No Good Deed
A/N: Well, someone asked where I had read the name Carrow in cannon, and well the answer to that is it is in the Half Blood Prince, I believe chapter two. Before I started the story, I wanted to pick out a death eater in cannon that no one knew anything about, and so I went onto the HP Lexicon (my favorite site, after Leaky Cauldron) and looked up Death Eaters. It mentioned Carrows who were two death eaters which Snape mentions, which fit in perfectly with my story. Gertie and Cecile were now going to become the unknown Death Eaters in cannon.
So, this is a pretty long chapter, and I didn't even cover all the things I wanted, so seeing as the story is becoming quite long, I may have to divide it into two stories. I wasn't originally planning to have so much back-story, but as I started to write, I quickly found that the back-story was my favorite part about the whole concept.
Before you read the chapter, I should forewarn you that it does switch from past to present more than the other chapters. Everything occurring in the past is only a few weeks after Gertie ran into Lily in Diagon Alley. I tried to make that clear, but just in case it isn't, there you go.
OOO
Chapter Eleven
"The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked die alone
It just shows when you're Wicked
You're left only
On your own"
No One Mourns the Wicked – Wicked
It was a week until Halloween, and the first snow of the year had just fallen the night before. Gertrude was on her way to her sister's house, hoping to talk some sense into her. It was bad enough that her waistline was starting to expand and Voldermort would begin asking questions, she did not need her sister causing problems by letting Regulus be free on top of that.
"Coming." Cecile called out as she wheeled her way to the door. Cecile lived with Regulus in a small house near Kent. It was a quaint house with a few decorations here and there, Gertie hoped one day her and Severus would be able to afford something like that.
"Gertie, uh what are you doing here?" Cecile asked nervously as she played with the silver tiara that Regulus had given her at the Yule ball. Gertie saw the tiara only last week when the Dark Lord gave it back to Cecile, after he demanded she give it to him in the first place.
"I've come to talk to you about Regulus. Where is he by the way?" Gertie said hanging her coat up.
"He is out. What about him?" She asked cautiously, now fiddling with the locket around her neck, which Voldermort had demanded Regulus to bring to him last month, but that too he gave back a short while later.
"About the love potion, Cecile. You cannot stop giving it to him now. He would be outraged. To be violated like that Cecile, to be forced into something he had no idea about?"
"I love him, that should be enough." Cecile stated.
"That is not enough Cecile! You cannot force someone to love you, not without magic that is." Gertie shouted.
"Then help me! That is what you said you were going to do isn't it? You had these big plans, you told me Gertie! 'He can help us Cecile, he can make us better. He can make you walk!'" Cecile quoted viciously.
"He barely pays us, we have to hold down two jobs while pretending that everything is fine. Watching as our friends go and become murderers all for some stupid wizard!" Cecile ranted on.
"Shut up Cecile, you're going to get us killed." Gertie hissed, knowing that her sister was right, but not wanting to admit it.
"I am tired Gertie, I am tired of trying so hard. I just want to give up." Cecile said a little softer.
Just then, the pair felt the dark mark burn on their arms, and they hissed. Instantly they apparated to the Dark Lord, whether they wanted to or not.
As they got their bearings at their new location, they realized they were in the Ministry, but as it was the weekend, it was practically abandoned. How the Dark Lord managed to get in here, they were unsure. The two were alone, but knew that others were somewhere near by.
"What's going on?" Cecile asked.
"I don't know." Gertie said heightening her senses. The two walked down the hall towards an open circular room which had three doors surrounding the room.
"Welcome my fellow Death Eaters, to the Department of Mysteries." Voldermort said silkily.
"Tonight we will be attempting to obtain what the ministry has failed to. Behind this door is said to be the most powerful book in the history of wizardom. The Grimmerie is said to be the ancient book of Merlin. Within its pages are said to be spells so powerful so pure that few can even touch its pages." Voldermort said in reverie.
"Rosier, come forward." Evan Rosier stepped forward, proud with his chest puffed out. Voldermort instructed him to open the door. Slowly with his hand shaking slightly he grabbed the handle. As he grasped the handle, he was thrown backwards into the opposite wall. Whatever magic was guarding the book was powerful.
One by one the Voldermort called the death eaters forward, and one by one they too were thrown against the wall. Finally Voldermort called out Gertrude.
"Miss Carrow, come forward." Voldermort beckoned Gertrude forward.
"Yes my lord." She said slightly unnerved. She was fearful that she wouldn't be able to protect her unborn child if she too were thrown back as well.
"Open the door." Voldermort bellowed.
Slowly Gertrude closed her eyes and placed her hand on the doorknob. Severus chose not to look, out of fear that he might do something rash. But, to Gertie's surprise she was not thrown, but the handle clicked, and she was able to enter.
"Very good, Miss Carrow, perhaps I will let you be the first to touch it." Voldermort cooed. The death eaters were in awe by the glow of the book. It was indeed a powerful book. The magic in the room could be felt pulsating.
"Yes my lord." She replied giving Severus a sideways glance.
"Come forward again Miss Carrow, and remove the book from the table." He told her carefully hovering over her as she moved towards the book. Carefully Gertie slowly lifted the book off the table and handed it to the Dark Lord.
As soon as the Dark Lord touched the book it burned him, and without a second thought he took his left hand and hit Gertie's cheek. Gertie winced in pain and Severus struggled to hold his tongue.
"Open it you foolish girl." He hissed now angry that only she could touch the book.
"Yes my lord." Gertie replied again.
Gertie opened the book in awe of the tattered pages that were over thousands of years old. Voldermort demanded that he read a spell to her, but every spell was written in an ancient language, which she had never seen before.
"I do not know the words." She said.
Voldermort said nothing, but suddenly she felt as if she was not in control, someone else was acting for her. She closed her eyes and started reciting words that she had never heard before. Voldermort had taken over her mind, and she struggled to fight him, which only caused him to latch on even harder. Nearly crying out in pain, she gave into the darkness, and let him take over her body.
It wasn't until later that night that she remembered waking up in Severus's house. He had told her that Voldermort had taken over her mind and had managed to conjure things never before possible. Severus mentioned something about creating a Dementor as well as three Inferi once he had forced her down to the room in which the Veil was held.
Severus also told her that apparently, Voldermort did not want to raise too much suspicion, so he had Gertrude place the book back into the room of requirement and ordered all the Death Eaters to disapparate, so Severus brought her back home.
ooo
It was not long before the Dark Lord called her back, in fact only a few hors had passed. Severus became worried, when he too was not called, in fear that the Dark Lord would merely use her again.
"Severus, I have to go. I have no choice." Gertie said with tears in her eyes.
"Gertie, be careful, just do what he asks, do not disobey, please for our child." Severus pleaded.
"I promise Severus." Gertie said, and with that she apparated to the Dark Lord's side once again.
"Well, well Miss Carrow. I had no idea your talents would be so useful." Voldermort said as he motioned for her to sit.
"My lord." She replied bowing her head.
"When were you going to tell me about the child Gertrude?" Voldermort questioned.
"My lord?" She questioned back.
"Do not play dumb with me Gertrude it will only get you and your child killed faster." He responded.
"I was afraid you would be upset." She replied without really thinking.
"Upset? Upset? Gertrude you have no idea. Because of your stupidity, I cannot use you to your full potential, I cannot give you what you so desperately long for, to be normal. You were so close Gertrude to pleasing me, and now you've gone and got yourself knocked up with Snape's child." Voldermort hissed.
"Forgive me my lord." She replied now at his feet.
"Get up you foolish, foolish girl." He stated.
"Yes my lord."
"You have no choice but to follow me Gertrude. Disobedience will not be tolerated."
"If you do not please me Gertrude I will kill him and your sister, and what a pity that would be. Get out of my sight!" Voldermort laughed maniacally.
ooo
Gertie stood in the bathroom brushing her hair, when she heard a knock on her door. She placed her brush on the vanity, and went to the door.
"Gertrude." Severus said simply.
"What do you want, I thought you didn't want to stay with me?" She said rudely.
"What do you expect Gertie, you come waltzing back after fifteen years! You're acting like, like nothing has happened. You are wanted by the Ministry, for gods sake. You think that by coming back you are going to redeem yourself? Well here's a little tidbit for you, Gertie, no one mourns the wicked. We are wicked Gertie, whether we save the whole bloody wizarding world, we will be nothing to them. Don't you get it! Why is it so damm important to you?" Severus yelled.
"How dare you! How dare you come here and yell at me. You think that I don't know the risks, you think that I just assume everything will be forgiven? Severus I never expected anything, I am only trying to help those I have hurt.
Severus, I can do this alone, I am not weak. I fooled the entire Ministry into thinking I died once, I can do it again. I can do this alone, but I don't want to. All I am asking for is a little help Severus." She yelled back.
"You didn't want my help when you went to Hogsmeade behind my back that night, disguised as me!" Severus retorted.
"I was trying to protect you!" She yelled back.
"Dammit Gertie, I'm the man, I was suppose to protect you!" He said pounding his fist on the bureau.
"I can protect myself. Get out of my room." Gertie hissed.
"Fine." Severus slammed the door behind. Gertie quickly reacted by hurling a small glass vase at the door behind him breaking down crying.
ooo
It was now Halloween night, and Gertie had finally thought of a plan that would help save them all. She would go and tell the Headmaster everything.
She had gotten the idea after Lily had sent her a letter, after their conversation in Diagon Alley, she talked about something called the Order of the Phoenix, and how they could help her. She offered her a safe haven for her and her sister. Lily even was as bold to assume that Severus was the father of Gertie's child, and that they could protect him as well.
Gertie laid out her plan. She would go as Severus, and claim that his friends needed protection, and it was because of Gertrude's foolishness that they were in too deep to begin with.
Gertrude had over heard from a fellow death eater that Albus Dumbledore was interviewing for a new Divinations teacher on Halloween night, so she took the Polyjuice potion, sat at the bar at the Hogshead and waited. As she sat there in disguise, she watched as the Headmaster and a flighty woman entered and made their way upstairs.
After nearly an hour of waiting, Gertie was running out of time with the Polyjuice potion, so she made her way up to the room where the pair were talking. As she reached the door she heard something odd, the woman's voice did not sound right, she was speaking of a prophecy, one involving the Dark Lord and a child born as the seventh month dies.
Quickly Gertie made a decision, if she brought this information to the Dark Lord, then maybe he would forgive her, maybe she could bargain for protection, ask the Dark Lord not to harm Severus or her sister.
Gertie struggled to keep her ear pressed to the door. She must have leaned too hard on the door, because it creaked open, revealing a very angered Dumbledore. Gertie, whom the Headmaster thought was Severus, was quickly thrown out, and retreated back to the Dark Lord to tell him of the prophecy.
ooo
"How dare you be so bold to tell me that someone will be my equal, none are worthy to be my equal." Voldermort hissed at Gertie as she stepped forward from the Death Eaters circle to tell the Dark Lord of this new prophecy.
"My lord, it is the truth."
"Show me." Voldermort said running his sickly long finger across her cheek.
"Yes, my lord." She whispered holding back her fear. Voldermort delved into her mind and listened to the prophecy.
"This is impossible!" Voldermort screeched.
"Was there more?" Voldermort questioned after his tantrum.
"Nnn..no my lord." She shook.
"Liar!" Voldermort enraged.
"Forgive me my lord, but I was caught." She cried.
"Stop your crying you pathetic whore." He hissed. Pacing around his remaining silent death eaters he searched the crowd for one in particular.
"Where is Regulus?" Voldermort demanded as he reached his spot in the circle. No one answered.
"He will be dealt with later." Voldermort said angrily.
"Snape! Come forward." Voldermort said with a morbid smile creeping across his face.
"My lord." Severus responded stepping forward, trying to suppress the rising bile in his throat, fearing what he would have to witness.
"I am disappointed, you really should learn to keep your little slut in line." Voldermort laughed.
Severus tried to remain calm, despite the anger raging inside. Severus clamped his fist together so tight that he felt the slow trickle of blood on the palm of his hands.
"Forgive her my lord, for she was only trying to please you." He responded as calmly as possible.
"I do not forgive liars and whores my dear servant, especially those who associate with them." Voldermort hissed.
"CRUCIO!" Voldermort yelled as he pointed his wand at Severus. Severus bit his lip to stop himself from crying out in pain.
"No! No, please let him go!" Gertie cried out, causing the other Death Eaters who were watching to gasp.
"Perhaps then you would rather take the beating. I would think that as an expectant mother that you would rather protect yourself? No, very well." Voldermort stated.
Voldermort took the curse of Severus slowly. Severus found himself on his knees shaking from the incredible pain that Voldermort had caused. Severus looked up at Gertie with pure pain and fear.
"Perhaps I need to make it clear that no one will defy me." Voldermort said using his wand and pointing it at each and every one of his servants.
"Severus, stand up." He stated as he walked around looking at each of his death eaters.
"Imperio!" Severus was suddenly fighting Voldermort for control over his mind.
"Curse her!" Voldermort yelled.
"Ye..nnno.. Yes my lord." Severus said in monotone.
"Cruc..Crucio." Severus struggled as he held his shaking wand pointing to his fiancée.
Gertie tried to brace herself for the pain, but could not help but to scream out in pain. Her body was on fire. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around her unborn child and sunk to the floor. Voldermort forced Severus to keep her under the cruciatius curse for several more minutes until Gertie's pain was even making the by standing death eaters turn away in disgust.
As Voldermort released Severus from the curse, he stated, "Let this be a lesson to you all, do not displease me!" With that Dark Lord disapperated.
Most of the death eaters followed the Dark Lord in suit, leaving Severus and Gertie alone to lick their wounds. Cecile, however who was now visibly crying made her way towards the pair of them.
"Severus." She said meekly touching his shoulder.
"Oh gods what have I done!" Severus said crying out inching his way towards Gertie.
"Severus, she needs to be taken to the hospital." Cecile said quickly.
"Go home Cecile, you must find Regulus, tell him that he is in danger, I will take Gertie to Hogwarts." Severus said as he propped himself up.
"You are in no condition." Cecile said.
"I am fine! Get going!" Severus yelled as he limped over to Gertie and scooped her up in his arms, yelping slightly as the weight bore down on his injured body.
"She is my sister, take care of her." Cecile said brushing back her sister's hair, causing her to let out a soft groan.
"I love her more than anything in the world, Cecile. I will protect her." Severus said brushing away a small tear.
ooo
Severus apparated to the Hogwarts gates, and tried to make his way as quickly as he could manage on an injured leg. He rapped on the large door as quickly as he could praying that someone would answer.
"Severus?" He looked into the eyes of the Headmaster's.
"Please, I know I've made mistakes, don't punish her." Severus pleaded.
"What happened?" The Headmaster asked as he took her into his arms, alleviating the load from Severus's arms.
"I.. I .. Voldermort, Cruciatus." Severus stuttered. They entered the infirmary. Severus stayed at the door still in shock over what he had done, the pain he had caused her. Images of her shaking on the floor, crying out in pain kept replaying over and over in his head. Poppy was busy at work casting spells, assessing the girl's health, while Albus watched Severus closely.
"Albus, fetch me a bottle of Dorisett, she isn't responding to any of the spells." Severus faintly heard Poppy shout out.
"No!" Severus snapped back to reality.
"Pardon me, Master Snape?" Albus asked.
"You can't give her Dorisett." Severus said now at her side.
"Why ever not?" Poppy asked
"Because, because she's pregnant." Severus whispered.
"Out, everyone out, I need room to work." Poppy snapped into action.
Albus blinked, and started to usher Severus out of the room.
"Wait." Severus said as he went back to her bedside.
"Gertie, please, please forgive me. I'm sorry, I am so sorry." Severus shook as he held on to her hand.
"All right, Severus, let's let Poppy work. And let's see to those wounds of yours." Albus said putting his arm around Severus.
ooo
Severus stopped off from Gertie's room in the castle, frustrated and hurt. As much as he wanted to hate her, there had and will always be a part of him that would never stop loving her. That part of him was what took over when she showed up on his doorstep the night before. It was that passion, that burning that kept him fighting for the light, kept him fighting for her, even if that meant sometimes fighting with her.
His feet carried him down to the Potions classroom. It was funny that he had spent almost fifteen years fighting for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, and when he finally got it, he truthfully wished that he could have continued to teach Potions. The last year had tried him, he was near breaking. If Gertie hadn't shown up he could only imagine that he would be dead, if not by another's hand, then by his own.
"Severus." A voice eerily greeted at the door. Severus spun around.
"Lupin, what are you doing here?" Severus questioned.
"Moody alerted me to Gertrude Carrow's mysterious presence at the Ministry, and I came to the Headmistress with our concerns.
"So what are you going to do? Take me to Azkaban?" Severus mocked.
"No."
"Then leave, you useless mutt." He said exhausted.
"Minerva told me that you love her. Funny, when you two were in the Order together, it never seemed that way, in fact quiet opposite." Remus said as he leaned up against one of the student's workbench.
"Yes, well we weren't on the best of terms then. I don't see how any of this concerns you." Severus sneered.
"Look, I am not against you Severus, but its your word against Harry's that you killed the Headmaster, the most beloved..." Remus was interrupted.
"Shut up, just shut the fuck up." Severus screamed out of anger. Severus turned his back on the werewolf grasping at the desk shaking.
"Severus?" Remus asked slightly surprised.
Remus walked over to Severus, was he crying? Remus closed his eyes. He realized that Severus never wanted to kill the Headmaster, he had no choice.
"Why did she have to come back? Why?" Remus heard Severus whisper.
"Perhaps, she wants to help? Perhaps she knew that you needed someone." Remus said now trying to look him in the eye.
"I was the one! I was the one who was suppose to protect her, I promised her, I promised never to hurt her." He hissed.
"You can't save everyone Severus, no one can. Besides, for now Gertrude is fine, she is upstairs, she's alive Severus." Remus stated.
"She's alive, but for how long? I have failed the Headmaster, I can't protect Potter, hell I can't even protect myself. I deserve to die alone." Severus said putting his head in his hands. Remus felt as if he should comfort the man, but instead he let the man be, and walked out of the room shaking his head in sadness.