Master,
I have seen the sign. What would you ask of me now? How do I proceed? Please show me what path to take...
The quick note was scrawled out over the steam covered glass of Severus's bathroom mirror. He knew that when he woke the next morning he would have his reply. He tried to let this fact comfort him into a restful sleep but there was nothing for it. He was nervous and anxious and terrified and excited all at once. He would see his daughter soon. How would she perceive him? Did he know her already? Could she ever forgive him? These questions and more tugged at his mind through the night, giving him no rest for the morning when he would journey back to Hogwarts ahead of the students.
The morning came with Lucifer's reply; a message spelled out in cinders from the night's fire.
I have kept my promise. She is safe. None stand between you and your claim as her father. You needn't look long, Severus. She is coming to you. When you see the second sign, my sign; splinters and ash, you will have your daughter.
Severus's stomach was a knot of twisted nerves through the entire train ride. He preferred this method of travel. It's quite easy to forget one's surroundings when they are drowned out by the thundering of a train along any terrain. Finally, half way through the trip, Severus succumbed to the sleep he'd missed the night before.
Flames rose like madmen, twitching and licking everything. They danced about, unsteady and untamed. Through the orange glow and smoke a small trembling figure could only just be seen. A circle of wooden wreckage lay at its feet and black dust swirled through the air, moving in the currents of the heat. A cry of anguish, a sudden wave of fury, and every thing suddenly settled. Before Severus could make out what he was seeing, there was a swirl of dark smoke that soon became solid. Standing in front of his vision was a blinding light dressed in black. His master was calling, and he was sure to pay attention. He must never waiver under the pressure of his deal.
"My warrior..."
"Master?"
"You have kept to our bargain most diligently. In fact, so very few have served me as well that I am inclined to...sweeten our deal."
"I do not understand, Master. Is there something more you wish of me? You have but to order it, Master. It shall be done."
"Indeed, you misunderstand. In our original deal you traded your very soul for the complete and limitless safety of your daughter, both physically and spiritually. Our deal did not, however, specify that I should tell you every way in which I keep my promise. But in this one circumstance... Let's say, if it were I, I should certainly want to know. And you have done me such service, that I, generously would tell you."
"Master?"
"Your daughter has suffered a great loss. The same sort of loss, I fear, that had you turning to me, just as she also has."
"She...she offered you her soul.."
"She did. Our deal, yours and mine, protects her from such deals with me, so worry not, Warrior. I only thought you ought to know what sort of pain you'll need to be prepared to face from her. I could not prevent it, I'm afraid. But you can help her. I have...faith... in you."
"I am humbled and honored at your kindness, Master. Thank you."
Severus was jolted from his dream-like vision as the train pulled into the small station in the town near Hogwarts. He took a moment to shake clear his head before gathering himself and leaving the train. He moved as quickly as he could to the looming castle. It simply wouldn't do to have someone witness him break down like he felt he would. He had to get to his office where he could have a private moment to mourn the pain his daughter must be feeling to do something so drastic as try to bargain away her own soul.
