Chapter 18- Voldemort
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"Eris, wait," Severus called, feeling a twinge of guilt as he followed her down the corridor. She ducked through a door off the dining room. He tried to explain as he entered after her, "I did not mean to sound harsh, it was just…."
She faced away from him in the linen cupboard, her entire body shaking. He put a hand on Eris' shoulder, turning her in order to better gauge her emotional distress.
When she pushed brown strands away from her face, lips that pressed tightly together opened in laughter. "Oh…my…gods…I almost broke down back there…." Holding her side as merriment pealed forth, Eris repeated in between bursts of amusement, "Overfilled stocking…jollies…goodies…Oh Severus!"
Although relieved she was not distressed by his criticism, he frowned at her continued laughter. Looking down his nose at her, Severus insisted, "My opinion of your gown stands, even if the wording was…." His lips pursed. "Unfortunate…."
She hugged him, giggling. "Your wording was festive, filled with Christmas analogies like a stocking."
His lips began to curve. The comparisons had been rather apt. Severus' gaze skimmed over the area in question. He asked, "Could you not transfigure your dress to cover a bit more?"
Eris stepped back to remove her robes, placing them carefully on a shelf stacked with tablecloths. She held out her arms. "This gown is charmed. The fabric won't wrinkle, stain, tear, or spill goodies." In response to his sceptically raised brow, she invited, "Go ahead, try and pull it down."
Her cheeks became pink as his hands slid up her sides. He felt rather warm, himself. When he tried to slip his fingers between silk and skin, it was as though the fabric of the bodice was imbued with an adhesive spell. It wouldn't budge. Bending forward, Eris grinned. "See, no worries about spillage."
Severus' huff of amusement triggered another round of giggles. Admiring her sparkling blue eyes, he said, "Allow no other male within a metre radius, and I will not worry about them getting an eyeful of your cleavage, either."
Slender fingers inadequately concealed a smile. "A mere eyeful?"
He smiled fleetingly before saying blandly, "If you want me to compliment you in detail…."
Her cheeks were deeply pink now.
Cupping her face in his hands, Severus bent toward her, pledging, "Everything about you is breathtaking."
He'd once heard Black use that line, but unlike the philandering Gryffindor, he actually meant it. Slanting his lips over hers, the soft kiss he gave was returned with an eagerness that fired his ardour.
"Oh, Severus…."
Now that was more like it. Daringly, his fingertips traced the edge of her bodice. Caught up in their kiss, it took a moment to realize that one of his fingers had slipped beneath the fabric. He froze, trapped in a predicament. Should he be a gentleman, or do an experiment? Her tongue teased his lower lip. Surreptitiously as possible, he pulled.
"Stars and stones!" Blushing furiously, Eris leapt back, tugging the bodice up before the 'goodies' could spill out of the 'stocking'. She shook her head angrily. "The charm failed! I should take this defective rag and demand my money back!"
He chuckled. "First consider whether the charm remains engaged if you wish to disrobe."
Her mouth opened and closed several times before Eris gathered herself to say, "No, I think I should just include you in that metre distance guideline." Snatching up her dress robes, she thrust her arms into the sleeves and glared when he chuckled again. "Yes, it's very funny, ho, ho, ho."
"Another Christmas analogy, I am feeling quite festive." It was rather enjoyable, tossing her words back.
She smiled ruefully. When he opened the door for her, Eris brushed against him on the way out, saying huskily, "How about jolly?"
He smiled in a way that had her casting a regretful glance toward the linen cupboard door before they returned to the drawing room.
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If Rabastan Lestrange complimented Eris on her rosy cheeks one more time, she was going to stab her fork into his hand instead of the duck on her plate.
Although roast fowl reigned supreme at their Christmas Eve Feast, other meats were available. At the other end of the table, Father and Uncle Fenrir were carving a boar's head.
A quick peek across the table showed that Severus was paying attention to his roast rib of beef instead of Bellatrix. The witch's thin lips looked like a scarlet line; she was so displeased to be ignored. That fact brought a smile to Eris' face. Suddenly, the candlelight seemed more radiant, the silver gleamed brighter, and the sea of faces and voices became merry.
"Eris…."
The crystal lost its extra sparkle. Turning to Clive, the hesitant note in his voice made her curious. "Yes?"
He leaned close. "You…you won't tell Claire about…." His gaze darted to Bella and back. "You won't tell her about the mistakes I've made, will you?"
"No." Clive's relieved smile faded when she qualified, "But I want you to owl and wish her a Happy Christmas, and if I find out you're making any more mistakes, I will."
She almost choked on a bit of braised endive when he said a few moments later, "I would've never made those mistakes, if you'd been my girl."
After a desperate drink from her water goblet, Eris said, "I'm not your girl, I'm…a friend…so take my friendly advice and don't talk like that anymore." She tried to joke, "If we'd gone out the first time you asked, you would've got bored and moved on long ago. So pretend we did and move on now."
He gave her a puppy-dog look with a sad smile. "Or I might've fallen madly in love and wanted to spend every moment with you, until I asked you to marry me so we could be together forever."
She hoped he was speaking hypothetically. Eris didn't think Clive was a troglodyte anymore, but that didn't mean she wanted to be his girlfriend—much less his wife! Thrusting a dish of brandy snap at him, she said, "Try it." Attacking a roast potato with her knife, she looked up and found Severus gazing steadily at her. He'd probably used some amplified hearing charm to eavesdrop on the whole embarrassing conversation. She made a face.
"Do you suffer from indigestion, Miss Greyback?"
Eris' gaze travelled to the boy opposite. His brow rose in sardonic amusement. Her eyes narrowed. Rabastan wasn't speaking that loudly. Severus had to be using an auditory enhancer. Or maybe he read lips like she'd long suspected? Answering Lestrange, she said, "Yes, something disagreed with me." Across the table, Severus lifted his glass in a silent toast.
At the end of the Feast, the house elves brought in the Christmas pudding. Even pureblood wizards smiled to see the brandy fuelled flames.
"Vile stuff. What's in it, anyway?" Clive asked.
"Suet, dried fruit and spices, all laced with brandy," answered Eris.
"How d'you know?"
Aware that Severus was probably listening, she explained, "I don't get a chance to use them often, but I'm well versed in domestic spells. The elves expect their mistresses to be trained in household management, so their services will be valued and themselves treated with due respect."
"You don't just order them around?" Clive looked down the table for a moment at Malfoy, genuine surprise in his voice. She shook her head. If the abused Dobby was the only elf the boy had known personally, she understood his bafflement.
Nordri served her a slice of pudding and Clive a square of Christmas cake. Realising that the house elf had overheard him, he awkwardly seconded her warm thanks. The stoic elf's features relaxed slightly. Eris smiled, thinking Clive had a better chance of being served hot coffee in the morning now.
"Look, Snape's found a galleon in his piece of pudding!"
John Kendrick's clapping in youthful enthusiasm led to others following his example. Soon the entire table was clapping. Severus inclined his head in acknowledgment. When her mother rose and announced that coffee would be served in the drawing room, Eris' father declared that the men would retreat to the billiards room.
"They're not really going to play billiards," Clive said in a low, excited tone.
Eris tried to smile at Severus. She knew how much he'd looked forward to this moment. His eyes gleamed with anticipation that didn't show on his calm features.
A wobbly smile was the best she could do.
Standing, she mouthed, 'use Occlumency' before following the other women out of the chamber. Eris avoided the women who appeared thrilled their husbands and sons were meeting with the Dark Lord, choosing to sit down on the rug by the Christmas tree.
"Awww…is wittle Ewis upset because her pwaymates have gone bye-bye?" Bellatrix taunted, standing over her.
"Are you talking that baby-talk again?" Narcissa demanded as she nudged her sister back in order to sit beside Eris. Making a shooing motion with her hands, the blonde commanded, "Go away before I owl mother and tell her you're alienating my influential friends."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"If you want to be mortified by receiving a Howler on Christmas Day, just keep looming," Cissy warned.
Before stomping away to bully someone else, Bella sneered, "Fine, but when you snog Snape, wittle Ewis, remember that I gave him his first kiss."
"I know. I was there," Eris shot back. "I felt sorry for him, having you smash his lips like that."
After her sister had left them alone to gaze at the tiny enchanted candles twinkling on the tree branches, Narcissa asked, "Do you still feel sorry for Snape? Is that why you're friends?"
"No. We…fit somehow."
A strained silence fell. Eris knew her friend didn't like Severus, but she wasn't asking Cissy to, and Merlin knew 'Luci' wasn't her favourite person either. Staring at a crystal ornament, a strange thought occurred. Where would they all be next Christmas?
Peering sideways, Eris decided that she wouldn't spend the time they had acting like it was a funeral instead of a holiday. She nudged Narcissa's arm with an elbow. "Vestri saved some Yule Oil for me."
"The stuff that gives you wild dreams? Let's go get it!"
The girls walked out of the drawing room sedately before running to the kitchens.
"Slow down! My heels aren't charmed like yours. I could turn my ankle on these stairs!"
Eris bent and began to transfigure the slides that lacked expensive comfort charm. Within seconds, Narcissa exclaimed, "It's night and day, how different these shoes are with and without spells. Thanks!"
"That was nothing. Wait until you try Vestri's oil." Leading the way into the kitchen, Eris found the elves sitting in chairs before a side fireplace, sipping butterbeer.
"How is we to be of service, Miss Eris?" Nordri bowed deeply. Too deeply—Vestri had to yank him upright again.
"We are in need of Yule Oil to make visions of sugarplums dance in our heads," she said.
When Narcissa snapped that she wanted visions of Lucius, not some bloody sugarplums, the elves snickered. Narcissa stared. She probably hadn't seen happy house elves before. Eris figured it was good for her.
She said, "Is it on the same shelf as always? Sit back down, I'll find it. You two have a Happy Christmas."
Ascending the stairway again, Cissy uttered disbelievingly, "Did you really tell elves to have a Happy Christmas like they were people and not creatures?"
"They're magical beings, you twit, not creatures." Holding up her hand when Narcissa started to argue, she said, "For tonight, let's not discuss what Lucius says, okay?"
"Okay."
They climbed up to the old nursery. Eris sat on the window seat and uncorked the dark green vial. The aromatic scents of frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and cloves filled the air. Handing the vial to Narcissa, she watched her place a few drops on her wrist and rub it in. Taking the oil back, she smoothed a few drops down to the hollow of her throat, and impulsively rubbed a little on her chest where Severus' finger had slid.
Side by side, they watched flames in the fireplace and waited to see if the daydreams that resulted were as magical as the dreams could be. When Cissy started giggling, Eris smiled and watched a shape take place in the flames.
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The bedroom door crashed open.
Sigyn sat up and pushed long brown strands out of her face. In the firelight, she saw Loki holding one of Odin's drinking cups. She shook her head with a smile, pleasing him with her admiration. Her heart leapt to see his triumphant grin.
He'd been in one of his moods earlier that day, grumbling over the unfairness of being banned yet again from the hall of Aegir. Her husband's dark mischief was a part of his nature she accepted along with his sly wit. He could work magic, for good or ill, with his words and often angered the gods with his mockery.
When night had fallen, she'd lightened his mood by making a wager.
Rising from the bed, she allowed the silk gown to pool at her feet. He'd found a way in, so she would gladly pay the forfeit. Watching his eyes become hooded, riveted to the winding motions of her serpent dance, Sigyn knew soon they would be undulating together….
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"I had the most fabulous dream! Lucius took me to Diagon Alley, and in every single shop I bought whatever I wanted."Sighing contentedly, Narcissa asked, "So, what did you dream about?"
Blinking heavy eyes, Eris said languorously, "Snakes."
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Severus had begun the process of hiding memories and feelings before dinner, but he appreciated Eris mouthing 'use Occlumency.'
Following well behind his host and the other members of the Knights of Walpurgis, he allowed one last remembrance of her smile before taking his thoughts, memories, and feelings about Eris and sealing them away in a dark corner of his mind.
His grandfather had begun instructing him in Occlumency before he was five. Legilimency sessions did not begin until three years later, when he had matured sufficiently—not only in order to master the subtleties of the discipline, but also to be able to handle the information he acquired. Thoughts and memories from his parents weren't always the most pleasant to view.
"Don't keep Lord Voldemort waiting." Fenrir Greyback's chuckle was a gravely rasp. "He's not as kind as I am."
With softer emotions cut off by stygian depths more impenetrable and less detectable than psychic walls, Snape was able to meet the werewolf's gaze with a flat, cold stare. Greyback's eyes shifted away.
In the billiards room, Erik sulkily picked out a cue stick for a solitary game while the men took robes from a concealed wardrobe. With cowls concealing their faces, the Knights entered a secret passage and travelled downward to a chamber carved out of stone.
Inside, a hooded, cloaked figure drew all eyes. Flickering torchlight made his shadow appear immense and grotesque.
The seventh year boys were pushed to the front. From the shadows, other Knights moved forward, until the group formed a semicircle around the three desiring initiation. The Dark Lord pointed to John Kendrick. The teen looked around to make sure he was the one summoned before moving slowly to halt in front of the intimidating wizard.
"Have you no manners, to stand so insolently before your master, boy?" said Voldemort softly. A projection charm carried his words to the avid audience. Severus noted an eager shifting toward the front. He soon learned why. When John tried to apologise, he was silenced with a spell. "Bow."
The boy clutched his stomach, manfully holding back groans as he bent in half and then fell to his knees. After tears of pain rolled down Kendrick's face, he was released from the hex. Standing once more, he held an arm stiffly across his abdomen and bowed.
"Return to your place. You, come forward."
Responding to the summons, Clive Sutton stepped out and bowed so deeply the Dark Lord made a sound of derisive amusement. "Learn from the example of others, do you? Are you shrewd, or just a coward?" After Sutton continued to gaze silently downward, Voldemort warned, "Look at me when I speak, or suffer the consequences."
Severus found himself leaning towards the pair just like the rest of the group, waiting with bated breath to hear the wizard's pronouncement. He knew that Legilimency was being used to probe Sutton's mind.
A low, malicious chuckle sounded.
"Your mind is weak and obsessed with the frailty that is woman. Such a divided will is unworthy of high honour." Gesturing imperiously, he commanded, "Take him away and see that his memory of this night is erased. Allow the hope of one day attaining Knighthood to remain, however. Foot soldiers with ambition are sharper tools."
As Clive was led away, looking too scared to protest, Severus obeyed the command to present himself. Bowing to the degree reserved for the Minister of Magic, he held the deferential pose until his back began to ache.
"Finally, someone who observes the niceties. Rise, and look into my eyes."
Up close, Lord Voldemort was gaunt and unnaturally pale. Severus noted with detached interest that his skin looked waxen and the whites of his eyes were bloodshot. He was a textbook example of the toll taken by long-term wielding of Dark Magic. Few traces of humanity remained in the reptilian gaze. That fact cemented his certainty that Voldemort would one day rule the Wizarding world uncontested.
High-pitched, cold laughter reverberated through the chamber. "Dumbledore refused to allow me to share my knowledge with his students, but he cannot prevent them from seeking me out. Impotent old fool." Slit-like nostrils flared as he focused on Severus. "Open your mind to me…."
The memories and feelings not hidden away rose to the surface. In his mind's eye, Severus 'saw' them along with the wizard using Legilimency.
His father sneering, pushing, spitting his contempt for 'foolish wand waving'…His mother's dull acceptance of her lot in life…Himself, shooting down flies, face clearly stating his wish that they were everyone who had ever tormented him…The grounds of Hogwarts, the twisted fury on his face while he was held suspended in air, his knickers a source of cruel amusement to those watching….
It seemed that every humiliation he'd ever suffered, all the retaliations he'd planned and executed, and the times he'd been angered by lack of recognition from professors or bitterly envied and resented those with money and power were each examined by Voldemort.
"What do you hope to gain from me, boy?" Eyes flashing red, the Dark wizard divined the answers and declared, "Knowledge, power, revenge, and respect are worthy of high honour." Ripples of excitement spread when Voldemort commanded, "Bring forth the sword!"
Severus fell to his knees, one part of his mind unable to believe this was actually happening while another part calculated how best to use this turn to his advantage.
A cloaked Knight presented a ceremonial sword. Voldemort held the hilt in a two handed grip, sword pointed upwards. Looking down in a pose of humility, the boy recognised Ulrik's voice. "You, Severus Snape, being chosen to be one of the company of the most noble Knights of Walpurgis, shall be freely bound by oath and by blood to give allegiance to Lord Voldemort, to uphold the tenets of Knighthood, and to take the Mark if your lord deems it meet you should do so."
Unwaveringly, he gave the oath and felt the sting of a knife's blade raising his chin with the point. Severus slanted a glance and found Lucius returning his gaze beneath the black hood. Metal rang as the bloody knife was slid up the sword. Malfoy stepped back to rejoin the others as tendrils of green smoke arose.
Voldemort raised the sword straight up in the air and slowly lowered the flat of the blade to Snape's left shoulder. In a smooth motion, the sword was lifted and crossed to tap the boy's right shoulder. Raising the blade to his full reach, the wizard held the position while smoke poured out, filling the chamber with a green haze. Once the flat of the blade anointed Severus' left shoulder again, the smoke that clouded visibility abruptly dissipated.
"Rise."
Standing before Voldemort, the newest Knight of Walpurgis bowed reverently. Tyr's instruction in the study, of extracting and storing the subject's last dream, came rushing back to him. Coolly and calculatingly, Severus exhaled fully and then held his breath, silently chanting. When cold, thin fingers briefly touched his shoulder, he looked up into the Dark Lord's eyes and inhaled deeply, before looking away.
"I expect much from you, Snape. Kendrick will be your Squire, assisting you in any way necessary. You alone shall decide if he is worth of Knighthood when next we meet."
"Thank you, my lord." After bowing again, he rose to accept the civil congratulations of his fellow Knights. While John Kendrick assured him that he would do whatever was required, Severus noted that a group of black robed Knights were following Voldemort into a small side chamber.
"Those are the inner circle. They call themselves Death Eaters. Do you aspire to their ranks?" Tyr asked quietly upon reaching his side.
"Yes." Without sentiment to cloud his judgement, the word had spilled forth without reservation. Almost sadly, the old wizard nodded, and said, "We should return to the party."
Trailing along with the rest of the group, feelings of elation and satisfaction buoyed Severus' confidence and hopes that he would realise his ambitions. Rejoining the women, he stayed on the opposite side of the room from Eris. It would take some time to integrate his repressed memories and feelings. Impetuous as ever, she made her way to him.
"I need to talk with you. May I come to your room later? I'll use a Disillusionment Charm. No one will know."
Her soft voice and pleading eyes evoked a physical response he saw no reason not to satisfy. Severus whispered a time. She smiled and moved off to go chat with her mother.
"Champagne, Sir?"
Taking it, Severus toasted himself, his ambitions, and his reward, now smiling shyly at him from across the room. Taking a drink, he smirked and left the chamber. He was in the mood to celebrate.
A/N: I used Dumbledore's memory in HBP for the description of Voldemort, and an account of King Edward's knighting of the Black Knight for the ceremony. I'll celebrate too, if you review!Thanks to all the wonderful readers who made me break out the bubbly last week. (coke has bubbles, lol) I'm currently without internet due to moving to a "rural location" but I pinky promise to reply as soon as possible! ♥ 40/16♥ Beauty Eclipsed ♥ Camillia Vincent ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley♥ ElspethBates ♥ Embellished ♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie ♥ Jedi Knight Padme ♥ Machiavelli Jr ♥ MamaLisa♥ NazgulGirl♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Slytherin Love Goddess♥ and ♥ sunny9847 ♥