Author's notesFirst of all, sorry for the time! I had a lot on my mind plus book five, so...sorry. As you read this you might find pieces of information that appear on book five. Some of them I borrowed (credits are J.K.'s, of course) and some, well... I had written before the book came out and they look alike. Anyway, this is Harry's fifth year in my eyes, so please, don't take what happened during the Order of the Phoenix into this fic. Enjoy and leave me some reviews! As always, the characters belong to the goddess Rowling and whatever you don't recognize from the books are mine. The sole thing I'm taking from writing this is happiness and sanity (cause it's my therapy!).
How can you see into my eyes
like open doors.
Leading you down into my core
where I've become so numb.
Without a soul
my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home.
(Wake me up.
Wake me up inside.
I can't wake up.
Wake me up inside.
Save me.
Call my name and save me from the dark.
Wake me up.
Bid my blood to run.
I can't wake up.
Before I come undone.
Save me.
Save me from the nothing I've become.)
Now that I know what I'm without
you can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life.
Chorus
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life.
Frozen inside without your touch,
without your love, darling.
Only you are the life among the dead.
All of this sight
I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark
but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a 1000 years it seems.
I've got to open my eyes to everything.
Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something wrong.
Bring me to life.
Bring Me To Life By: Evanescence
Chapter Eleven
It Has Always Been You
"Hold on Harry, we're almost there" Hagrid said softly as he took Harry in hasten steps through the Hogwarts' corridors.
The journey from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts never felt so long as it had this time. Harry would open his eyes and close them again, moaning, saying things that made no sense, only making Ron and Hermione get even more worried. His skin was ice cold and Hermione had heard Lupin tell Hagrid to keep Harry warm as soon as they got to the Medical Ward. Harry was a tall fifteen year-old boy but in Hagrid's arms he looked very small and fragile. Hagrid put his thick fur cloak over the boy-who-lived, but still he shivered.
As soon as Hagrid entered the Medical Ward, Poppy came to meet them, leading them to an empty bed. Harry was placed gently above it and immediately covered by several blankets.
"He's freezing" Poppy noted as her hand touched Harry's forehead "What happened?"
But no one had the answer. All they knew was that the Dark Lord had cursed Harry with something incredibly strong that took the effort of his godfather and Dark Magic to bring him back. They didn't know what happened, or how it happened but all they could think of was Moira's words. Voldemort's powers were back and by the look of it, they were stronger than they had ever been.
"We don't know" Hermione said "He just fell to the floor, shivering, and, his hair went white"
The look on Poppy's face was so grave that Hermione simply went quiet. In a matter of seconds, Albus Dumbledore entered the Medical Ward. Poppy turned to him with tears in her eyes, but trying to keep control not to cry in front of the already nervous children. Albus' baby blue eyes found Poppy's and his eyebrows shot up in his forehead.
"White Death" was all Poppy managed to say.
Silence took hold of the room and Hermione could swear she saw fear in Dumbledore's eyes. He approached the children and Hagrid calmly as he usually did.
"Where are the others?" he asked as his eyes fell upon Harry.
"They're on their way, sir" Hagrid said "Sirius is not in a very good shape, headmaster"
Dumbledore looked from Harry to Hagrid, concern in his usual twinkling eyes.
"Sir, profes... your daughter told us to tell you that You-Know-Who's powers are back" Hagrid said, looking down.
"I see" Dumbledore whispered "Tend to him, Poppy. He'll have a rough night ahead of him" he said turning and walking away from the kids and Hagrid.
"Sir, is he going to be alright?" Hermione asked.
Dumbledore turned to them once more; worry still resided in his face, making him look very old.
"Yes, child. Harry will be just fine" and left the ward.
Dumbledore walked to the entrance of the castle slowly, the weight of the world in his steps. He stood tall in the top of the stairs, waiting for the children and teachers to arrive. He looked up at the thundering sky and listened to the rain pour down. Dumbledore raised his thin hand to his face and took off his spectacles. His long fingers massaged the bridge of his nose before he put the glasses back on. The wise wizard waited in silence, alone, listening to the rain, waiting to hear his daughter's voice.
"It has started" he whispered into the emptiness of the corridors.
Hogsmeade had been attacked for the very first time ever since the Dark times. The villagers were apprehensive as Harry Potter was taken back to Hogwarts. Ever since Voldemort had been defeated, Hogsmeade as the rest of the wizard world had lived in threat-free times, but now, in one ordinary afternoon, everything had changed. The boy-who-lived had almost died right before their eyes and the fear of the return of the Dark Times was back. The fear that Harry wouldn't be able to save them all this time was great. As the teachers left the village, rushing the children back to the school, the doors of the shops and houses were shut and locked.
"It has started" Abby said as she reached the streets.
The rain poured down hard over Hogwarts. As the students and teachers got back to the castle, the Heads of Houses instructed them to return immediately to their common rooms. In hasten steps, the young faces hurried to the safety of their common rooms, where they waited to hear from the teachers that everything was going to be fine, that there was no reason to worry, but given Hogwarts' history, they only hoped they would listen to such things.
"Hold on, mate" Nicholas said as he held Sirius right arm around his neck.
"You'll be fine in no time, Padfoot" Lupin said, holding Sirius' other arm.
Together they helped Sirius up the stairs and into the Medical ward. The three young wizards passed Dumbledore on their way up. His eyes found Lupin's.
"She's on her way back" Lupin said as he passed him.
Dumbledore allowed himself to let go a discrete sigh as he watched the three wizards make their way into the Medical Ward. In only a couple of minutes, his heart calmed down: he heard her heels coming up the steps.
Drenched to the bones, Moira came up the stone steps with difficulty. Her posture was still very rigid, her hair was stuck to her back, making her thin face stand out, and the look in her eyes got many students as far away from her as possible. Her hands gripped tightly her soaked dress, pulling the hem up that usually touched the floor, as she went up the steps, murmuring something. As the young witch reached the top of the stairs, her chocolate brown eyes met her father's blue ones and immediately, Moira's shoulders relaxed. She walked to him and didn't even notice she was already dry by the time she reached him. Before she knew; Dumbledore had his arms around her and rocket her softly from side to side, careful not to touch her left shoulder blade, for he knew she was still in pain. They didn't speak or make any attempt to. Albus was just relieved that he had his only daughter home safe, in his arms again. Moira closed her eyes and calmed her breathing, allowing herself to relax in her father's arms. The moment of calm didn't last too long, for as soon as they heard students approaching, they broke off the embrace. Moira cleared her throat softly and her strict posture went back into place as she walked toward her father's office.
"They were at Death's mercy, father" Moira whispered, tiredness in her voice "There was not one single Auror in the village…not one"
Dumbledore nodded as his own mind raced to find the answers to that. Since last year Aurors had been seen in Hogsmeade and in all places of the wizard world, going back to full activity now that Voldemort had come back. Of course many of them worked on their own since many in the Ministry, including Fudge, didn't want to believe that Voldemort had indeed returned. Then how come there weren't any at the village when the attack happened? Dumbledore looked over his daughter; she was hiding the pain still, he could see it. Moira stole a glance at her father as they walked.
"I'll be fine" she murmured and Dumbledore nodded. Moira pretended she was fine and he pretended to believe it.
"I'll owl Fudge" Dumbledore said softly "There's something out of place here" he added under is breath.
"A lot is out of place here" Moira said, her eyes glittering with something Albus hadn't seen in them for a long time. Plain and simple heartache "There's more, father" Moira whispered.
"I'll need every detail" he said as they reached the gargoyle.
In the Medical Ward, Harry was twisting and turning in his bed, still freezing. Poppy had to practically throw Hermione and Ron out of the ward, insisting that she needed room to help Harry. Professor McGonagal had to walk them out of the ward and into the common room herself, assuring them that Harry was going to be taken care of and that she would send word of his condition. As soon as Sirius and Harry were in Poppy's care, Nicholas left to check on Sophie and Hagrid was told by Professor Flitwick that the Headmaster wished to speak to him, and left to Dumbledore's office. Left in the room were Lupin, Abby and Poppy to take care of the two wizards.
"Why is he not getting better?" asked Abby.
"He will." Lupin said, his voice hoarse with exhaustion "It was a pretty bad curse and it will take awhile for the effects to fade"
Sirius was on a bed next to Harry's. The hair that fell onto his face was still gray, and his deep dark eyes were closed. Abigail moved to Harry's bed and put her hand over his forehead, closing her eyes.
"There's hissing" Abigail said softly, her eyes closed tightly "and pain. So much pain" she opened her eyes, "These are echoes of the curse, he will be fine as soon as his temperature rises"
"That's the problem; I can't get it to rise" Poppy said "I gave him everything I had, even cast a warming spell but nothing works. I'll get some Rebela roots from Professor Sprout. Made they'll work" and she left.
Abby looked over from Sirius to Harry and on to Lupin.
"Are you sure about this?" Lupin asked.
"I can handle it" Abby said bravely "Put the beds closer to each other" she asked, standing between them. Lupin pulled out his wand from his sleeve and pointed at Harry's bed, moving it to get closer to Sirius. Abby put her hand over Sirius' hand "Sirius, can you hear me?" she asked softly by his ear. Sirius opened his eyes, looked up at her but closed them again "Just try to relax" she said softly.
Abby held Sirius's hand tightly in hers as she took Harry's; she gasped as what felt like lightning go through her. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough for Harry's temperature to rise. She let go of them and seated on a chair still in between the two beds.
"They'll be fine soon" Abby whispered as her hand traveled to the bridge of her nose, shutting her eyes tightly.
"So will you" Lupin said as he kneeled down in front of Abby, conjuring a goblet of clear water in his hands "Godfather and godson with the magical abilities they have, caused a very big effect didn't they?" he asked, smiling shyly.
"Yes" Abby replied and looked over at Harry "He was in so much pain" she got his hand, warmer now "How could anyone do this?"
"I can list you a few reasons" Lupin said as he sat on the floor, by Abby's feet; fatigue taking the best of him "I'm just glad it's over"
"For now it is" Abby said softly as she sat on the floor beside Remus. The images of Moira lying in the Death Eater's arms, unmoving came back to her. She also remembered very clearly Moira's eyes, dark as night, and her hissing. Abby shivered. "I'm afraid it is only going to get worse" she said.
Lupin looked over at her. When a true Seer says something like that is definitely a reason to worry. Even before she said anything, it was pretty obvious that what happened in Hogsmeade was only the beginning of something bigger. He would worry about that when the time came. Right now, all he cared about was to take care of his friends. His hand found Abby's and Lupin sighed deeply, closing his eyes and to his surprise, Moira popped into his mind.
Abby looked over at him. Her big blue eyes sad as she too saw Moira in her mind. She understood why he had been so distant when she had first arrived.
"I need rest" Abby said fast as she stood up. Lupin watched her get up and walk toward the Ward's door. "I'll see you at dinner" she whispered as she left the ward, not meeting his gaze.
Abby half walked, half ran to her room, her hand over her lips keeping her from crying. As soon as she got inside her room, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it, sliding her back down it until she was sitting on the floor. One hand to her stomach and the other over her lips, Abby shut her eyes tightly as she felt the tears stream down her face.
"Then what, Hagrid?" asked the Headmaster's hoarse voice.
Dumbledore was seated by his desk and Hagrid was standing in front of him, telling him everything that went on in Hogsmeade. Moira was seated by her father's right side, in silence, with her arms crossed in front of her. Paler than usual but with a slight flush of color in her cheekbones, her deep brown eyes surrounded by heavy lashes watched Hagrid as he continued to tell what he saw. Hagrid stole a glance in her direction before continuing.
"Then Professor Crane came inside and took Professor Lupin's place. After that, Harry was brought back and we got them here"
Dumbledore nodded and once more, took off his spectacles and massaged the bridge of his nose with the tip of his fingers. He felt Moira's hand on his shoulder and his went to find hers. His daughter's hand was extremely hot.
"Sir, was that what I think it was?" Hagrid ask shyly "Was it White Death?"
"I'm afraid so Hagrid" Dumbledore answered "As a matter of fact, I'm certain of it"
"But that means…"
"Exactly what I told you" Moira cut Hagrid's thoughts "That Voldemort's powers are back" she said, looking at her father. Hagrid shivered at the mention of the Dark Lord's name "We should increase the level of the barriers around the castle, father"
"Do you think he'll try something against Hogwarts?" asked Hagrid.
"He is not going to stop until he gets what he wants so we might as well make things difficult for him" Moira said, her tone inflexible.
"Thank you for your help, Hagrid" Dumbledore said tenderly "Be ready to be called upon if needed"
"I will sir, excuse me" and the half giant turned to leave the office "Professor Snape" he greeted as he left and the Potion Master entered the room.
As soon as Severus got inside, Moira stood up and walked toward the upper level of the room, behind her father's desk, near a window. Snape noted her behavior but moved indifferently toward the Headmaster. He waited for Hagrid to leave before he could break his silence. As Severus opened his lips to speak, he was cut by Dumbledore.
"I'm worried about you, Severus" Dumbledore said in a low concerned voice "Are you sure the Dark side still trusts you?"
"This attack was not mentioned in any meeting, sir" Snape said, looking at Dumbledore "I knew nothing of it, neither did the Malfoys" It was Moira's turn to snort, her back to the two men in the room "All I know Headmaster, is what I have already told you" Snape continued in his low deep voice "The Dark Lord is planning something for Potter and for Professor Crane" Moira turned her head slightly toward him as she heard him addressing her formally "But he gave me no indication of what that is. I wasn't told of the attack not because I'm not trusted but because I was not supposed to know. You have no reason to worry, sir"
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. Snape stole a glance in Moira's direction. The look on his face was deep, but he masked his emotions enough not to let her know everything that was going on in his mind. Moira slightly raised her left eyebrow and turned her back at him again. A knock on the door brought their attentions to it. As the heavy door was pushed open, Aberforth came inside, with a very worried look upon his face.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I must speak with you, brother" he said in a low voice much like his brothers "In private"
Dumbledore nodded and moved to follow his brother out of the room.
"Excuse me a moment" the old wizard said and left, praying that Moira and Severus wouldn't kill each other during his absence.
As the door was closed again, a thick and uncomfortable silence filled the room. Snape sat down in a chair opposite Dumbledore's desk, resting his elbow on the arms of it and putting his fingers together. Moira heard the leather from the chair squeak as Snape sat on it and it didn't make her feel any better to know that she was left in the room with him. Moira moved, coming down the steps, without meeting his eyes, and got inside the little bathroom on the left of Dumbledore's desk. Snape heard the water run in the sink and knew she washing her lips, taking away the taste of blood from them, Liam's taste. His own lips curled as he remembered the kiss. In a few seconds she opened the door, frowning at him.
"You're still here" she said as she stopped by the door.
Snape regarded her. He knew she was terribly tired and aching all over; her eyes showed him that. Moira was indeed very powerful and was getting more so, but she would always be a woman. He watched her walk toward another leather armchair and sit down with her back turned to him.
"You still feel him, don't you?" he asked in his deep baritone voice.
Moira didn't move nor made a sound. From where he was seated he could only see Moira's long fingers resting in the arm of the chair. She heard Snape get up from his seat and move toward her. She closed her eyes, whispering to herself to keep control.
"That is none of your business" she whispered angrily as she felt his shadow being cast above her. She pulled herself up and started to move pass him, but Snape moved to stand in her way as she tried to pass him. Moira looked at him, a mixture of feelings in her eyes that she was trying very hard not to let show "Let me pass, please" she asked, controlling her voice.
"Answer me and I will" he said, looking deeply into her eyes.
Moira took a step back and couldn't help to let escape a sigh.
"Yes" she whispered "It was a very strong curse. It will take a bit more time for the effects on me to fade" she looked away from him "But you already know that" she added under her breath. Slowly Moira raised her head again "Why do you care?" Moira asked, not facing him "If I feel him or not?"
Moira heard Snape move toward her and stop. She turned to face him, looking for any signs that could ease her heart. Snape was standing tall, his arms by his side, the curtain of raven black hair almost completely hiding his face.
"You are a barrier" he said in barely more than a whisper "If this barrier breaks, we'll have problems"
"Oh..." Moira whispered, trying as best as she could to suppress the pain she was feeling. "A barrier..." her eyes narrowed slightly, fixed on his "Don't worry, Snape" Moira said, her strict tone back to her "I won't break" she added "Your worries should rest somewhere else though. Maeve is cunning, but then again, you know that too" Moira said casually as she leaned against the arm of a chair "She'll betray you and hand your precious head to Voldemort on a silver platter"
"I can handle her" Snape said in his low voice.
Moira regarded him. She wanted to walk up to him and slap him across the face but that would be the same as to admit she was jealous, besides, she didn't have the strength to do such a thing. Instead, an evil grin grew upon her lips, making Snape narrow his eyes.
"You told me once that I shouldn't underestimate her and you are doing so yourself" Moira said, putting her hand to her face, "That is all she needs" she added in a softer tone.
"She doesn't know anything" Snape said, paying close attention to Moira's every move.
"She'll find out" Moira said mindlessly as she felt her pulse, closing her eyes to concentrate.
"Are you worried about my safety Crane or just jealous" he hissed.
Moira opened her eyes and they found Snape's glittery, dark ones staring back at her. The strong will to slap him came over her again, and once more, she suppressed it. Something else was taking her focus. Something else was happening to her.
"Don't flatter yourself. It doesn't suit you" Moira said.
"What about Laois?" Snape said in his calm voice "Can you handle him, my lady?"
Moira's lips parted but no sound came out of them. Snape had seen them, had seem Liam kiss her. As she identified the tone he was using, calling her as if she was...as if he was a true Death Eater, Moira's eyes narrowed and her lips formed a very thin line. She stood up, coming to her full height, all of her royal posture back to her.
"If you are implying something you better stop right now" she said, not raising her voice, her breathing coming in soft spasms. "Contrary to you and Maeve, I never had anything to do with Liam"
"From where I was standing it looked otherwise" Snape said as he took a step closer to Moira.
"I don't know why he kiss ... why he did that" she said mindlessly, trying to maintain her posture, looking in his eyes.
"Obtain the unobtainable" Snape said when he was standing only a couple of inches away from Moira "The Lord's instructions were very clear, but I guess our dear Liam just couldn't resist you" he added.
Moira stood in silence. So Voldemort was keeping them all on a leash, away from her. That made her feel even more afraid of him. He was keeping her to himself, not allowing other men to get near her, to touch her. A mixture of anger and sadness also filled her heart, for Snape was following his instructions like a good servant. She knew it was better this way, it was safer for them to stay a part and she silently thanked Maeve for interrupting her at the Three Broomsticks, although her heart thought otherwise.
Her shoulder blade stung, making her gasp softly and grip tightly the back of the chair in front of her. A rush of panic ran through her.
"You needed to tell me something at the Three Broomsticks. What was it?" Snape asked, inches away from her ear.
Moira could feel his breath on her neck. She shot her eyes closed, trying to keep everything that was coming to her mind in control. This couldn't be happening…she couldn't be touched by the Dark Lord again. She would not give in without a fight. Obtain the unobtainable…no...
"You must be out of your mind" she said weakly "This isn't the time or place for this. Potter and Sirius are in need of care and…"
"Don't change the subject Crane" Snape said, taking her by her upper arms and turning her to face him "They are fine, you know that, and there is nothing wrong with time or place"
"There's nothing to say" Moira said, putting one hand to her chest, closing her eyes a bit "Just go away" she tried to push him away with her other hand but his grip on her was too strong; he didn't move.
Snape regarded her, narrowing his eyes. Something wasn't right. Moira's face was blushed and he could feel that her temperature was beyond high.
"What's wrong?" he asked, observing her every move.
"A lot is wrong" she whispered, her eyes in his again "For instance, the smell of Maeve's perfume all over you" she said, looking away from him, her hands turning into fists "Go away, Snape" she murmured "please" she added under her breath.
Visions flooded her brain, pieces of the past and present were mixed together. Harry, Lily and James, her mother, Tom. As long as she was alive, she would always see Tom in her visions. There was hissing; Liam. Lucius, Maeve and a strong green light. Heartache, loss, tears. Air started to escape her and her chest felt pressured. Her breathing got heavier.
"Crane?" a voice called from afar.
Moira recognized that voice. It was low and soothing, making shivers go down her spine. Only one person called her that way, made her feel that way. A tall man with pale skin appeared in her sight. His eyes and hair were as black as night. She felt lonely...but safe.
Instinctively, Moira's hands went to Snape's chest, gripping his robes so tightly, her knuckles turned white. Snape knew something like this could happen but not so strongly. He held Moira against him protectively, keeping her on her feet as his mind raced, trying to find ways of stopping Him. He heard Moira groan softly as pain washed over her. It wasn't White Death, it was an echo, it was Voldemort return to power and she felt it.
"Oh, he's angry…so very angry" Moira whispered before gasping.
A dark room with a high ceiling and big windows. The moon was the only light inside it, pouring through the closed windows. A luxurious four poster bed was against the wall, filled with fluffy pillows. Hands worked slowly into untying the laces on the back of a corset. They stopped and traveled upwards, finding a pair of ivory shoulders tainted only by a few light freckles and a long braid of ebony colored hair. They rested there, feeling the owner of the shoulders tremble slightly.
"I would never hurt you" the boy hissed by her ear, making her stomach fill with butterflies
A younger Moira turned to the owner of the hands..
"I know that, Tom. I trust you"
Their lips found each other in a passionate kiss.
In a clearing, two teens were holding hands. The boy stopped in front of the girl, not letting go of her hands. His eyes glittered with anticipation. He took a small velvet box from inside his robes. The girl put her hand to her mouth as her eyes glittered with unshed tears. The boy opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring. It was made out of white gold and on top of it shone a vibrant green emerald.
"It belonged to my mother. I found it in the belongings years after...you know" and he took the ring out of the box "See?" he turned the ring so that the light showed the name "Marvolo" carved on the inside of the band. The boy's eyes were on Moira's "So...will you marry me?" the boy asked her.
A young woman was standing in front of a young man, much taller than her. They both wore school uniforms. The look in the girls face was of disbelief.
"A Death Eater…Snape...how could you do this?" her voice was strong but filled with sadness.
"He's in your head" Snape said, still holding Moira in his arms "Shut it down, Crane"
"I'm trying" she whispered between clenched teeth.
The curtains were closed around a four poster bed. Candles were lit on the bedside table. Moira entered the room carefully, wand in hand.
"Mother?" she called but the shadow lying on the bed didn't move. "Mum?" she called again as she got closer, her eyes filling up with tears. Her trembling hand reached for the curtain and as she pulled it open, she felt the floor vanish from beneath her feet. Tsarina was lying on her back, extremely pale, cold, dead. Red marks were all around her neck. Moira's hand went to her mouth as her knees hit the ground.
A woman with a baby in her arms...a baby with a very odd looking scar on his forehead. She held the baby protectively against her.
"Put him down, Moira. His mother's sacrifice didn't help him, why do you think yours will be any different?"
"You went too far, Tom" Moira said, anger in her eyes.
Voldemort's lips curled as his birth name was mentioned. He struggled to get up again, and pointed his wand at her.
"For the last time, put-him-down" Voldemort hissed.
Moira didn't move but held the baby tighter against her.
"AVADA KEDRAVA!" Voldemort yelled.
Moira shut her eyes and turned her back at the stream of green light coming toward her. She still held the baby in her arms when the light hit her back.
"He's too strong" Moira said between gasps, "I can't fight him"
"Yes, you can" Snape said as he clung to her "You said you wouldn't break…then don't"
The whole room started to shake as if there was an earthquake going on. Windows shattered and paintings fell from the wall, their occupants screaming as they came down. Snape held Moira tightly in his arms, protecting her from the office falling around them.
"No" he heard her whisper "Get out of my head"
Everything was in shades of gray. There was a forest. Moira walked around, not knowing where she was going, but with the strong feeling she was about to meet someone. As she reached a clearing, she stopped and took a deep breath. His scent caught her nostrils and a mixture of fear and longing took over her heart.
"Tom?" Moira said, making Snape's insides turn.
The boy came out of the clearing, wearing deep gray pants, a black jumper and equally colored robes. His dark hair was in great contrast with his pale skin and as he came out from behind a tree, a sly smile reached his lips.
"How'd you know I was here?" he asked, without taking his eyes from her.
"I can smell you" she whispered back, returning the smile "So, what is it that you want?"
Tom walked around Moira, circling her but not getting near her. She felt her heartbeat get faster. Something wasn't right.
"You have been a very, very naughty girl today" he said softly "I had something planned, for us, so we can be together again, but you got in the way" he stopped, his face hidden away by the shadows being cast from the trees above "I'm starting to think your heart belongs somewhere else"
"You know that's not true" Moira said, her body trembling in Snape's arms.
"Then you must promise me something" Tom hissed from the dark "Promise me you'll deliver me the boy. He's the only thing standing between us, precious"
Moira's body shook almost as violently as the room around her. Snape held Moira against him, feeling her skin turn from a fever to icy cold temperature in a matter of minutes. He embraced her, hands holding her shoulders. Moira's hands were on his chest and her head resting right under his chin.
"You can't continue to deny your nature, precious" Tom hissed from the dark "You know that you belong in the darkness...with me"
"No" Moira whispered "I don't..." she raised her head "I can't…I won't hand you Harry" Moira said, fear quickly overcoming her.
Out from the shadows Voldemort flew toward Moira, bringing her down to the floor. Straddling her, his hands circled her throat and squeezed it tightly.
Moira put her hands to her neck and started to struggle for air. Snape, unable to hold her any longer she was shaking so hard, let go of her and she fell to the floor, back first, struggling to take the invisible hands away from her.
"Haven't you learned that fighting me is impossible?" he hissed as he strangled her "You should have killed me when you had the chance"
"Let...go" Moira managed to whisper. Her fingernails clenched into his skin as her eyes were shut tight.
"I will kill the boy and as for you…" Voldemort leaned closer to her ear " we'll meet again…soon... precious"
Moira gasped for air and coughed as her throat was released. Tears streamed down her face as air painfully got into her lungs. Snape watched thunderstruck as Moira's eyes opened wide. They were dark at first, than as she blinked, they turned serpent-like then back to their normal chocolate brown. She closed her eyes again, coughing and what it looked like crying. Moira turned on her side and pushed herself onto her hands, not facing him. He could hear her trying to muffle her cries.
"Crane?" he called as he approached her, his voice low.
"Go away" she pleaded, her voice low and sore, still refusing to face him.
Snape had no idea of how to act toward her, what to tell her. He saw how vulnerable she was and how much she hated herself for it. In all the time they had spent together, through everything that had happened to her, Snape had seen her sad before but had never actually seen her cry. Before he could think about what to do, Moira go up from the floor and left the office in a run.
"Potter" Snape whispered and set off to follow her.
"You don't understand! He'll kill her!" Harry screamed to Poppy, who tried to pin him down to the bed "You have to let me go find her!" he turned to Sirius "SIRIUS! WAKE UP!" he yelled but he wouldn't wake up. Harry started to get desperate "Professor Lupin!" Harry called as he saw Lupin come back into the Ward "Professor, please, find Professor Crane! PLEASE!"
"What happened, Harry?" asked Lupin as he got closer to Harry "What happened?"
How could they be asking any of this? Harry had to get to Moira before she was killed. He tried to explain to Lupin but it was too much effort to try and fight off Madam Pomfrey's hands. Harry looked at Sirius. Surely he would run off and find Moira before asking any questions, but he was in a very deep sleep. Just as Lupin was asking Poppy to let Harry go, the door of the ward opened and a figure came inside. Her hair was hanging almost to her waist and her pale face had the red marks that showed she had been crying. Harry saw Moira as she came directly at him, arms opened, taking him into a protective embrace. She sat down on his bed, holding him in her arms, his going around her as well.
"I tried to get to you" Harry said weakly, feeling his own eyes fill with tears "No one listened".
"I'm here" she said, her voice breaking.
Harry let himself melt in her arms, closing his eyes. He was sure she was the woman in his dreams. It had to be her...no one ever held him like this...made him feel this safe. Harry felt a teardrop escape his eyes. The sight of her being strangled by Voldemort was unspeakable and he was sure it would haunt his dreams. Harry felt as if there was somebody else with them in the vision, but he didn't see who it was. He opened his eyes as he heard footsteps approaching. In a couple of moments, Professor Snape was standing by the door to the Ward, looking at the two of them. Harry felt Moira hold him harder, and didn't make a move to break their embrace.
"Can someone explain to me what in Merlin's name is going on?" asked a very angry Poppy.
"I will as soon as I find that out myself" Lupin asked as he looked at Snape.
Moira broke the embrace and held Harry's face with both her hands. Her usually cold brown eyes were extremely sad. Although her pale face was marked with red, there were no tears in her eyes. She sniffed and tried to bring back her strict posture but Harry knew it was impossible for her to do so right now. Her eyes searched his.
"Are you all right?" she asked weakly. Harry noticed how hoarse her voice sounded, different from her usual soothing tone.
"Yes" Harry said "What happened?" he asked as he noticed the red marks along her neck "Was it true?"
"In a way" she said simply, looking at him "What did you see?"
"Flashes of many things...I can't remember...and him asking you to...to" Harry fell silent as he remembered what Voldemort had asked of Moira.
"That won't happen understand me?" she asked, her tone very serious "Whatever might happen, I will never give you up" she said and Harry embraced her again "Never".
"Why did I see this?" Harry asked as he rested his head on her shoulder, feeling her hand caress the back of his head "How could he hurt you if he's so far away?"
"The Dark Lord has his ways..." Lupin said as he looked from Harry to Snape "of getting closer" Snape sneered at him and moved out of the ward, followed closely by Lupin "Please Severus, tell me you had nothing to do with this" he asked. Snape stopped dead in his tracks, turned on his heels and advanced on Lupin extremely fast.
"I would never ... do something like this" he said in a dangerously low voice, his eyes gleaming with wrath "Never" and turned on his heels.
"Then who did?" Lupin asked, his voice as threatening as never before. Snape stopped, turned again and walked toward Lupin.
"You know who did this, Lupin. You know he'll come for her, so drop the theatrics"
Lupin's eyes were wide. Snape had never lost his temper like this, but it wasn't this that surprised Lupin; Snape was scared. For the first time he wasn't able to hide it; Snape was very scared.
"What did you see?" Lupin asked, his eyes not leaving Snape's "Severus, what did you see?"
Snape came to his full height and his eyes went cold again, he walked toward the ward's door, Lupin by his side. Inside, Poppy was tending to Moira's neck, her every movement being closely followed by Harry's eyes.
"She'll need you when she calms down" he said as he moved away.
"No, Severus" Lupin called softly "She'll need you" Snape halted for a second but continued to walk again, refusing to give what Remus had said another thought. Lupin watched him leave and went back inside the Ward.
Night fell over Hogwarts. The students were a bit calmer, after it was explained what had happened in Hogsmeade and what it meant to all of them. Fudge had owled Dumbledore back, he didn't want to believe Voldemort was back. Moira had succeeded in putting Harry back to sleep, although she had to use a spell for that, and went back to her room herself, with no word to anyone about what had happened, something that made Remus even more worried about it all. The school was quiet after dinner. Several students skipped the meal as some teachers, and others had it else where, like Hermione and Ron, who had their dinner in their common room.
"He should be better now" Ron said softly, seating across from Hermione, near the fireplace 'I heard that You-Know-Who tried to attack Professor Dumbledore and Harry saw it".
"What Dumbledore? Professor Crane?" asked Ginny and Ron nodded "How was that possible? Is she all right?".
"Lupin says she is but I haven't seen her nor anyone has. He said Harry will be fine soon" Hermione said.
Ron nodded. Silence filled the room. They felt it…fear. This was the closest they had come in contact with losing their friend. Neither of them wanted to admit it, but they didn't think Harry was going to make it this time. Gladly he did…he proved them wrong.
The portrait hole opened and Professor McGonagal came inside. Their heads snapped in her direction as fear came back to haunt them.
"Mr. Potter and Professor Black are out of danger" she said in her strict tone "But Professor Dumbledore asked the students not to leave their common rooms after dark, so…stay put" she added.
"What about Professor Crane?" asked Ginny.
McGonagall turned to her and her eyes got a very worried expression.
"She'll recover" she added, her lips in a thin line as if preventing her from crying.
"What happened, Professor?" asked Neville.
"We are not sure, Mr. Longbottom. But I am certain that when we know so will you"
"Can we visit Harry tomorrow, professor?" Hermione asked.
"I believe so Miss Granger. Good night" and McGonagall made her leave.
Sighs of relief filled the Gryffindor common room. While the students chatted downstairs; up in the girls' dormitories a lonely student sat by a window, holding tightly a picture in her hands. Megan Malfoy sat alone in the dark; her gray eyes wet with unshed tears. They turned to the picture where there was a beautiful blond young woman beside a young man. They were standing inside a shop and waving their hands at her. The woman, Maeve, her mother, didn't smile but the man beside her; a tall dark haired man with big black eyes had a beautiful smile. Her thin little finger caressed the picture, smiling back at the man in it.
"I wish you were here, dad" Megan said under her breath "Maybe if you were I wouldn't be so scared" she added under her breath.
Megan heard footsteps on the outside. She ran to her bed and got under the covers quickly, closing her eyes and pretending to be asleep. The picture was put under her pillow, secure from the tears that were spilled during the night.
"So…you got envious of my gray hair and decided to get some for yourself?" Lupin said as Sirius opened his eyes "Welcome back Padfoot"
"I open my eyes and it is your ugly face I see first" Sirius said weakly "Don't like this, Moony" he added with a smile "Ah...much better now" he said as Abby moved next to him.
Lupin looked at her with surprise. He hadn't seen her at dinner and wondered what had happened. Maybe Moira had met her and talked about what had happened. That could be the only explanation for it was way past midnight and Abby was still up and about.
"I see you are doing much better" she said smiling weakly as she put a wet towel by Sirius' forehead, not looking at Lupin.
"The sight of you can make any man feel better" he said, closing his eyes and relaxing as the cold towel touched him.
"Yes, he's cured" Lupin said smiling "And because of that I do believe you should get away from him" he led Abby by her elbow, smiling. Abby delicately moved away from his touch. Lupin frowned.
Sirius turned his head slowly, seeing Harry asleep in the bed next to his. He turned to the other side and there were empty beds.
"What is going on?" Lupin asked Abby in a very hushed voice.
"Nothing, I'm just tired" she said, still not meeting his eyes "I can't get Moira to talk to me either. Actually I can't even find her"
Lupin looked over at Sirius, making sure he wasn't paying attention to their conversation. His eyes fell on Abby once more.
"Well...it was a lot to deal with. She is probably thinking things through" he said and Abby nodded, her eyes on Sirius "We need to talk, Abby" she lowered her eyes "Will you meet me in my office tomorrow?"
Abby nodded shortly and moved away from him, without meeting his eyes.
"Will he be waking up soon?" Sirius asked and both Lupin and Abigail nodded "What about Moira?" Sirius asked. Abby looked from Sirius to Lupin "She is alright isn't she?" Sirius asked, trying to sit up in the bed.
"Yes, we think so" Lupin said "But we haven't seen her after..."
"What do you mean you haven't seen her? That was White Death for Circe's sake? Moony you know this, you felt it too. Moira could be hurt right now and…"
"Will you quiet down? You'll wake your godson" Abby said as she came close to Sirius "Moira is fine" Abby said as she looked at Lupin "She's a tough girl. Don't worry. I'm a Seer…I know" she reassured Sirius, smiling at him "Now get some rest. You'll need it"
Sirius nodded and lay back down. Poppy sent a look his way that made him think twice before making a riot again. Lupin looked at Abby's extraordinary blue eyes and she shook her head at him. She was right; it was better to let Sirius know about the mysterious and yet unexplained attack on Moira after he was all better. Only Merlin knew what he could have done. Sirius watched Abby walk out of the ward, Lupin sitting beside him. When she reached the door, Abby turned around.
"Don't worry. The gray hair is not permanent" she said smiling and left again, not meeting Lupin's eyes.
Sirius couldn't help but smile back. As soon as she left, Sirius turned his head to Lupin.
"Ok, what did you do?" he asked.
"I wish I knew" Lupin said back.
Sophie was seated in a rocking chair, Henry fast asleep in her arms. She looked to the dark sky on the outside; no moon tonight. Nicholas, Aberforth and Albus were huddled in another corner of the room.
"What do you think it means, Albus?" asked Aberforth, his voice low and concerned.
"It means what it means. Henry is a wizard" Albus said softly "No muggle child could shatter a window only by crying. His temper did that"
"Yes, but what about the curse? Do you think he is in danger?" Nicholas asked as he looked as his wife.
"He is a Dumbledore, of course he's in danger. We all are" Chloe said as she entered the room, Abigail beside her. They looked at her thunderstruck. Chloe was usually calm and sensitive, but now she was much more aggressive. She looked back at them.
"Oh, for Morgana's sake, do not pretend this isn't happening" she said "My sister already died in that wizard's hands and my niece just got a close call, now my grandson is a wizard, the first heir of Dumbledore, and do you think that the Dark Side is not coming after him? You are all as blind as Fudge"
"I don't want him to die" Sophie spoke softly, tears streaming down her face "Can't we make him...unwizard?"
Albus Dumbledore walked toward her slowly, with a calm expression in his face. He sat down across from her. Sophie's eyes were on his, looking for comfort.
"Listen child, it is normal to be afraid for your son, but it won't do him any good" he said calmly "Henry is a wizard and there is nothing that can be done about that. What we have to do now is to look after him as he grows up, just like you would if he didn't have magical abilities"
"Besides" said Abby, also getting close to Sophie "No harm can come his way while I'm here. That is why you chose me as godmother, wasn't it?" Abby said sweetly and Sophie nodded "We'll be strong for him together"
"They'll come after him won't they? The hooded men with masks?" Sophie asked.
"Yes" a voice from the door spoke "And they'll go back the way they came...empty handed" Moira said, leaning against the door. No one had heard her come in.
She was again, wearing her usual black dress, but this time it was not canoe cut but with a high collar, hiding the red, now purple marks around her neck. Her hair was hanging down almost to her waist and her face was set in a hard expression. All of the eyes in the room were on her. She made her way toward Sophie slowly, standing next to her.
"As I hear it, he is another Dumbledore with a strong temper" her voice was cold "You chose a very complicated family to marry into" she looked at Nicholas "But we don't choose who we fall in love with, do we?" Abby looked at Moira "Henry is a healthy young wizard, Sophie, and he will stay that way" she bowed so she could see Sophie's eyes "I promise you" her eyes were cold but with a very different glimmer...a determined and almost vengeful shine to them. Sophie nodded and felt Moira's hand on her shoulder. "Let us worry about that" she said as she moved toward the door, going out of it and closing it behind her.
For a few seconds, the whole room was quiet. Although they all knew Moira, they all knew she would always have her way in everything, they had hoped she would lie low, not go looking for trouble. Albus eyes were still on the door.
"Albus, you have to talk to her...what happened...this is serious" Chloe said.
"I know and so does she" said Dumbledore, now turning his gaze to his sister-in-law "But she has to handle this matter on her own"
Moira walked through the silent corridors, only the sound of her heels on the floor paid her company. She went into her classroom, walked to the back of it and into her office, shutting the door behind her. Moira moved in the dark, listening only to her own breath. She moved toward the fireplace, took a handful of glittering Floo powder from a box on top of the mantelpiece and threw it inside the fireplace, calling "Justine Lorcan". As the green flames came alive inside the crate, Moira moved to sit comfortably on the couch in front of it. Moments later the head of a woman popped in the middle of the green flames.
Justine was an exotic beauty. She had long, pitch-black hair, a thin, pale face, big almond shaped eyes, the right one being hazel and the left one blue. A thin scar was visible next to her right eye. Yawning, the Auror's eyes found Moira's.
"Do you have any idea how late it is?" Justine said in a strong and grumpy voice.
"It doesn't matter because you weren't sleeping" Moira said plainly.
"You're right and that is all your fault, Moira. How the hell did you handle all of those...and why is your voice husky?"
"I'll tell you all about it, Justine. Listen...you will be working tomorrow won't you?"
"Of course! The whole Ministry is going insane because of what happened in Hogsmeade" Justine said "I've been questioned by a full committee, Moira, A FULL COMMITEE, only because I know you"
"Do they think I had something to do with what happened?" asked Moira, almost indifferent.
"Obviously! Some people blame it all on you! You know they don't want to believe that You-Know-Who is back. And I have no idea of what is going on. Daragh and me had been assigned to Hogsmeade but out of the blue, our schedules were changed and we ended up in Knockturn Alley. That made no sense. Needless to say my head was throbbing with pain after we left"
"What did the committee ask of you?" Moira asked, not even blinking.
"How you helped my sister a few years ago, and if I knew of your whereabouts for the last fifteen years and all sorts of stuff" Justine paused, observing Moira with interest "They are afraid of you, girl. Not many people can do what you did. All who can are listed as Dark Side followers" she said in barely more than a whisper "And you went beyond...you drove away him all by yourself, Moira. Not even I knew you could do that"
"I know..." Moira said mindlessly, her thumb caressing her lower lip, thinking for the first time about the effect that will have on her under the wizard's eyes "So...they kept you all working late?" she said in a lighter tone.
"Late? We have no idea when we'll be able to go home. I told you my schedule was changed, but we don't know who changed it. Everyone is investigating everyone. It's a mess!"
Moira frowned.
"Exactly" Justine said, coming almost completely out of the fire, leaning on her elbows against the floor of the fireplace "Can you guess who's been up and about over here?"
"Oh, let me think...someone tall, with gray eyes, and a terrible attitude?"
"Bull's eye! Lucius has been here, talking in whispers with the Minister and with some other officials. I bet he was in Hogsmeade"
"He was but...I was told he didn't know anything about the attack" Moira said as Snape's words came back to her "Actually he didn't seem to know. He was gone before it started"
"Convenient don't you think?" Justine asked, one eyebrow raised "Oh, could you tell me where did you send the Death Eaters you vanished? We are trying to track them down...you know...get them before that old snake does"
"Somewhere in Asia, I think...but I'm not sure" Moira said, a hint of a smile on her lips. Justine smiled, shaking her head softly.
"You don't change, do you?" she said smiling "I wish they allowed you in our team. You would make a great Auror"
"Yes, well, how was it that I was told...oh, yes, I'd be hunting down my own kind" Moira said mockingly but with touch of sadness "Why don't you speak his name, Justine? You can't be afraid of a name..."
"Voldemort? Oh, please, honey, I don't speak it because it's too damn tacky, that's why" Justine chuckled "I do respect the power, and he was quite handsome in his human version, but he could have done better with the name"
"Yes, well, his name is the least of our worries now" Moira said calmly "I was thinking about paying you a visit tomorrow...in the Aurors' Headquarters"
Justine's eyes widened.
"Are-you-out-of-your-mind?" Justine said and Moira thought she was going to come out of the fire to yell at her "Do you have any idea of the riot that is going to cause?"
"I'm not going to take this sitting down, Justine. I can't have the Ministry thinking I'm involved in this or they'll bring my father in it too. Attack is my best defense, you know that" her tone was serious.
Justine went silent for a few moments, her eyes lost in thought.
"Ok...tomorrow morning" she looked up at Moira and smiled broadly "This is going to be fun. Moira Craine Dumbledore, ex-fiancé of the Dark Lord himself walks right into the Ministry of Magic. I'd be surprised if the Daily Prophet didn't use this as headlines" her smile vanished "I understand that Sirius was also hurt today...how's he doing?"
"He'll live" Moira answered softly, noting the soft look that took hold of Justine's eyes "I'll let him know you send him your regards"
"Regards...you better tell him not to get into any more trouble. He's another one the Ministry would love to send to Azkaban...again" then Justine stopped and her head vanished from the fire. Moira could still hear her voice, giving some excuse as to why she was using the Floo network. In a few seconds, her head came back up "I have to go. I'll meet you at the Antrium tomorrow" and she vanished, the fireplace going back to being empty.
Moira sat there for the longest time, in the dark, in silence. She closed her eyes as she let her body succumb to tiredness. Her hands traveled to the collar of her dress, unbuttoning it. Her fingers touched her neck. He had attacked her inside her home, inside her father's office and if that wasn't enough, he had invaded her thoughts as well. She had always been good in shutting things down, even good in putting stuff into people's mind, but she found herself weak tonight, and he had taken advantage from it. Moira closed her eyes, focusing in her breathing, trying to calm things down. Snape popped into mind. She must have given him quite a scare. She opened her eyes as a frown took hold of her face. She had broken down right in front of him...she had cried in front of him. It has been so long that she had forgotten how crying made her tired. Her eyes still stung and her throat, sore from being strangled was also sore from trying to suppress her sobs, but nothing was compared to the damage of her being vulnerable, being invaded by Voldemort. She still felt his hands around her throat, his breath next to her face.
Moira raised her hand and from one of the top shelves a pensieve came floating toward her. She looked at it for a few moments, the silvery contents swirling before her eyes. Everything was so much simpler, she thought. Remembering, reliving her adolescence was one way to keep things in focus, not to loose her mind, and right now, that was exactly what she needed. Moira looked into the pensieve, letting herself go back to when she was fourteen years old.
It was a cold day, rain poured down over Hogwarts, making everyone stay inside during breaks. In an empty classroom were a few students studying for the exam they were going to have after lunch. They jumped up in their seats as the doors of the classroom opened; two figures came in and shut them behind them. Leaning against them was Moira and Sirius, laughing their heads off.
"Did you see her face?" Sirius asked "That was priceless"
"Oh...she is going to think she had a premonition...that old fraud" and laughed even more, her hand to her stomach, the other still holding her leather book bag.
"What did you do?" asked Remus who was seated at a table, James and Peter beside him.
"Moira here put some...thoughts...in Trelawney's mind" Sirius said as he sat on the table, his feet on the seat of the chair in front of him "Something about death, of course. You had to see her face!"
"You can do that? Put thoughts in people's minds?" asked a very scared Peter.
Moira looked at him, still smiling, but before she had a chance to answer, James spoke.
"Of course she can. She's a Dark witch, Peter" he said without looking up.
Silence took hold of the room as Moira's eyes were fixed on James. Sirius had stopped laughing and Remus wasn't all that happy either.
"Don't call her that, James" Sirius said, his voice menacing.
"Why?" James raised his head "Is she your girlfriend?" he taunted.
Sirius stood up, knocking the chair he had his feet on to the floor. He stood facing James.
"Sirius, don't" Moira asked, reaching him and holding his arm.
"What if she was? Would you have a problem with that?" Sirius replied.
"I don't have a problem with you" he stood up, turning his hazel eyes toward Moira "I have a problem with her" Moira's eyes found James again.
"Why? I never did anything to harm you, James" Moira said honestly "You know I never would, then why are you being such a git?"
"A git? I'm not a git, you confusing me with your Dark Arts partner" James said as he went back to his seat "Snivellus"
"Don't call him that" Moira said seriously.
"Oh, Sirius, I think you have competition" James said.
"That's enough lads" Lupin said as he got up "We never fought over girls or Severus and we are not about to start now"
"Lily was right about you, James" Moira said, gripping her book bag with one hand and putting the other on her hip "You truly are an arrogant show off" and she turned to the door.
"Wait!" James yelled as he charged after her "Evans talked about me?"
Moira looked from James to Sirius and onto Peter and Remus.
"Yes, but what do I know? I'm just a Dark Witch, who should be hanging around Snape instead of sharing secrets with you" she turned to Peter "Don't worry, I won't tell my father" Peter gulped as she turned to the other boys in the room "Have a good day" and she left the room, banging the door after her.
"Stupid git!" Moira complained as she walked toward the library. Getting there, another awful surprise... no tables vacant. Getting close to exams, everyone was studying as hard as they could, not leaving one single table vacant. Moira searched the place and found an empty table in the far back. She made her way there but as she got closer she saw that Severus was at it, by himself. Her heart jumped in her chest as she saw the young Snape, in uniform, his short hair falling in his eyes.
"Hum...Snape?" Moira called and felt her knees go weak as he looked at her "Do you mind if I sit here? Everything else is full"
Snape pulled his books to his side of the table, giving place for hers. He didn't say a word.
"Thank you" Moira whispered as she sat down.
"I heard Professor Trelawney had a premonition today" Snape said, not looking up at Moira "How did you do it?"
Moira shot her head up, her eyes fixed on him.
"I don't know what you are talking about" she said, pulling her long hair behind her ears.
"Come on, Crane, I know you can do this" Snape leaned closer to her, his eyes on hers "Not as well as I do, of course"
Moira's eyes widened.
"You can?" she whispered, also leaning closer "What about Occlumency and Legilimency?"
"Those too...better than you" Snape whispered.
Moira raised an eyebrow at him.
"And how would you know that?" she asked, sitting back in her seat.
"Cause I can feel that you are upset about something Potter said" Snape whispered "Something about.. .a man..." he narrowed his eyes at her, but couldn't see who the man was "Very good, Crane... you shut me out"
Moira jumped back from her pensieve, her eyes wide, lips parted.
"Snape saw it... he knows" and stormed out of her office, leaving the pensieve on the couch.
Snape paced from one side to the other in his rooms. His robes and hanging on the back of a chair. He paced, not wanting to believe what he had seen. It was too much to bear. Riddle's hands on Moira's skin, her surrendering to him completely. His heart contracted and anger took hold of his chest. Snape picked up a chair and threw it across the room, shattering it against a wall. It was one thing to know but a very different one to see it happen. The look in her eyes as Riddle asked her to marry him...the opposite look as she found out that he was a Death Eater. He had taken her to her doom without looking back. Tsarina paid the price for her daughter...she knew it would happen before they all did. Another incredible woman killed by Voldemort, just as Lily, just as no...Moira was being tortured by him. Her fate was worse because she had dared survive him.
He leaned back on the couch, his eyes on the ceiling. Moira had survived Voldemort's attack. That is why she didn't want Poppy to examine her. But how did she do it? How come no one knew about it? Snape closed his eyes as the image of her crying filled his mind. She was way over her head and she knew it. The Dark Lord will stop at nothing to get her... or to kill her. She knew too much... she felt too much...
A knock sounded on the door. Snape shot his head in the direction of the door that connected his office to his rooms. He walked through it, closing it behind him and making his way toward the door to his office. Undoing all the wards upon it and turning the lock, Snape opened the door, to find Moira on the other side.
"Can... can I come in?" she asked, her voice still hoarse.
Snape opened the door wider, making room for Moira to come inside. Moira looked around his office, searching for the words, but didn't find any help in the jars that filled his shelves. This was it... it was time to bring everything into the open.
"You saw it too, didn't you?" she asked, not looking at him "You were inside my head"
Snape closed the door behind him and observed Moira carefully. There was no way to lie to her. No way to hide that he too had seen her most intimate experiences and feelings.
"Yes" he whispered.
Moira turned around, walking directly to him and slapping him across the face. Snape didn't move.
"How could you!" she raised her voice.
"I was trying to help you" Snape said, his voice calm and controlled "I didn't mean to…"
"You saw us, didn't you" anger and sadness in her eyes "How could you take advantage on something like this?"
"Believe me, Crane" Snape came very close to her, inches from her face "If I could take it back, I would"
Moira was speechless. She stood in the middle of his office, in front of his desk, not knowing what to say. He had seen everything. Snape moved away from her breathing deeply.
"I thought Potter was the only one who survived him" Snape said, holding his back to her.
Moira's insides turned cold.
"He survived his first strike" she said softly "I was still on the first floor when it happened. When I got there, To...Voldemort was already weak, and when he tried to hit Harry the second time..."
"You blocked it" Snape finished "I saw it"
"I probably only escaped because he was already weak. After cursing me, the remains of his powers vanished" Moira sat down on the chair in front of his desk, sighing deeply. Snape turned to her "I'm sorry... it's been fifteen years since I talked about this"
"Who knows?" Snape asked dryly.
"Only my father" she replied.
Her eyes showed so much it hurt to look at them. But he had felt it; she longed for Tom and that had to be explained. She had to say she didn't, that it was Voldemort who put that into her head, that it was glamour. If not, he didn't want to think about it.
"He said you could have killed him... why didn't you?" Snape asked in a dangerously low voice. Moira didn't answer. He marched across the room and grabbed her by her upper arms, lifting her up from her seat in one fast movement "Tell me why you didn't kill him, Crane" he demanded.
Moira's eyes were fixed on Snape's, looking inside him, feeling all of his jealousy and anger.
"I couldn't... I just" Moira whispered.
"You loved him didn't you?" his eyes shinning with rage, "Didn't you?"
"I don't know!" she exclaimed, her eyes lost between Snape's and her memories.
"All of that talk about you breaking his spell was rubbish. There was no spell, you fell in love with him and broke off the engagement when you saw who he truly was" Snape yelled, completely out of control.
"No..." Moira shook her head, her voice shaking, her eyes shinning, but not tears escaped them "There was a spell... I broke it."
"DON'T LIE TO ME" Snape roared, shaking Moira hard "If it is true, who was the man you were in love with before he cursed you?" Moira's eyes were wide "WHO WAS IT?"
"YOU!" she yelled, her eyes angry, not moving from his.
Snape froze. His hands were still holding her tightly and his eyes were on hers, his lips parted. Moira was breathing in gasps. Slowly, Snape's hands let go of her arms, lowering her back down onto her feet.
"I tried to make you go away, but I couldn't" she whispered "I just couldn't"
"Stop it" Snape whispered as he turned his back to her, walking toward the door to his rooms "It's not true"
Moira looked up at him, complete disbelief in her eyes.
"What?" she murmured. Snape turned to her again, anger in his eyes.
"If that was true he would have known and I'd be dead now" he hissed, standing inches from her face "Don't lie to me!"
"I'm not" she whispered "I wish I was..."
"CRANE" he yelled.
"WHAT! What do you want me to say? You want me to tell you I was in love with Sirius? Or maybe Remus? Who, Snape?" she yelled.
"I want the truth, Crane!"
"The truth is it has always been you, and I hate it!" she yelled, the last part left her lips between clenched teet. He looked at her "I hate that you have the power to hurt me so much!" she yelled, her cheeks getting redder "You were the one who took me to him, when all I wanted was to be with you!"
Snape was frozen in place, not believing his ears. How could she love him... him... after everything he did to so many, to her. After all the years they've known each other, after all the time they had spent apart, it was happening and neither of them could deny it or stop it. Everything they had had taught themselves not to feel toward the other was coming to surface.
"You still don't believe me do you?" she murmured, "Either that or you don't want to believe" she turned "Do what you like with what I told you. It doesn't matter anymore" and moved out of his office.
Snape knew it was wrong, that he was probably risking her safety and his own, but he didn't care. He followed her steps, finding her already by the door to his classroom. As she heard him come after her, Moira raised her head and turned around, ready to argue with him again. Snape advanced on her fast, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and claiming her lips with his.
At first, Moira's hands were on his chest, gripping his frock coat trying to push him away but as he deepened the kiss, not letting her go, Moira surrendered to him. Her hands traveled up his arms, onto his neck. They found his hair and tangled in it as he pulled her thin body against his. The urge to feel each other's touch, each other's taste, was almost unbearable. Moira kissed him back passionately, feeling him wrap his arms around her, holding her entirely, possessively. She didn't want to think about what had happened, about what could happen if Voldemort ever found out, all she cared about was Severus Snape and his deliciously thin lips warming her own.
Snape took her into his arms with all his might, wanting to taste every piece of her. His arms gripped her tightly; making sure it was not a dream. One of his hands cupped her hip as the other grasped her hair on the back of her neck. There he was: with Dumbledore's daughter, Voldemort's ex-fiancée in his arms, and no idea what would happen next. She had just told him she had fallen in love with him, but didn't say anything about still feeling the same way. As for him...Severus Snape had absolutely no idea about what he was feeling. The only thing he was certain of was that he needed Moira's touch, her taste. He had no idea she could ever make him feel this way, this needed.
Then Snape broke their kiss. He stared at her pale face for a few moments, seeing her question his action with her big, almond shaped eyes. He stepped away from her.
"Forgive me..." Snape whispered, without meeting Moira's eyes. His voice was cold and indifferent "I shouldn't have..." Slowly, Moira's eyes went from warm to extremely cold. She took a breath and returned to her full height, raising her head. Snape looked at her, indifference in his eyes "I don't believe it's wise for us ..."
"Right" Moira said bluntly, turning on her heels and gripping the doorknob. Her hand was trembling. "This shouldn't have happened"
Moira opened the door and closed it behind her. Snape stood silent, listening to her footsteps as they climbed the stairs. They were becoming faster. Snape closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He knew he could never pursue any kind of contact with her ever again. It was too risky, but then, why did he loose his control and gave in to her? Why did he have to taste her if he had to let her go? Obtain the unobtainable? No, it was more than that. He could understand now what Moira had meant when she said she had tried to make him go away. He had been doing this to her for years and had convinced himself that he had succeeded until tonight. He wished he could take her out of his mind, ignore everything she made him feel, but he couldn't and that made him mad. Everything he had kept down buried deep inside of him for years had been let out tonight, during one single kiss. Why did she have to say those things? Why did she have to make him...feel?
The Potion's master walked slowly to his rooms, his long fingers tracing his lips. They were still warm. He shut the door and stood silent as his eyes surveyed the room in front of him.
"It has always been you"
Snape clicked his tongue and moved toward his bedside table. Opening a drawer, Snape's long fingers found the tiny bottle containing a green liquid. He drank the dreamless sleep potion down in one gulp and fell asleep on top of his covers. Seven floors up, Moira did the very same thing.
A/N: Tadaaaa! They kissed! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. I put Marvolo as Tom's mother's maiden name for a reason…I don't know if it is true in the books but it will be for this fic. Now, it's time for you to do some magic and press a lovely button with the words "Submit review – GO" and let me know your thoughts. Feel free to email me as well.
To Ruth and Trisha: Thanks for always been there for me, no matter what. I know I always say that...You have been shining light into my path and for that and much more I'll always be thankful. You girls write the best Snape EVER!
To Kathi: For writing the most detailed reviews ever! You rock, hon!
To Flora: For becoming a friend and for writing the most interesting and passion driven fanfictions.
To Rosekeet: It's great to see your name coming back after each chapter! Thanks for staying with me.
To Alexandria: Thanks for finding my story and following it!
To Janel: You made an editor out of me and I love it! Thanks for trusting my judgment!
To RivanKnight and Epholge: It was great to see new names coming up...thank you.
To StayGold and Windflower: Thanks for keeping up with the story.
To Katieleebug and Laki: Thanks for reading and I hope to see your names coming up again...even if it's only to say hello!
To Mez: You better review this chapter...MMUUHAHAHAHAHW! Kidding...thanks for listening to Kathi and reading the story!
Sorry if I missed anyone...it's age coming you know...I would like to thank each and everyone of you who read this fic, even if you don't review it. I love writing it and it feels incredible to know that people are enjoying reading it. See you all on the next one!