Chapter Ten
When Sirius had returned to his Master's side, the guards were rechaining the intruders to the floor. He knew that they had angered his Master. "Master, I have the rat's news. Said it was forced submission. A way to use and abuse. Not more. Nothing less."
Lucius nodded to confirm the news, "Draco and I have read the same. He didn't care aboutthe markings, simply brushed them aside. Voldemort had a taste, an obsession, to break Severus' spirit. But what disturbs me is the implications that my son and I have aided in his breaking. We value our lives well."
"I know, my Dragons. Faithful?"
Sirius tipped his head, "He plans an attack against you, Master. The rat has knowledge that your prodigy wishes absolute control that does not belong to him."
Daemon roared in anger, "What!" Severus scuttled away, trying to keep the anger from turning to him. "Shh, Little One. It is not you."
"Yes, Consort. It is our prodigy we rage against. Never against the Consort." Sirius tried to placate his Master's Consort before returning to the news at hand, "The rat knew, Master. It took him this long to tell you. It seemed the idea was to gain your alliance and then power. After that, your kingdom."
Daemon held tight to his anger, "I see. Prepare the army. It is time I re-enter the scene. He's been overly confident. This time he shall learn, permanently."
"As you command."
"My Dragons, prepare the receiving room. I do believe we shall find the ones who don't value your lives. We shall welcome them properly." The two Malfoys smirked evilly, loving their Master's sense of humor and justice. They then joined Sirius in doing as their Master bids.
"And them, my Liege?"
Daemon glanced down at his pleading mate, then the captives, "As a gift to you, Little One, I shall allow them freedom." Severus cleared his throat, "Yes, Little One. I will allow you to go with them, to say goodbye." Dark eyes had lit up at the words and then turned wary, "Yes, Little One. This is a war. I cannot allow you to enter, for I cannot guarantee your life. And I will not lose you to this war, Little One."
Albus nodded. He realized that in order to survive, he could not fight for his school or students. "We will remain at our Headquarters, Number 12 GrimmauldPlace. Severus can be welcomed there."
"Only for his goodbyes. His place is at my side." Daemon nodded to his guards, "Take them. Depart. Severus will see you soon."
"Daemon?"
"My Little One." Pale fingers stroked dark strands of hair, "We have some time. We may retire now."
"Yes, please." Shamelessly, Severus moaned and arched against his mate.
-----------------------Preparing-----------------------
"Do you miss him?"
Sirius turned from ordering the demons to face a concerned Lucius, "Yes. But our Master always comes first."
"I meant your Godson. I had seen you two in Diagon Alley before they went into hiding."
For the first time since the passing of his best friends death tears welled in his eyes, "I miss them all. Harry was special. He was innocent, my little Godson. A son I wished I could have. He would have been great but died so young."
"I am sorry."
"I know. I wish I was there for them and for Harry before his death. But I can only do as bid. It's all we can do."
Lucius watched the darker male continue his duties. Once Sirius' attentions were distracted, he turned to face his suddenly appearing Master, smirking at the half-dressed Lord, "We're almost ready."
"Remind me to reward him well." Both watched the commanding form of Daemon's Faithful. "We leave before sunset. The Shadows will aide us greatly. Send word of my arrival. All those who disobey will be destroyed. This time, keep the rat contained."
