Mosaics
Part 6

'Passion... is born... And though uninvited, unwelcome, unwanted... like a cancer... it takes root. It festers... it bleeds... it scabs... only to rupture.' – Taken from BTVS, Season two.

Drip, drip, drip.

Gathered hooded men and women parted as he walked past. He lifted his chin and sneered as he heard the mutterings echoing and surrounding him. It was for him alone. He was the one who had succeeded where they had failed. He was going to be honored beyond his wildest dreams, and he was going to enjoy the wealth of those foolish enough to oppose the Dark Lord.

Drip, drip, drip.

His dark velvet robes swished softly he made his way to the Dark Lord. "Master," he crooned as he bowed low."

"Rise," spoke a cold voice. "You have accomplished your task?"

"Yes, Master." He could not hide the malicious grin. Slowly Voldemort returned the grin, his lipless mouth stretching across yellowish sharp teeth.

Drip, drip, drip.

"Proceed," Voldemort commanded.

His smile ever widening, he lifted the sack he was carrying. Something dark was dripping from the bottom, splattering the pristine white marble floor with viscous crimson spots. With a flourish he removed the bag from his shoulder. The unmistakable head was caught in a morbid scream; its vivid green eyes wide with horror, and the broken glasses skewed at an odd angle. The lighting scar burnt a far brighter scarlet than it ever had in life.

Gasps filled the room, and then the applause started, soft at first but growing louder and louder…

Drip, drip, drip.

A chant filled the room, as he; the conqueror, lifted the head high, victorious.

"Weasley, Weasley, Weasley…."

"Ron? Ron, are you all right?"

Waking with a start, Ron looked around in horror expecting to see the bloody visage of Harry staring at him. Instead a very worried looking Harry was sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Are you okay, mate?" Harry asked again. Sweat was pouring down Ron's face and even in the dim light of the candle Harry could see him trembling.

Wanting nothing more than to throw his arms around Harry and hold him, to assure himself that Harry was fine, Ron tried to plaster a small smile on his face. "Sorry Harry, I must have been having a dream. Did I wake everyone?"

There was a groan of frustration from Seamus' bed and Dean mumbled something that sounded like a hex. "I guess I did," Ron mumbled.

"Don't worry about them. They'll get over it." Harry looked intently at Ron. "Do you…want to talk about it?"

"I…I don't remember what the dream was about," Ron lied quickly, feeling sick to his stomach. "I never do."

Concerned green eyes seemed to bore holes into him. Finally Harry spoke softly. "If you ever do…"

"I will," Ron said abruptly, managing a small smile. "Sorry to wake you, mate."

Patting him awkwardly on the shoulder, Harry nodded and disappeared between the hangings surrounding Ron's bed.

Ron flopped back on his pillows allowing the fear to wash over him. The dreams were coming with alarming regularity now. They were haunting him and he almost wondered if he was indeed possessed by Voldemort, particularly if the dreams only involved Harry. But they were dreams of power, wealth and the evilness that he had to do to achieve them.

Wiping at his cheeks angrily, he sniffed. Never would he harm anyone, never. Madam Pomfrey had warned him that the effects of the brain attack might materialize in strange dreams. The brains had pulled the darkest thoughts of his psyche to the surface, and had seemingly made them attainable. It horrified him to think that even in his deep subconscious he would act like that.

Determined to fight his dreams, Ron took a deep shuddering breath and refused to close his eyes. Though he tried to be positive, he wanted nothing more than to seek out his Mum and have her hold him close to her bosom, but this was her weekend away from the school.

"You look awful, Ron," Ginny remarked as she sat down beside Hermione.

"Thanks," Ron mumbled. He kept his head down as he shoveled in his breakfast.

Hermione glanced around the paper she was reading. "What's wrong with him?" she asked Harry quietly, mouthing the words more than saying them.

"Just a bad night," Harry said softly, not wanting Ron to overhear. Clearing his throat he spoke clearly. "So, nothing in the Prophet again?"

Folding the paper, Hermione shook her head. "Not a word. It seems everything is quiet or else they are withholding information…again."

Poking at his bacon angrily, Harry said, "it just isn't right. They keep us in the dark and then expect us to pretend that nothing is happening outside the castle walls. You would think Dumbledore would at least inform me."

"Why should he inform you, Harry?" Hermione asked testily. "You get into enough predicaments without actually trying." Her eyes widened as Harry stared at her. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

"Yes you did," Harry retorted angrily. "Just say it. 'Harry the glory seeker.' Why should you be different from everyone else?"

"Just shut up!" Ron growled, slamming his fist on the table. "Hermione, you don't know what it's like."

They all looked at Ron in shock. "What is what like?" Harry asked quietly.

"Nothing," Ron muttered. "I got to go get ready for practice." He stood up and left quickly, leaving them staring in confusion.

"All right, Harry," Ginny said firmly. "What is wrong with my brother?"

"Nothing. He just had a bad dream. You know," he lowered his voice as he noticed some of the other students staring at them. "…a leftover from the incident in the Brain Room."

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other in complete understanding. "He'll be all right in time," Hermione assured her.

Dark eyes watched the proceedings at the Gryffindor table with interest. It seemed that the Golden Trio were at odds.

"Ah, young love."

Severus turned to look at Minerva who had a small smile on her face. "It would seem that the young lovers have had a bit of a row." The smile widened. "But the fun part will be making amends."

Snorting, Severus glanced back at the table where the other two of the trio were now holding hands. A cold, quiet fury flooded over him.

"I think it is grand that Harry and Hermione have come together."

"Getting a bit soft in your old age, Minerva," Severus said sarcastically. "There was a time you would have stopped such a public display."

"Hand holding is barely snogging, Severus," Minerva huffed. "It is good to see Hermione comfortable enough to hold hands with a male."

Severus looked at her once more. Her lips were quivering slightly. "Yes," he agreed softly. Though she would be better off with a serpent.

Minerva sniffed and patted his arm as she rose. "You should be proud Severus. It is because of your influence that she is where she is today."

With Ginny, Harry and Ron spending the day on the Quidditch pitch, Hermione took the opportunity to venture into Dumbledore's office. Quietly she tiptoed into the office, feeling unsure that she really should be here. Fawkes ruffled his feathers, looking at her questioningly with his dark velvet eyes.

Sitting down she picked up one of the tomes on Elemental Magic, curled her feet under her and began reading.

The ethereal mage may possess the ability to heal. This has only been documented once in 1325 when Stella Von Haven successfully re-attached a severed limb during a freak accident in the Lowery Brewery. Several unconfirmed incidents have been reported amongst the untrained, suspected ethereal mages in the common folk, with those referred to as Spiritual Healers often discovered amongst the unlearned.

It is with caution that we suggest this for fear that a life may be lost in an ill-conceived attempt to heal. The wisest course of action would be to take the injured person or being immediately to the nearest Medi-Wizard facility.

The door to the office swung open and Hermione looked up to see Professor Snape hesitating before he stepped into the room.

"What are you doing here?" The accusing tone of his voice made her blush with embarrassment, leaving her with the guilty feeling that she had been caught doing something wrong.

"Professor Dumbledore gave me permission to read here," she said quickly. "About elemental magic."

They stared at each other a moment before Hermione looked nervously down at the book in her lap. "I am very excited about this," she said, waving her hand idly at the book.

"Indeed."

Looking back at him she asked hesitantly. "Were you excited when you found out?"

"Excited is not a word I would use, Miss Granger," he said smoothly. "Skeptical is perhaps a more precise description."

"And now?"

"It has proven to be useful," he said simply.

Hermione almost lifted her hand before asking her next question. "In what way?"

Severus' mouth lifted in a small sneer. "Such curiosity, Miss Granger. Have you not learned that curiosity killed the proverbial cat, or in your case, the lioness."

Color rose in her cheeks and she bit her lip to keep from saying something that would lose her more house points. "I just wanted to know. After all, Professor Dumbledore said that at one point we would be exploring the use of this magic together; the three of us," she quickly added.

"I look forward to it," he said unkindly. "If you will excuse me, I need to speak to the Headmaster."

After he had left, Hermione tried to return to her reading.

Why did Snape always act like he hated her?

Harry blew the whistle loudly causing the team to stop and fly towards him. "The practice is going really well, however, Ginny you need to stop trying to elbow Dennis every time he attempts to catch the Quaffle. We are on the same side after all," he said with a grin. He knew Ginny didn't like the Creevey boy but he had been the best out of the lot when it had came to tryouts for a new Chaser.

"And Ron, try not to throw the Quaffle so hard that it injures someone. Okay? Shall we go again everyone?"

Circling the players, Harry watched with pride as the team worked like a well-oiled machine. It had been difficult to find replacements for Alicia, Angelina and Katie but he was hopeful as Ginny finally relented and allowed Dennis Creevey and Andrew Jonston to have turns chasing down the Quaffle.

Ron was in excellent form, stopping every Quaffle that soared towards the rings. A frown on his face, Ron seemed to look at each ball as an enemy that he had to defeat. Grimacing, Harry blew his whistle as Ron chucked the Quaffle so hard at Andrew that the boy became unseated and was barely hanging onto his broom with one hand.

After he made sure Andrew was safely astride his broom once more, Harry flew close to Ron. "Ease up on that arm, mate," Harry said with a smile. "I don't want to have to find another Chaser before we even have our first match."

Harry gasped as Ron swung around to look at him. Never had he seen such anger in Ron's face. His fist was curled and he had drawn it back as if to strike Harry. Slowly the anger faded and Ron looked down at his fist and blanched. "Harry,…I …,"

"That's it for today," Harry announced. Several of the team protested. "Practice is over."

After the others had flown down, Harry turned back to Ron. His face was pale and his eyes bright. "Ron, do you need to go to the Hospital Wing?" Harry asked gently.

Ron nodded. Together they flew down and walked towards the castle.

The Portkey deposited Severus and his two students in front of the old Manor House. Cold wind whipped his robes tightly around his body as he placed a hand on the blindfolded students' shoulders and guided them quickly into the house.

Entering the large main room, Severus led the two students towards the raised chair directly in front of him. Five other white robed, blindfolded recruits were already stationed in a semi-circle. He had timed it to the last moment, not wanting to have to wait any longer than necessary. As if on cue Voldemort approached the chair and settled himself, and his black robes glimmered in the candlelight dancing across the silver runes that adorned both the hem and sleeves. The gathered Death Eaters formed themselves into a large circle, each in their respective places of rank. Only five now stood between Severus and Voldemort, with the absence of Rabastan.

"Remove the blindfolds," Voldemort commanded. The seven recruits lifted off their coverings, allowing them to fall to the floor. None of them made any motion, noise or sign of surprise as they looked upon Voldemort's inhuman visage. It was the first challenge and all had passed it unscathed.

Severus listened to the familiar ritual with his eyes always on his students. Kate was the last one in line, the only female. Devon McEwan, a Ravenclaw, stood beside her. They had not known about each other and showed no sign of recognition as each name was announced to the gathered.

The robes of the initiates fell to the ground and each naked recruit ventured forward to allow the Dark Lord to probe their minds. A strangled sob erupted from the third man who knelt now at Voldemort's feet. Blood red eyes narrowed and with a swift motion, McNair stepped forward a large axe in his hands. With a swish, the severed head of the foolish man fell to the floor.

Breathing shallowly, Severus never allowed his gaze to waver as the headless body fell to the floor. Satisfied that his students did not react was but a small comfort. The proceedings continued as the floor at the recruits' feet became red, staining the shoes of those closest to Voldemort. At last, Kate received the Dark Mark, not even making a whimper unlike the others.

"Welcome your new brethren my followers," Voldemort commanded. A round of applause filled the chamber. "Begin with the selection ceremony."

Bellatrix Lestrange, the highest in the circle declined as did her husband. No one, except the new recruits, showed any surprise as Avery gathered the headless corpse and carried it off. Severus hadn't even known that necrophilia was a word until he had witnessed the debauchery that that man savoured with corpses. Dolohov stepped forward and claimed Devon.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Severus was surprised that Lucius did not make a move when his turn came. Instead Malfoy walked straight up to Voldemort, spoke quickly into his ear and then departed from the assembly. Narrowing his eyes, Severus followed Lucius' movements until he had left the chamber. It was highly unusual for Lucius to turn down such sport.

Knott was hissing to him and Severus realized it was his turn. He shook his head with the faintest of motions and saw Kate frown at him. A wry smile lit his lips as he inclined his head towards her. Knott, however, stepped quickly from the circle and grasped Kate's upper arm leading her away. Once the recruits had disappeared the circle broke apart, many heading for the banquet spread out on long tables where several House Elves bowed low.

Sighing inwardly, Severus leaned against a wall, pinching the bridge of his nose. He wished he could flee like Lucius but he had to wait to return Kate and Devon to Hogwarts.

"Severus."

He looked to see Bellatrix standing before him offering him a glass a wine. "Another of your headaches?" she simpered, smiling in a lazy way.

"Thank you," he said graciously, taking the glass from her. If it were anywhere but in the present of their Master, Severus wouldn't have accepted anything, particularly from this mad bitch. Not knowing if it was laced with poison was a strong incentive towards diligence. "Yes, some damned fool child exploded a cauldron of Grotting Gas. Needless to say I was the one left to deal with the aftermath."

Bellatrix made a small tsking noise. "I have always said you are wasting your talents. You need to be here, with us." Her eyes gleamed in the candlelight.

"I am where our Master wishes me to be."

She placed her hand on his arm and leaned closer, pressing her breast against his right arm. "I could change that, Severus," she purred. "You know I have the Dark Lord's ear. For certain favors everything can be like it once was."

Hiding his revulsion, Severus looked at her with cold eyes. "I thought you didn't trust this 'traitor' before you?" Snape remarked dryly. "As for what used to be, I was very young and very foolish."

Her black eyes flashed dangerously. "You are a fool, Severus. I could offer you protection, a high place within the circle and pleasure, untold pleasure."

Pleasure. Bellatrix's idea of pleasure was one of sadistic torture, just as Marius had taught him. The young Severus had taken delight in showing his expertise on a willingly married Bella but that was another life, and he was another man. Or was it? "My tastes have expanded to other delights, Bella. I would be glad to give your husband instruction…"

Her mouth twisted and she laughed, a mirthless high-pitched sound so like Voldemort's. "Touché my sneaky friend. I am afraid Rudolphus lacks your imagination in such things but he is learning…he is indeed learning."

"No doubt," Severus said coolly. "If you will excuse me…"

Without waiting for her consent, Severus walked over to the table and slowly filled a plate. His stomach clenched in protest as he nibbled on a biscuit. A shaky looking Devon had just emerged from a room followed by a grinning McNair. Severus was not surprised when Percy commandeered Kate as soon as she had stepped out of the room. The self-righteous bastard. Hatred flowed through his veins as he thought of Weasley. How had two decent people like Molly and Arthur bred such a repugnant worm?

His eyes flickered over to Voldemort and Wormtail. Peter was cowering at his Master's feet, looking hungrily at the food. Severus snorted softly. Another worm wallowing in the slimy ooze made by his own choice. Just like he had once. Feeling the biscuit come back up his throat, Severus spat it out discreetly into a napkin. Setting the plate on the edge of a table, he crossed his arms waiting impatiently.

Percy was walking towards him and Severus glared, not wanting to discuss the matter of a certain potion again. "Snape," Percy said, his face flushed. "Your presence is required."

"What are talking about, Weasley? The Master has not beckoned me forward."

An evil smile crossed Percy's face. "Your student, the girl, wants you in that room."

His face unreadable, Severus strode quickly to the small sitting room that served as a makeshift bedroom, thinking the girl had had enough and needed to leave. His fingers closed around the Calming Draught in his pocket. Kate had come too far to turn back now and he would be buggered sideways just to watch her executed because she couldn't take the sweating pigs rutting over her.

Closing the door behind him, his eyes adjusted to the dark room, a lone candle by the bed the only light. The smell of sweat and sex filled his nostrils and he fought down a surge of lust. Lying on the rumpled bed, Kate reclined, flushed, with eyes shining.

"Miss Thompson," he said softly, not wanting to frighten her. "You asked for me?"

Moving to her knees Kate crawled to the edge of the bed and sat back on her heels a seductive smile crossing her face. Severus' spine went rigid, knowing what she was about to suggest.

"I did. I believe Professor, that it is my privilege to decide whom I want in my bed tonight."

Breathing deeply, Severus wanted to wipe the smug smile off her face. "You are correct Miss Thompson. However, may I remind you I do not bed children."

Unfolding her legs she stood and walked over to him. Severus felt his body react to the firm young body approaching him. Her breasts were full and firm, dark brown nipples stood erect and aching to be fondled. His traitorous eyes traveled over her body, as his lower regions twitched uncontrollably when he noticed the dark triangle of hair at the nexus of her legs. "I think you will find that I am definitely not a child," she said in a sultry voice, reaching out to touch his chest, and tugging on his robes. "And I also know that you'll be severely punished if you deny me. Now you don't want to be punished for not wanting to fuck your student, do you Severus?"

"You will address me properly," Severus growled.

"Yes, Professor," she said slyly. "Whatever turns you on, 'Professor'." She stepped closer to him and ran her hand up to his neck. "Tell me, does your Gryffindor slut call you Professor when you slam into her?"

Like a snake striking, Severus forcefully flung Kate onto the bed. Pinning her beneath him he ground his mouth on hers, tasting blood as his teeth tore at her lips. "If you want to fuck your Professor," he said coldly, wrenching his mouth from hers as his fingers twisted on a nipple roughly enough to cause her to yelp in pain. "Then I suggest you undress me and get on your knees."

Eyes flashing in triumph, Kate began to undo his robes.

AN/Big thanks to Ozratbag2 for betaing and thank you for the reviews