Chapter 4- Fenrir vs. Loki

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"To what do I owe the honour of this visit?"

Fenrir seemed taken aback by the question. Waiting impassively for an answer, Severus was distantly amused by the werewolf regarded as the most savage of his kind. The wizard had not come to Wales for the scenery. He had a definite purpose. Therefore, he was hesitating over whether 'the honour' spoken of was mocking or sincere.

Greyback said warningly, "I bring the Dark Lord's orders, to which you'd best pay heed."

Once his hand had been squeezed in a crushing grip and released, Severus gestured to a nearby decanter. "Of course…may I offer you a drink?"

"Firewhisky? If it isn't local. Welsh whisky tastes like their language sounds. Horrible."

Severus declined to comment on the statement evoking the term 'Arsehole Englishman.' "Its Ogden's Finest."

"That'll do."

After pouring a generous measure into a tumbler, Severus held it out and noticed the fingers which curled around the glass had yellowish, claw-like nails. The Death Eater's graying blond hair looked matted, like that of an unkempt animal. He filed away the evidence of the man's feral nature for future use and waited for his 'guest' to take a seat before sitting in the chair on the opposite side of the fireplace. The glow of the fire made the werewolf's eyes gleam red.

Severus deduced that his fellow Knight wished him to speak first. "Am I to report to you on this assignment?"

Fenrir drank the whisky in an uncouth swallow. "No. You communicate with Malfoy only. I merely…volunteered…to relay the instructions." He bared teeth that revealed a dire need for brushing/flossing mints. "Wilkes' report was comprehensive and yet…did not satisfy. He is, after all, biased in your favour."

The prominent canine teeth likely frightened other men. Not Severus. He inclined his head. "I will gladly answer any further questions."

"I have but two. Do you know the location of my niece?"

"No." He could tell the lie coolly, because it was a half-truth. Severus didn't know exactly where she was at this moment. Eris could be soaking in a bath scented with lavender rose petals or she could be pacing the bedchamber or lying atop the duvet, restlessly awaiting his return.

"If that's true, why do you smell like her favourite fragrance?"

"I was replenishing my master's stores. Essential oils and dried floral ingredients are vital to many potions."

The werewolf cocked his head, nostrils flaring, as if trying to sniff out the truth. Interesting… Could he detect a rise in heart rate or skin temperature? Since neither of Severus' altered, Fenrir relaxed and said gruffly, "I had to ask."

"I understand."

Fenrir nodded in thanks when his drink was refilled. The actions were repeated several times. Staring into the flames, Greyback said with a peculiar rasp in his voice, "Eris is like a daughter to me, perhaps because she could have been my child." Catching the slight widening of Severus' eyes, he gave a mirthless laugh. "Yes, you heard aright. I was the one who offered for Danica, before my condition became known and she was betrothed to Ulrik instead."

"I do not know what to say."

Fenrir barked with laughter. "It's not something pure-bloods talk about. Both families considered my blood tainted and viewed werewolves as creatures instead of superior beings. I said one day they might find themselves overcome by the beasts they loathe and fear." He held the tumbler out. "Do you know how they responded?"

"No." Actually, he had a good idea, since Danica had married Ulrik and borne him two children, but Severus wanted to hear the answer, and more importantly, Fenrir wanted to tell him.

After accepting yet another measure of whisky, the man whispered, "They sneered in my face. Brushed my words aside as those of a disappointed suitor and went on with their alternate plans."

"Unwise." The word slipped out while Severus was ruminating on the story.

Fenrir's grin was predatory. "Somehow, I knew you'd understand…Tyke." Taking in a deep breath, the werewolf huffed in amusement. "Didn't know Wilkes shared your common history? Hide your past if you want, but it makes no difference to me, and besides, I have fond memories of Yorkshire."

Staring off, likely remembering those he'd killed or turned into creatures like himself, Fenrir drank his whisky. He said abruptly, "I'm hungry. Is there any decent meat to be had in this miserable excuse for a castle?"

"If you like it exceedingly rare."

"The bloodier the better," said Fenrir.

-

Following a dinner consisting of beef so rare one could almost hear a faint 'moo', the two Englishmen returned to the drawing room.

"Surly fellow, that old Welshman."

Shrugging, the apprentice said of his master, "He prefers solitude."

He refrained from mentioning that Ap Meurig had become quite sociable as the months progressed or that tonight's conduct was remarkably civil, considering the numerous disparaging remarks Greyback uttered against his country and people.

Fenrir resumed his seat in a chair flanking the fire, patting the stomach beginning to strain the fabric of his robes. "The food made up for the host's deficiencies."

Severus made no comment. He had only eaten enough food to offset the firewhisky. Waiting for the Death Eater to speak, he watched the blue-tipped flames. His lips quirked in amusement as the flames took the shapes of his favourite dishes.

"Pour us another drink and I'll tell you about your mission, Snape."

Obediently rising, he returned with firewhisky before sitting up straight in a pose of attention. Silence lengthened. Catering to Greyback's need to feel in control, to be the last to speak, he asked, "What is my mission, sir?"

Fenrir responded with a small smile. "You will be given a list to memorise. The names are those who have not yet contributed funds or much needed information to our cause. You will contact and remind them of their obligations." All traces of goodwill vanished as the man stated, "The Dark Lord expects nothing less than a fully effective network of support, and will not accept failure."

"I will not fail."

Holding out his glass for another shot, Fenrir said, "I will accompany you on the first visit in the morning." Glancing around the room, he scoffed, "Is reading the only thing to do around here?"

"There is wizard chess."

"I said do, not sit on your arse."

"Darts?"

Fenrir grabbed the decanter of firewhisky. "Lead the way."

An hour later, Severus was reluctantly impressed by the other man's prowess at darts. Even while drinking heavily, Fenrir always hit his mark. After winning several close matches, the werewolf was in an oddly genial mood.

When Severus escorted him to his chamber, Fenrir said, "Wait." Shuffling into the room, he came back with a tiny scroll. "I was supposed to owl this to you after I left—more imposing or some shite, but you may as well have the list now." He gave over the parchment and laid a hand on his companion's shoulder. "Tom said you cared for Eris."

"Yes."

"Well, I'll find her. She can't hide forever." Stumbling back into his room, the man slurred as he closed the door, "I'll find m'little girl."

M'little girl…

Earlier, Fenrir had said Eris could have been his daughter…not should have. There was a subtle difference. Combined with the gritty determination to keep searching for a young woman who had taken pains not to be found, the choice of words brought a question to mind. Was Greyback a devoted uncle…or was he something more?

Mind free of the impediment of weaker emotions, Severus decided the potential advantage of such knowledge justified the means he would employ to gain it.

-

He entered his chambers and approached the sofa his partner was curled upon. Watching her sleep, he objectively admired her lovely form before bending to touch her cheek. "Eris, wake."

She stirred and opened her eyes, smiling tiredly before rising to slide her arms around his waist. "Severus, you're back. Did everything go all right?"

"Was there any reason you supposed the meeting would go amiss?"

Dark blue eyes searched his. "You're still…disengaged…aren't you? That's why you seem so distant and cold."

"Cold?" he murmured, before kissing her. She shivered, but pressed closer. Severus caressed her with his hands and lips, enjoying the physical aspects of the embrace, the soft curves and smooth skin. Eris responded to his touch. His own reaction threatened to unleash his tightly controlled emotions, so he pulled back and urged, "Open your eyes."

She shook her head. "No. Not like this."

He caressed persuasively. "I need to access your memories without feelings hindering my search. Let me in," he paused and added the word that seemed to wield magic, "please."

Her eyes opened.

He stepped into the windows of her mind and delved beneath recent, surface memories. As random flashes of their romance and school days transformed into ones of family and home life, he caught a glimpse of something intriguing and focused.

A girl of seven left her father's library with a tear-streaked face. In the outer corridor, a man whose features were beginning to coarsen stepped out of the shadows. His expression was one of regret. Holding up her bandaged hands, Eris cried, "Why did you have to come and ruin everything?"

Fenrir Greyback reached out and smoothed back a lock of her brown hair. "They were Muggles…and you will thank me some day."

Severus already knew the story of Eris chastised for playing in the snow with Muggle children. It wasn't what he was looking for. He went deeper.

A girl of four and a wizard with ruggedly handsome features played on a nursery rug while a little boy slept on a cot nearby. On hands and knees, they 'stalked' a miniature stuffed deer. When the pair neared the animal, the man bent and whispered something that made the girl nod vigorously. She pounced on the deer and then looked up, holding the neck of the animal in her mouth.

Danica Greyback had entered the room, face white with anger. "What are you doing?"

A defiant look settled over the girl's small face as she held up the deer. "I'm a wolf, and this is my prey!"

Transferring her ire to the man laughing on the rug, the mother's face twisted. "How dare you?"

Fenrir Greyback rose with preternatural swiftness and prowled forward. "You know how I dare. You used to love it."

Face set, Danica shook her head. "Not anymore."

The man's angry expression smoothed when the girl hugged him, saying, "Don't be sad, Uncle Fenny. I love you."

He smirked at the woman as he replied, "Do you, sweetheart?"

"Yes! We're pack, aren't we?"

The girl smiled happily as he knelt and answered, "Yes, we are."

The image abruptly shattered. Severus jerked in reaction, breaking the mental connection. When he tried to refocus, Eris' gaze was impenetrable. She was using Occlumency against him.

"Why did you bring up those memories?" When he didn't answer, she said, "Uncle Fenrir got drunk and started talking about Mother again, didn't he?" Her smile held more than a trace of bitterness. "Now you know our family's dirty little secret. My uncle was almost my father."

"Are you entirely certain he is not?"

Tears sprang to her eyes. "No." Her lips trembled. "Why? Would it make a difference in how you feel about me?"

He said curtly, "No."

Eris stepped close. "Tell me that when you're whole again."

"Soon. I need only to access..."

"What about my needs?" she said, gripping his robes with hands clenched into fists. "I need you to stop compartmentalising your soul and tell me you love me regardless of who my father is!"

Severus drew breath to attempt reasoning with his partner. It was stolen by her kiss. His resolve to confirm Eris' true parentage weakened beneath an onslaught of passionate kisses. Stubbornly clinging to rationality, he decided to wait until she was most vulnerable to try again.

He might have accomplished his goal if she hadn't cried.

"Please," she whispered against his mouth, unfastening his robes and pushing them off before working on his shirt buttons. "Please love me."

The plea alone would not have broken his internal barriers. It was the silent tears that transferred from her cheeks to his that washed away the darkness he had shrouded his emotions in. His kisses gentled as the desire to satisfy emotional as well as physical hunger grew.

When she pulled him toward the bed, he felt shame for his earlier callousness. "Eris, you do not have to..."

"I want to love you in every way, and I need you to love me."

"I do, Cariad," he assured, before lifting her into his arms.

-

Much later, he met a vulnerable gaze and made no effort to delve into painful memories. Looking away to compose his thoughts, Severus felt Eris' fingers caress his cheek and said, "Advantageous as detachment from softer emotions can be, it also poses a danger that, rest assured, will be safeguarded against in the future."

The head resting against his chest lifted. "It's all right. I understand."

He met her eyes. "Can you forgive my unconscionable treatment?"

"Yes. Can you forgive me for keeping the secret…and not wanting to know?"

"Yes. Regardless of who your father is, I love you, and will respect your feelings."

Her smile was radiant. "Thank you."

After a lingering kiss, he confessed, "If your uncle becomes talkative under the influence of firewhisky again, however..."

"Just don't tell me, okay?"

He shifted their positions and said as he kissed his way down her throat, "As you wish."

-

In the morning, Severus tried to pretend the day was like any other. He read the Daily Prophet. He had breakfast with his partner. He dressed in plain black wizard robes. He kissed Eris goodbye, telling her, "I will return once..."

"You complete some mission with my uncle."

He looked into her eyes and saw only love and understanding. Feeling fortunate beyond words, he held her for a moment and then stepped toward the door.

By the time he met Fenrir in the kitchen, Severus had used a charm to neutralise scent and was mentally prepared for whatever the day might bring. The sight of a werewolf gnawing on a haunch of beef caused no change in his demeanour, although inwardly he compared the wizard to Eris' memories and remembered a novel from Muggle Studies.

Unlike Dorian Gray, this man had no portrait to bear 'the wages of sin'. His bestial nature was clearly marked on his face.

"Ready? Gruffy here says the place isn't far. We'll walk."

Silently clearing the table, Gruffydd tightened his lips at the disrespect but made no protest. Unconcerned with the retainer's displeasure, Severus followed the Death Eater outside. Fenrir lifted his face to the pale morning rays and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. "The air's the only decent thing about this place." Exhaling heavily, he added, "Let's get this job over with so I can leave."

Severus found keeping up with the other Knight's pace more difficult than expected. Although stockier, Fenrir had a fast, loping stride. The kilometres were quickly traversed, and the house on the outskirts of the Muggle village reached before the sun had risen much higher in the sky.

When the two small children playing outside saw the approaching men, they ran into the house, calling for their father. A wiry, dark wizard came out to meet them. Severus nodded. "Bore da, Councillor Trewent."

"Good morning," the man repeated warily. "What is your business here?"

Fenrir pulled down his sleeve to show the Dark Mark. "This is our business."

"Come away from the house!" Trewent pleaded. "My wife does not know of my…sympathies."

Fenrir bared his teeth in a smile as grotesque as the claw he transformed. "I'd be happy to help you regain your position as head of household."

"No! No, I'll deal with her in my own way."

"See that you do," advised Severus coldly. "The Dark Lord expects your complete allegiance and immediate notice of Auror activity, Councillor." He jerked his head toward the little girl and boy watching from the doorway. "It would be a shame for you to worry about allowing your children outside on a full moon."

With eyes darting from Fenrir's clawed hand to Severus' fathomless gaze, Trewent solemnly promised, "He has my full loyalty."

Once points of contact had been established and arrangements for the Welshman to transfer funds to a Knight account at Gringotts made, Severus' nod indicated the meeting was at an end. When Fenrir turned away, Trewent mouthed, 'Diolch', thank you.

"What were you on about, practically warning that weaselling bastard to keep his children inside on full moons?" demanded the senior Knight, once they walked out of hearing range.

"I was using a tactic our adversaries employ to win confidence," replied Severus. Smirking, he added, "You were the 'Bad Auror.'"

Fenrir howled with laughter.

-

Returning alone to the keep, Severus heard Gruffydd call, "An owl for you, apprentice."

He recognised his mother's owl Nimue and felt dread pool in his stomach. Severus would have much preferred calm detachment. Retrieving the correspondence, he tersely thanked the retainer for offering to feed and water the owl and went upstairs.

Eris was seated by a desk near a window, writing in what she called her 'future Transfiguration text.' She caught sight of him and rose, asking, "Did everything go smoothly?"

"Yes."

Her gaze fell to the letter in his hand. "Were you expecting a letter from your mother?"

Severus' attempt at a smile felt more like a grimace. "I wrote to inform her I would be spending the upcoming holiday in Wales if there was no urgent need for my presence." He extended the parchment. "Read it, if you please."

She broke the seal.

Severus,

Come home. The Healer says your father is dying. I shall await your letter before making plans.

Mother

Eris' gaze was sympathetic. He said, "Christmas in Yorkshire, lucky you."

In shock, she repeated, "Your father is dying."

Severus quipped, "Lucky me."

-


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A/N: Special thanks to Machiavelli Jr for making the 'horrible language' comment in the first chap's review and making me think 'What if Fenrir...?'. If anyone wondered about the chapter title, it was inspired by a Yule Oil induced dream in the original story in which Eris imagined Severus as Loki. If any of my fabulous readers haven't seen The Princess Bride (As You Wish!) or read Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, I recommend them both, although Dorian is depressing instead of uplifting like sweet Westley, LOL. Next chap, ever wondered what Christmas at Spinner's End might be like? Jolly is not the word that comes to mind. Those whose reviews gave me reason to be merry and bright last chap were…♥ 40/16 cupcakeswirl die Loreley Dipper ElspethBates FNP gothic-wildhorse GraceRichieLibeku Taganashi Machiavelli Jr mkgreevey MollyCoddlesNazgulGirl Slipknot-3113 Slytherin Love Goddesssunny9847 and The Ravishing Enchantress