Samaria Kirby is my creation. Everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 5

Severus didn't get very much sleep that night. He tossed and turned, thinking about Samaria. After he'd left the infirmary, he had walked straight to his room, but passed by 'Padfoot' and Dumbledore. He overheard the Headmaster telling the dog that he could stay in his office for the night, but must return home by the next evening. Not even bothering to thank Sirius for his help, Severus had walked by without comment.

Giving up on sleep, he got up and made some coffee. He sat in his living room, which was only illuminated by the fire in the fireplace. Severus gazed into it. After what could have been hours, he put aside the untouched coffee, and went to take a shower.

By the time he was out and dressed, the clock read 7:00. Maybe Samaria was awake. Hoping to visit her before class, he headed to the hospital wing.

As he eased open the door noiselessly, Severus saw Samaria sitting up in bed with a breakfast tray in her lap. He walked over to her. Looking up at his approach, she smiled.

"How are you feeling," he asked, placing a hand on the back of her head.

"Sore, but better than last night. Madam Pomfrey said I had to take it easy," she sighed, leaning back against his hand.

"Yes, you gave us quite a scare." He paused a moment, then said, "Samaria, I…"

"Don't even start blaming yourself. Madam Pomfrey already told me she told you what happened."

He nodded, but said, "I over reacted. After you left, I was determined not to go after you. I thought you would come back within a few minutes. Then an hour passed and I started to get worried. I could only think of one place you would go at that time of night. When I got to Grimmauld Place, the first thing I heard was Black telling you he loved you, and I saw him embrace you. I lost it. I can't describe the feeling I had when I saw you smile at his words."

She cut him off, "He meant as a sister. I do love him, Severus. But not as I love you, not even close."

He nodded and took her hand. "I thought I'd lost you," he whispered.

Samaria smiled, "I'm fine. The baby's fine. It's okay." She stopped for a second, and then chuckled. "Madam Pomfrey said that a black dog followed you here last night. Did Sirius come?"

"Yes. He helped me get you here."

She only nodded.

"He's still here, if you want to see him."

Samaria looked up at him, surprised at his words. She could tell he was trying hard to be civil about his lifelong enemy.

Smiling, she replied, "Later."

~*SW*~

Severus had stayed for a while, and then had to leave for class. When he returned during lunch, however, he wasn't alone. Accompanying him was Padfoot and Dumbledore.

"How are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked.

"Better," she replied, and scratched Padfoot on the head. Though Severus was still eyeing the dog with loathing, he held his tongue. He had told her, while he was grateful for Sirius' help, it wasn't enough for him to like him. He would, however, tolerate him for her sake.

After chatting for a few minutes, they were interrupted when the nurse came in to give Samaria some infection-fighting potion.

She drank the horrible stuff without complaint, and Madam Pomfrey told her, "You're doing better, but I want to keep you for another week. Just to be safe."

"But the last task!" Samaria started to protest, but didn't continue when Severus gave her a stern look.

When she sighed in resignation, Padfoot put his two front feet on the bed and laid his head against her hand. She scratched his ears.

"Is it really sanitary for that dog to be on her bed," Severus sneered.

"No, it is not. Shoo," the older medical witch shooed him down.

Padfoot gave Severus a look that wasn't at all dog-like. In fact, a real dog with those feelings would have probably bitten him by now. But in honor of their silent truce in Samaria's honor, he kept it to looks of loathing. She shook her head at the two, and shared a knowing look with Dumbledore. Only those two could make a truce look like a declaration of war.

~*SW*~

The days passed slowly for Samaria. Dumbledore had appointed someone to finish out her classes for her, and she wasn't happy about it. She knew she wasn't in any condition to teach, but she hated just lying there.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione visited her a few times, but not very often. Each time they came Severus glared at them from the time they arrived until they left. He, of course was there every second he could spare, that didn't surprise her. What did, though, was the fact Draco visited her as well. This was one of the few times Severus was out of the room and the boy had looked very nervous.

That puzzled her. The Draco she saw around school was self-assured, cocky, and pompous. However, when it was the two of them one on one, he would be at a loss for words, clear his throat often, and even blush. Not in an entirely obvious way was he nervous, but Samaria could see a difference. At first, she thought he had come to deliver a message from his parents (they hoped she was better and to let them know if she needed anything at all) but he stayed for a while after that. Their conversations were full of awkward pauses, but after he seemed assured she was getting better he had left.

Tonight, though, would the hardest to stay in bed yet. Tonight, was the third task. Samaria strained to hear what was happening, but it was in vain. They were too far away. It had been an hour and a half since the task was supposed to have started, and it was killing her not knowing. Severus had to be out there, along with the other teachers, in case of an emergency, so she was alone. Laying there, staring into the dark, she imagined Harry's face if he won. He would be so proud. He…

She didn't get to finish the thought. Someone was coming. Trying to see as best she could through the privacy fabric surrounding her bed, Samaria could only make out Madam Pomfrey bewitching a stretcher with a still figure on it. Her heart jumped in her throat, but she soon realized it was too big to be any of the champions. Then who?

After the nurse deposited the person on the bed, Samaria saw her close the curtains around the person, through a crack in her own curtains. Then, the witch came to her bed, and tightened the closed curtains around her. But before she could object, she had bustled off again.

Someone else came in, then. This time the individual was followed by a whole group. Samaria only recognized Ron and Hermione's voices, but there was a woman and man's voice in there too whom she didn't recognize. They all seemed to be questioning Madam Pomfrey about Harry.

Is he injured, Samaria thought, worried.

She then heard the woman scream Harry's name and heard Dumbledore's voice, but it was too low to make out.

Curse Severus for getting Madam Pomfrey to move me to the last bed, she thought. He had done so, so that people coming in and out wouldn't disturb her. Now, though, she would give anything to hear their words.

There was more talking, and she saw the silhouette of a tall man who she thought was Dumbledore, move a smaller one to where she knew a bed to be. After a few minutes, everyone but Madam Pomfrey had left, and the healing witch merely sat at her desk in the corner.

Sitting back and trying to be patient (not her best quality), Samaria tried to rest. But, rest didn't come, and an hour later she still lay there, quiet and thinking. She was sure Severus would have come by now to tell her what happened. She had tried to get Madam Pomfrey's attention and be quiet at the same time, but it didn't work. The witch was either set on ignoring her, or totally preoccupied.

Just then a noise came from the door as someone stormed in. Again, she could only hear voices, not words. The voices soon became angry and loud, so she could pick up a few words. Fudge, which she assumed was Cornelius Fudge, the Minster of Magic who she knew to be at the castle tonight. She heard Dumbledore's name a few times, then his voice, he sounded angry. Then came Severus' cool voice.

He's here. Maybe when that's over I can finally find out what's going on, she thought.

Before she completely finished the thought, the voices got louder where she could hear them.

"I told him you would never allow dementors to set foot in the castle, but — " she heard the voice of Professor McGonagall say.

She heard Fudge rant something back to her about being Minister of Magic, but she interrupted describing the event that had taken place. It sounded like the Dementor's Kiss. Samaria shivered at the thought of someone's soul being sucked out of them. It was horrible.

As she thought of the gruesomeness of the Dementor's Kiss, she missed a part of the conversation.

When she started listening again she heard Harry shout, "Look, I saw Voldemort come back!"

She gasped.

Voldemort's back and Harry witnessed it?

"I saw the Death Eaters," Harry continued. "I can give you names! Lucius Malfoy—" he began, but Fudge cut him off.

"He was cleared!" the Minister insisted.

Harry kept naming off names of Death Eaters he'd seen, and Fudge saying each time that the person had been tried in court and cleared.

"You fool!" she heard Professor McGonagall scream. "Cedric Diggory! Mr. Crouch! These deaths were not the random work of a lunatic!"

Cedric Diggory dead?

This was too much information to take in, Samaria leaned back against her pillow and closed her eyes, and listened to Dumbledore and Fudge argue.

Fudge refused to believe that the Dark Lord had returned, but Dumbledore kept insisting it.

The arguing blended together until Samaria heard Severus' voice again, "There. There. The Dark Mark. It is not as clear as it was an hour or so ago, when it burned black, but you can still see it. Every Death Easter had the sign burned into him by the Dark Lord. It was his means of distinguishing one another, and his means of summoning us to him. When he touched the Mark of any Death Eater, we were to Disapparate, and Apparate, instantly, at his side. This mark has been growing clearer all year. Karkaroff's too. Why do you think Karkaroff fled tonight? We both felt the Mark burn. We both knew he had returned. Karkaroff fears the Dark Lord's vengeance. He betrayed too many of his fellow Death Eaters to be sure of a welcome back into the fold."

Samaria was stunned. He had actually showed Fudge his Mark. The Dark Lord was definitely back. She knew it had been coming, but this was all so much in one night, in one week. Samaria sat deep in thought of the coming months, maybe years, and placed a hand on her belly. She had her child in there. She still had a choice, hide in safety or fight.

Samaria still could hear the others talking about this and that.

She then heard Dumbledore tell Severus, "Severus, you know what I must ask you to do. If you are ready… if you are prepared…"

"I am," she heard his reply, and then footsteps came close to her bed.

Her curtain opened and, as Severus entered, she caught sight of Harry in a bed and a group of people around him.

After closing it back, he came to stand by her and in a quiet voice said, "He's back."

"I know," she whispered.

"I have to go now. I couldn't go when my Dark Mark burned, but I must go and try to make amends with him."

She knew he was referring to the Dark Lord.

Pursing her lips, she nodded.

"He may not be happy, but I doubt he'll kill me. I have some good information Dumbledore gave me to give him to keep him satisfied," Severus tried to assure her.

Samaria closed her eyes to keep the tears from coming. She told herself it was the pregnancy making her so emotional, not the situation. She was strong.

"You can still go into hiding with the baby," he suggested.

Samaria thought a moment. She knew he would have to tell the Dark Lord one thing or another about her. Severus needed to know now.

"No. I would rather die, fighting for a free world for my baby to live in, rather than hide with it in a world of horror and death," she said.

He nodded solemnly and leaned in to kiss her.

"This is it," he said.

"Yes."

"I love you," he told her.

"I love you, too. Come back to us," she whispered.

"I will," and with that he left.

~*SW*~

Severus hadn't returned until early the next morning. He told Samaria that after the Dark Lord's initial reaction, the Cruciatus Curse; he had allowed Severus to tell him of his 'spying' for 13 years and what he had found out. Dumbledore had approved all he had told the evil wizard, however. It had pleased the Dark Lord enough, though, to trust Severus and let him back in his inner circle. The Dark Lord had also conveyed his wish to meet Samaria, and Severus told him of her condition. Nonetheless, he was ordered to bring her to visit as soon as she was out and about.

It had been a long week that Samaria had spent in the bed at Hogwarts. After finding out about the Dark Lord's words, she was anxious. It was a mix between dread of the meeting and excitement to finally be able to be of some help.

Severus was adamant that she is out of bed a couple of days before traveling. When Madam Pomfrey finally allowed her up, it was the last day of the school year. So, after attending her classes to bid the students goodbye, she packed her things along with Severus, and headed off to Spinner's End.

Samaria sighed she sat in their sitting room and looked around at all their books covering the walls. She had always loved this room. It was the books; she absolutely loved to read. After Severus came down from putting their things away, Samaria decided to make herself a glass of iced tea. She wasn't big on hot tea, though she had lived in Britain permanently for over 5 years; she still hadn't acquired a taste for it. She preferred iced tea and coffee. Severus had even began drinking coffee more regularly than tea.

Samaria hadn't even made it to the kitchen, before Severus called out. She quickly turned to see him holding his left arm.

"The Dark Lord wishes to see us," he said.

Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Then, let's not keep him waiting."

As Severus knocked on the Malfoy's door, Samaria felt some extra movement in her stomach. She placed a hand on her belly. The baby was tumbling around; maybe he could sense her nervousness.

Until then, she had had a feeling of excitement, but that feeling was gone. Taking a deep breath, she closed off her mind, just in case. She knew the Dark Lord would have to look into her eyes to read her mind but in any case, she wasn't going to take a chance.

The door, as usual, opened on its own. The only thing different was that neither Narcissa nor Lucius was there with a smile to greet them.

Severus went in, and headed for the parlor. When he knocked, it too opened on its own. When they entered, it wasn't as Samaria remembered. The chairs and sofas were arranged along the wall in a semi-circle. A rather big winged chair was stationed directly in the back, and in the chair, was the strangest man Samaria had ever seen.

Severus had told her of the Dark Lord's appearance, but nothing could have prepared her for this. His skin was a pasty gray, and had no hair at all. His nose, if you could call it that, was just two slits like a snake. His eyes… they made Samaria shiver. The pupils were slits, also like a snake's, but that wasn't what scared her. She had never seen such coldness in someone's eyes. Even if she had never heard of the things the Dark Lord had done, she would have been able to tell that this was a man that could kill without a second thought, and have no remorse over it.

Holding her head high, Samaria followed Severus to the center of the circle. Looking around she saw some familiar faces in the chairs. Lucius and Narcissa smiled at her when they caught her eye. She saw a few people she knew by sight, but not name. On occasion, she would see one that looked enough like a student at school that she knew they had to be their parents. When they made it to the center, Samaria followed Severus' lead in bowing before the dark wizard before them.

"Step away, Severus," he said in a charming voice. It wasn't at all like Samaria had imagined it, by the look of his body. She was sure, though, it could lose its charm in a split second if he became even the slightest bit unhappy.

Severus stepped away and stood by a chair that was occupied by Lucius. Samaria kept her back straight and didn't look away when the Dark Lord sought her eyes. She knew he was performing Legilimens, and supplied him with false thoughts for him to read, the way Severus had taught her, and concealing the rest.

"Samaria Snape," he said to her.

"My lord," she replied, bowing again.

"I see you are indeed with child. Tell me, when will you give birth?"

"September," was her reply.

"And Severus tells me you aren't well," the Dark Lord inquired with a small tilt of his head.

"I have had difficulties with the pregnancy, yes, but nothing that will cause any lasting problems if I follow the nurse's orders."

"Which are?" he asked.

"Not to have any physical stress, limited emotional stress, and not walk long lengths."

Nodding, the Dark Lord asked, "And you wish to become a Death Eater?"

"Why, yes, my lord," she replied.

Nodding again, he said, "Well, you shall have to prove yourself to me."

"In any way you wish, my lord," Samaria told him, cringing on the inside with the thoughts of what 'proving herself' could be.

"But not now, not until you've given birth. I do not wish the child to be harmed. With parents such as you," he indicated Severus and her, "He has the prospect of becoming a great asset to me."

Samaria sighed on the inside. Even though she had thought the Dark Lord wouldn't want the child hurt, she wasn't sure if he was above making her go about committing crimes in her condition.

"If you so wish, my lord," she replied, putting a look of disappointment trying to be hidden on her face. She wanted him to think she was ready to get to work right away. Thank goodness for her acting experiences. This was a difficult situation, and the slightest slip could cost her life.

"I do. I shall also hope you will prove to be as useful as Severus has been."

"I shall do my best, and beyond," she replied.

"Clever answer. We shall see how well you fulfill it." He looked at Severus, "Take her home now, and take care of your child. We want him healthy and strong."

Severus bowed, "Yes, master."

Samaria bowed again before Severus took her arm, and led her out.

They didn't talk until they were back at Spinner's End. When they were inside, and sitting on the couch, Samaria finally spoke.

"That was the freakiest man I've ever seen," she told Severus.

He nodded, "He doesn't look anything as before. His voice is the same, the charm, he's always used that. Dumbledore told me he was very good at getting his way at school by way of flattery and compliments. While he still does that, his temper is easily lost if he doesn't get his way quick enough."

Samaria nodded, and laid her head on his shoulder.

Looking down at her, he said, "You need to rest."

"I'm fine," she said during a yawn.

"Um-hum," he replied.

"Just a little sleepy. I'll go to bed in a minute. What did he mean by 'proving myself'?" she asked.

Sighing, he took her hand and said, "You will have to kill someone that he chooses. Could be wizard, muggle, child, or adult. Whoever he thinks will test your obedience and loyalty the most."

Nodding, she prayed it wouldn't be a child.

"Can you do that?" he asked.

"Yes. I knew I would have to do horrible things to keep my cover. I won't enjoy it at all, but I'll do it for the greater good," Samaria told him in a determined voice.

"I know you will," Severus put his arm around her, and kissed her head.

"Come on now," he prodded as she yawned again.

With a huff, she let him help her up and lead her to the bedroom.

~*SW*~

The rest of June and the month of July passed uneventfully. August came and, though she had thought it was impossible, Samaria got even bigger. Severus was often gone on jobs for the Dark Lord and Samaria, for the most part, stayed at home. Occasionally, she would visit Narcissa but the blond was often doing the Dark Lord's bidding as well.

He requested to see Samaria twice after that first instance. One time was to talk to her about muggles and muggle-borns. She readily told him that all muggles and mudbloods deserved nothing but death. Though she hated referring to the muggle-borns as such, her answer pleased the Dark Lord. The other time was to find out about her family and where they stood during his last reign. She told him they were against him, but after meeting Severus who showed her 'the truth', she was ready to give her aid when he rose again. She was careful to say when instead of if. This also seemed to please him, and she was relieved that he didn't know her parents. Though the chance had been slim because they were from America, she had still been scared. She didn't want him knowing her connection to the Potters, if it could be helped.

Because her invitations to see the Dark Lord were few and far between, Samaria was surprised when Severus returned from being called by him to tell her he requested her presence and when the Dark Lord said he requested your presence, it meant to get there now.

"Why?" she asked.

"The Dark Lord doesn't confide his every whim to me, Samaria. Hurry," he replied, apparently not happy with the Dark Lord wanting to see his very pregnant wife.

Putting aside the book she had been reading, Samaria followed him.

~*SW*~

"Master," she bowed before the Dark Lord.

"Samaria, sit," he gestured to the chair closest to him on his right. "Severus, go ahead with the task I gave you earlier," he dismissed her husband.

With the slightest hint of annoyance at being dismissed and his wife staying, so slight Samaria almost missed it in his eyes, he bowed and left.

The Dark Lord had never asked to see her alone. Severus had always been with her and even some other Death Eaters. Today, however, the room was empty but for her and the snake-like wizard.

The room looked unusual. The other times she had been here had been at night, but this afternoon, even though the drapes were drawn, some sunlight leaked in. It was strange seeing the most dark and evil man in the world being lit by sunlight instead of candles and lamps.

"How are you?" he asked in his charming voice as she sat in the sit he indicated.

"Well, under the circumstances," she replied truthfully. It was getting harder and harder to move around.

His snake face gave a small smile, "You've grown considerably since I last saw you."

That was perfect; the Dark Lord was calling her fat. She knew she was huge, and didn't need his confirmation. Ignoring the comment, she smiled.

After studying her face a moment, the Dark Lord said, "Though, it has done nothing to diminish your beauty." Samaria blushed. Was he hitting on her?

"Thank you, my lord," she muttered, embarrassed.

His smile grew when he saw the discomfort she didn't bother to hide. Even a Death Eater would surely blush after what he said.

"Why are you blushing? You have eyes, and I'm sure you can see you are attractive."

"I, uh, I am just honored that my lord thinks so," she lied. The thought of him thinking of her like that made her want to throw up.

"Yes. I have eyes just like any other man. Severus has always had an eye for beauty. Lily Potter was not ugly in the least. She merely allied herself with the wrong side," he looked at her as if for a reaction.

Samaria knew that Severus had been in love with Lily. He hadn't kept that from her, but obviously, the Dark Lord wanted to see if he had. Why would he want to plant doubts in her head about Severus? Not knowing what to say, she just nodded.

"I can't deny that I am surprised to see someone such as yourself with Severus," he said when she didn't react.

"What do you mean, my lord?"

"You can't deny that he isn't much to look at. Someone with your looks is rarely attracted to someone with his."

Oh, Severus isn't much to look at but you're Johnny Depp? I don't think so. At least my husband has hair and a nose!

"Looks aren't everything, master," she said as respectfully as possible.

He leaned back in his chair and gazed at her, "Perhaps."

They sat in silence for a moment.

"Where in America are you from?" he asked her.

"Mississippi."

He nodded, "You accent is… unusual."

Though she was used to people making remarks, some less than kind, about the way she spoke, Samaria tried to imagine someone she deeply respected and wanted the approval of saying that to her. Her face dropped, and she looked down.

"Unusual, but pleasantly so," he finished.

Her face brightened, and she smiled at him, though she couldn't care less what he thought of her accent.

"You may be of great use to me when I expand my rule to America."

Samaria was quiet for a moment; this was a surprise.

"I had no idea," she confessed.

"Did you honestly think I would stay here in Britain and not attempt to expand?"

"I haven't really thought about it going as far as America,"

He smiled again, "Ah, but America may be next. You see, Americans are a nosey sort and they will undoubtedly stick their nose into my business. Therefore, I shall start with them, to be sure I don't get any trouble when I go east."

She nodded, though offended at his American remark, didn't show it.

There was a knock at the door. The Dark Lord waved his wand and it opened to reveal Severus.

"I have completed my task, master," he said after bowing.

"Very well. I assume you were successful?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Good, you may go home."

With the dismissal, Samaria rose, albeit somewhat awkwardly, bowed as best she could and left. When they returned home, Severus asked her what the Dark Lord had wanted.

Sitting down, she said, "We just talked about different things. His expansion to America, for instance."

Severus didn't show any surprise at this, but asked, "Is that all?"

She hesitated. She really didn't want to tell him about what he had said about their relationship.

"He, uh, he asked about the baby."

"And?"

"Just random things," she insisted.

Sitting beside her, he said, "The Dark Lord is anything but random." Severus looked into her eyes. She automatically blocked her mind.

"Why are you blocking me out?" he demanded.

"Why are you trying to get in?" she said, matching his tone.

"Because I can tell there is something you're not telling me."

"It's not that important," she insisted.

"Then why won't you tell me?"

"Because… I don't think you'll like it," Samaria said, truthfully.

"I may not, but I want to know," he said.

"He said… he said that my size had not taken away from my beauty. He asked why someone who looked like me was with someone who looked like you. He said you had always had an eye for beauty, and mentioned Lily. He also said I was attractive," she said in a hurry and watched his expression.

He had a strange look in his eye.

"What?" she asked. "You can't let what he said bother you."

"It's not that," he said, quietly.

"What, then?"

"After you've had the baby, I think you may have to be clear you don't want anything to do with him… sexually," he said.

"What? He didn't ask me to jump in bed with him! Just said I was attractive!" she insisted.

"Listen, he has always had his pick of the women among the Death Eaters. The willing ones, anyway. He won't kill you for not sleeping with him, but he will ask to see if you will. Narcissa declined him, saying she wouldn't betray Lucius, yet she is one of his most loyal followers. Bellatrix Lestrange, though married, was his most willing participant. She's in Azkaban. Her husband pretends not to know, though, thinking it will keep him in good standing with the Dark Lord. It's sickening," he said in a disgusted voice.

"And you think…"

"I think, you being the youngest and newest, may be his next target. But like I said, all you must do is give him a valid reason. He understands choosing fidelity, but had you been single I doubt he would accept that you merely don't find him attractive."

Samaria was shocked. She hadn't really thought of the Dark Lord with women. She just assumed he focused entirely on his rise to power.

"Are you sure he'll leave me alone if I tell him I wouldn't ever be unfaithful," she asked.

"He did Narcissa and another woman, they being the only ones to decline. And like I said, Bellatrix had been his main, uh, admirer."

Samaria nodded. She had to talk to Narcissa about this. She could help her. At least he didn't ask her tonight. If he had said something like that, she doubted she'd known how to respond. Her first reaction would have been to slap someone for such a request, but that would have been a quick way to die with him. Thank goodness for being as big as a whale.

"I don't think I've ever been so happy to be huge," she told Severus.

He smiled and hugged her, "Well, I can't say I blame him for wanting you."

Laughing, she popped his arm, "In his dreams."

"Yes, his dreams, but my reality," Severus said.

She laughed again.

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