tired and bruised Professor got up from the floor, putting a handkerchief to his face but acting as if nothing much had happened. Moira turned again.
"How does it feel, Snape? To be hurt by something you used to trust?" and she tossed her sword at him. It was only then he noticed she had fought him with his own house sword.
Moira turned to the three opened mouthed young men standing by the door and went passed them, without a word to anyone.
Snape went passed them as well, leaving the room without a word. Sirius, in his normal state of mind, would have gotten Snape by his collar and pushed him against a wall until he told what he had done to Moira that got her worked up like that. But he couldn't. He couldn't believe what Moira had said and as he took notice of Harry's presence, he found that the stakes were higher than he had imagined. What did she mean when she said she was getting darker and what in Merlin's name happened between Moira and Snape?
"Did you hear what…why did she…what happened?" asked Lupin.
"I think I know" said Harry between Lupin and Sirius.
The two teachers listened to Harry tell the story of what had happened the night before.
A/N: You might note that the "precious" thing is from Lord of the Rings. Sorry, but was the only adjective and way I found to show how Voldemort is sick. I'm trying my best to keep Snape in character but I find him very hard to write. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to write a review. It makes my day to read what you think of the story. I'll be posting the next chapter in a couple of days, hopefully. Thanks to Saskia for lending me her name!
To Ruth: You are incredible! Thanks for the reviews and for always being there. You inspire me.
To Trisha: Loved your reviews. I don't care about our age difference...you are a great friend.
To Kathi: You are always enthusiastic about "White Death" and I thank you a bunch for that. I'll see what I can do related to Remus, ok?
To Lala: Thanks for reading and keeping with me.
To Ridley-Ro: Thanks for reading and letting me know your thoughts.
To Rosekeet: I hope I have the godmother thing cleared out with Voldemort's speech here. Please, tell me if you have any more questions.
To Devilishly clever: thanks for everything. Hold on to your seat cause it will only get darker from here on.
To Hanna: It was great to hear from you. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
To everyone that reads this story but doesn't review...it's ok...I still like you. Hehehe. If there is any questions or comments, feel free to email me. I promise I'll try to post the next one faster.