Chapter Ten - A Dark Meeting

Severus had not seen Alexandria the rest of the week because both had been quite busy. It was and exam week for the students and lots of papers were coming in. He made sure he kept them organized and corrected on time. There was one particular day though that he felt it necessary to review with the kids. "Who can tell me what we use to throw the enemy of their feet?" he asked looking around at his third years. "Anyone?" They all looked through their notes furiously. "How do you expect to pass this mid year exam if you cant even tell me something that simple?" he raised his voice trying not to roar at the kids who seemed nervous enough. He turned and lifted his chalk where he began writing. He heard snickers behind him and he glanced back at the kids silencing them and returned to the writing. It was then that he noticed an eraser gliding beside his writing hand. He turned fully this time. He saw a wand disappear behind the door. Storming over and swinging the door wide open to see Alexandria with a guilty look.

"Professor Snape… um… hullo." She said looking around her.

"I really need to teach these kids a lesson before the exam, please don't mess around like that right now." He rocked on his feet from heel to toe. "We'll talk later, I'm sorry things have been busy."

"It's ok. I know, I've been busy two but have you forgotten something?"

"No. We'll talk later." He kissed her forehead rather quickly and then walked back into the classroom. He went on with the notes and then he heard kids laughing again. He immediately looked at the eraser but it was still in its place. "What are you snickering about?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Professor, you have a crown over your head." A student pointed. He looked up and surely enough there was a crown floating over his head. He waved it away with his wand. He stopped with his notes and administered the exams.

"Did you find that funny?" He asked Moonberry during third period. It had been cancelled in order to space out exams.

She got up and smiled, "Have you forgotten about your birthday?"

"My… What? How did you find out?"

"Minerva... Do you never celebrate?" Her hand wrapped around his waist under his robes.

"Why should I care to celebrate? Birthdays are pointless, a day in which you were brought into this miserable world."

"I don't think its all that miserable now." She smiled at him. It drove him nuts to see her smile just for him. "Lets go away again this weekend, yeah?"

"Anything. Anything you want." he said taking the glasses off her face. She had not been wearing them for a while and he rather enjoyed seeing her without them. She was still beautiful with them on but he liked to look into her eyes directly. "Dear heavens, you are beautiful." said brushing his lips over her forehead.

Alexandria looked up at him and blushed, "Thank you."

"How about we just leave today?" he joked with a smirk on his face.

She laughed out and squeezed him with her arms, "Oh Severus, I wish…"

He leaned his face against her head. A sudden panic ran through his body and for the first time ever he felt as if he would lose her. Why? He could not be sure. He held her tighter and felt her do the same. "Do you feel it too?"

"Yes… What do you suppose it means?"

"I don't know. Don't worry about it though." In hoping that she would feel better he brought his birthday back up. "So what are we going to do for my birthday then?"

"I thought you didn't like to talk about your birthday?"

"I don't." He raised his eyebrow. "BUT, for you… I'll make… the… exception."

Alexandria stood on her toes slightly and placed a kiss on his lips. "I think we should just wait till this weekend to celebrate."

Relief came over him; hopefully she would forget the whole notion. "Very well."

"Severus, I love you…" she whispered, burying her face into his neck.

He felt his love for her keenly but it was almost so overwhelming, this new feeling, that he did not answer her but just held her without a word. It was different the way he felt for her compared to the way he had felt for Narcissa.

"You know, I never thought I'd see the day." Remus's voice came in through the door. He has a bit of a smile on his face but a hint of sadness too. Severus was not a fool; he knew the professor had also cared for Alexandria before anything had happened between them. Even before he was aware of the feeling he was having toward her.

"Lupin… What are you doing here?" he asked not letting her go. He felt her lift her head slowly form under him and look up slightly to meet his gaze.

Alexandria smiled at him sweetly and turned, "Remus…" a giggle came out of her. "What can we do for you?"

"Nothing actually, I just saw you both on…"

"Oh!" she laughed out this time, "Yes, I forgot you could."

"I just had to see for myself." he said feeling rather embarrassed. "I see my suspicions are right. I must say I am very glad to see you like this Severus. You could not have made a better choice. Well, I will be on my way then, I did not mean to interrupt. We are on school hours though…"

"Its his birthday Remus." Alexandria said turning Severus's face to look at her. He did not seem happy anymore. She suspected he felt a little upset that Remus had somewhat discovered them.

"Ahh…" Severus grabbed his left arm. The pain had come on so suddenly. It was worst than usual. Voldemort was indeed stronger than the first time. Still he managed to keep his feet on the ground and keep the two others in the room from seeing any more signs of pain. "I must go," he said letting Alexandria go suddenly. He hastened out of the room and back to his classroom. The dark lord was calling. The moment apparation had begun he saw Alexandria in the doorway dissolve.

"Severus…" the dark lord looked into his mask. Still faithful to me? You have not yet decided to turn to their side have you?

No my Lord. I still serve only you. I will continue to spy for your cause.

They looked at each other for a long while. Severus could feel him trying to find his other thoughts, searching for signs of betrayal. They were concealed well.

"My lord," Lucius said stepping out from about the death eaters; he walked over the pale man robed in black. He whispered few things in his ear.

"Severus!" he shouted pulling the mask off of his servants face. "If you remain faithful to me then why do you seek your own happiness at a time so important for us."

"If I may be so bold my Lord. You saw no mention of her in my head I presume, then she must not mean too much. On top of this, Her magic is strong and may help to turn the tide inevitably for your cause. Does the name Moonfire mean anything to you?" Severus raised an eyebrow questioning the Dark Lord.

"Moonfire? She is Alexander Moonfire's daughter? For years she has been missing! Severus, you will be awarded if you can convince her to serve eternally."

His stomach began to turn; now they all would know where to find her. "Yes, my Lord."

"She maybe difficult to convince as she is running from her grandfather constantly, trying to avoid her inevitable fate."

"I, my Lord, have methods her grandfather cannot use." Severus said bowing as the dark lord turned away from him.

"Why did you not tell him of your dealings with her sooner then?" Lucius asked walking up to Severus's face.

"Silence." Voldemort turned and lifted his hands, "Because I have not yet asked him for news. Why do you seem to quarrel with him, Lucius? Now I see…" He walked back to the two followers. "Narcissa, my beautiful servant has openly chosen him." he grabbed Lucius's face, his nail sinking into the skin slightly. "You want Alexandria for yourself now. Well, as she seems to have taken a liking to our young half blood, I cannot risk you doing anything foolish. You will watch your temper Malfoy. I don't care how personal!"

Severus felt a bit of relief come over him but his stomach still turned. He had betrayed her and now things would change. "My Lord, I have a feeling that if her grandfather is informed of her whereabouts before I can bring her to you she will only despise the cause more, as she does not know that her grandfather is linked with us. It should stay that way."

"Yes, he will be informed but forbidden to find her. This alone is sufficient information from you, but now tell me what of the Order of the Phoenix?"

Severus proceeded and in the back of his mind he could not wait to get out of their dark and damp meeting place. What would she think of him now?

Severus opened the door to his room, apparating just outside. It was very late. Minerva would know why he had missed his other classes. The moon had already passed mid-sky when he walked in. He stopped and looked for Alexandria, she was not there. A sense of relief came over him. He did not think he could face her at the moment. Bad things were about to happen at Hogwarts. Minerva would know first thing in the morning. Sleep did not come to him that night so he went to his private office instead. Picking up the quill and dipping it in the thin black ink he began writing a letter to Dumbledore. The door creaked open slowly. Alexandria stood in a ripped cloak, her skin exposed where the dress was ripped as well. Severus jumped to his feet and ran over to her.

"Bloody hell woman, what in Merlin's name happened?"

She was looking at the floor, "Remus…"

"What about Remus?"

He examined her quickly and lifted her over to the desk. "Go get Remus…" she whispered painfully.

"Let me heal you first."

"No! Go get Remus!" she shouted with everything she had before going unconscious. He knew she was stable but he did not want to leave her. Still, not wishing to disappoint her further he ran out into the night. He found Remus lying in his bare skin by the lake. All the ground was moist as if large amounts of water had been thrown over it. Even the leaves on the trees were wet. When he looked closely at Remus he noticed the gashes in his side. The sitting water had disguised the blood he was laying in. With his wand he healed Remus slightly but knew he would have to be sent to St. Mungos. Even Madam Pompfrey would not be able to treat this. He could apparate there but not with another body. Remus's body was heavier this time; it was dying. A large amount of water came down on them throwing them both over. Severus shook his head and looked up. His eyes widened and he saw a giant lizard with slimy scales and webbed feet. It had a dragon's tail and crown of horns on its head. It examined him with its large black eyes. It moved closer to sniff the professors and Severus saw the fire in the back of its eyes. It's a dragon! It hissed like a snake but then did something he did not expect. It nudged him, causing him to roll a few feet. He got to his feet quickly. His wand sat beside the dragon's foot. It dropped its head to the ground and seemed to wait for Severus. As foolish as it felt for him he knew Remus did not have much time. He lifted himself and Remus's lifeless body and the dragon took off clearing everything in its path. They were at the castle in no time. Before he could take Remus inside he saw the dragon take one giant leap toward the lake. It would never make it. Wings sprouted from its back suddenly and in just one flap it was flying over the water. In a swift dive it disappeared.

"Severus!" Minerva shouted. "What is? Professor Lupin!" She threw her robe over him and looked at the dark haired man who now stood dripping wet before her. She seemed to see the distress in his eyes. In no time Madam Pompfrey, McGonagall and Sprout were all running to the hospital wing. He on the other hand headed to his office.

Alexandria lay motionless on his desk. He examined her cuts and came to the conclusion that she was fine. He removed the robe from her slowly as he laid her head on the table he noticed the blood left on his hand. Her head Severus! She has a concussion. You have to wake her. He looked through his shelves for the remainder of the potion he had used to heal her a few weeks earlier. His slipped a bit of it in her mouth and in a few minutes she woke and sat up. "Alexandria… are you alright?"

She looked at him and saw that he was completely wet. "Did you find him?"

"Yes, he's with Madam Pompfrey and more than likely on his way to St. Mungos."

"Good." She said pulling him to her. His head leaned on her bosom. It was the first time he noticed she was wet too.

"For Merlin's sake Alexandria, tell me what happened," he said wrapping his arms around her.

"I couldn't sleep so I went down to the lake to see if I could find that creature and I forgot it was a full moon. I was down there dropping stones into the water and I didn't even hear him come up behind me. I turned when I heard the breathing but it was too late. His paw found me first and flung me a few feet and onto the floor where I hit my head I don't remember too much from there. I know I felt water come down on me and when I looked up I saw a large creature standing beside me. The next time I came to I saw Remus laying there bleeding in his werewolf shape. I changed him so I could bring him up faster but I found myself hardly able to stand. When I walked in and look up the stairs I saw you just entering your office so I apparated just outside the door. And you know from there."

"Why were you looking for the dragon?"

"Dragon?"

"The creature in the lake. It's a dragon. I don't know how, but it is. It's a friendly beast. Hagrid will be happy to hear it. I wish you would calm down a bit. You put yourself in harm's way a lot."

"I do not."

"You insulted Lucius, Narcissa, brought me back from my thought when I could have killed you, fought with me, danced in a lake where a unknown creature lives, go looking for that same creature and faced Remus's werewolf form…" he said looking at her.

"Ok, so maybe I liked adventure."

"Alexandria… Save it. You will need it soon enough."

"What does that mean?" she asked cupping his face.

He shook his head and pulled her hands off. "Evil is making its way to Hogwarts. It's already corrupted the ministry and the Dementors of Azkaban…"

"What?" she asked looking extremely shocked.

"Alexandria, you know where I went earlier don't you?"

Her face dropped and she got off the table. He watched her walk away from him a little bit. "Yes, I know where you went."

"What I tell you now I have yet to tell anyone. Minerva will hear in a few hours and I will be sending a letter to Dumbledore."

Alexandria turned and walked back to him, "No, I don't want to know."

"Death-eaters have escaped Azkaban. Bellatrix Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, Rodolphus Lestrange, Walden Macnair, Mulciber are just a few to be named. You must be careful now."

"Severus… What are we going to do?"

He took her hands and pulled them to his chest, "I have a favor to ask of you."

"What might that be?"

"Let me teach you occlumancy… And take you before the Dark Lord…"

She tried to yank her hand from him but he kept a firm grip on them. "Let me go Severus! I don't know why you would even think of requesting something like this of me."

"Please, listen. Its the only way he will leave you alone."

Alexandria looked at him suddenly, "Why would he care about me?"

"Lucius told him who you were… He wants you for the Death Eaters. Let me teach you occlumancy so when you meet him he cannot read your mind, only what you want him to."

"I'm not going Severus! Unhand me… now." her voice was stern.

He let her go, "You have to go if you don't want him to come looking for you. If you don't let me teach you occlumancy then your thoughts will betray us both and the Order of the Phoenix. Do you want him to win?"

Anger filled her and her cold wet hand met his face. The sound echoed loudly through the empty room and probably down the hallway. His face now turned to his right side was covered with wet hair. The pain throbbed but he had endured much worst. Slowly he looked at her trying to conceal the feelings he now felt. He would never hurt her but to be slapped the way she had done so was infuriating. She seemed unmoved to see him angry with her. Before either party could say another word, she walked out of the room. The anger left him rather quickly as he realized what he had asked her to do.

That same morning the children were left with remaining professors who were not in the Order of the Phoenix. A meeting was taking place and even Dumbledore would be present. Severus walked out of the castle and looked behind him. The remaining Professors were standing at the door watching them go. Alexandria would be casting yet another spell over Hogwarts allowing no one in or out until the headmaster or mistress returned. Her hair was straight again but a pointed hat sat on her head covering half her face. All he could see were her beautiful red lips. There was no expression on the half of her face he could see. Minerva took her hand and patted it before turning and getting into a separate carriage. Severus felt the coach begin to move and then looked behind him to see Alexandria throw her hands out in the air. The ground shook around the castle and a silver orb formed around the school and disappeared. Just before she was out of his sight he saw Professor Sprout help her into the castle. He looked back at the empty half of the coach and leaned his head back, closing his eyes for the first time in twenty-four hours.

Alexandria patrolled the halls that night wondering when everyone would return. The castle was silent as the grave. Even the pictures had been silent most of the day. Everyone seemed to feel the unrest. Something evil was indeed finding its way here slowly. The castle doors opening caused her to jump back a few feet. Dumbledore walked in followed by Severus and Minerva. The others were still getting out of the coaches.

"Alexandria, my dear, a word please."

"Professor Dumbledore? I had not expected you to return so soon."

"These are dark times my dear," he said taking her shoulder and leading her to his office. "Now Severus here has told me of what the dark lord has asked of him. As you know Professor Snape is a spy for us and I would never ask you to go, as I'm sure he would not but Lucius has let your secret slip. Voldemort's hunger for power will not let him rest. Your grandfather is a much more powerful wizard than Voldemort. That is why he refused to be a Death Eater and Voldemort let him live. Voldemort thinks that you may be weaker but still stronger than anyone he has. He wants you. He wants to meet you and test your power himself. It is dangerous for you and after discussing it with the ministry we have decided that the safest thing for you to do is to indeed go with Severus."

Alexandria shook her head, "No. I wont," she said looking from him to Minerva and then lastly Severus. "I wont." Her steps were swift as she left them.

At first she walked at a fast pace but ended up running as fast as her feet would carry her. When she finally could not go any further she collapsed on the floor and burst into tears. She hated being a Moonfire. Her thoughts went to her and Severus. She had fallen for him so deeply. It took about half a year but he was finally hers and then this happened.

"Professor Moonberry? What are you doing out here?" Neville's voice filled her ears.

"Neville darling, what are you doing all the way out here?"

"Finding newt moss in the shallow water."

"Sweetie, you know the lake is forbidden, how did you get out?"

Harry walked out of the trees. "Neville, we've been here since last night… Hermione is asleep and so is Ron. We should wake them and go… Professor?"

"Harry?! You kids are in SO much trouble! You know how dangerous it is to be out of Hogwarts right now? To the castle! All of you!"

Severus had just left his room to patrol the hallway when Alexandria burst through an archway with the four kids. All five froze at the sight of Severus. He looked at all of them but said nothing. She shooed them off and said she would speak with them soon enough. "A little trip out of the castle?" he asked putting his hand behind his back.

"Yes."

He watched as she tried to walk past him. He took her hand gently. "Alexandria… I am no longer asking this favor of you. I… will go to him and… will tell him you are not interested."

Her hand gripped his and he saw a tear fall down her face. "What will that mean for you?"

"I don't want you to think about that. Lucius will more than likely be sent to get you, be careful. Do not underestimate him. Your grandfather will be informed of where you are if you don't go, you must watch for him as well." His voice was stern. Alexandria saw his left hand clench. The dark lord was calling. She could feel the weight come over him.

"Severus…"

"I must leave you," he said pulling her into the nearby storage room. They looked at each other for a moment only and then he kissed her passionately. Alexandria felt his lips leave hers and he was gone.

"No…" she looked around herself. "No!"

Severus appeared in the circle of death eaters. It was bigger than it had ever been. He turned to his left and saw Voldemort staring at him. Bellatrix was next to him, her face of disgust as he appeared. She hated him always and did not trust him. He knew this.

"Well where is she?" she asked taking a step next to the master she served with such a passion and devotion it sickened him.

Severus ignored him and turned to the dark lord. "Have you failed to convince her?" he asked.

"She is proving rather difficult to convince as she refuses to be anything like her grandfather…"

"Well obviously, your methods are not working. Let me try my lord?" Lucius said stepping out of the circle.

"Severus, you have disappointed me." He said turning away. He felt his right leg give out under him and fell to one knee.

Suddenly the fog on the floor began to clear slightly, Voldemort turned and looked behind him. Severus stood and stepped to the side. Alexandria stood before him in a long black cloak. Her hair was down but a hood covered half her face. She walked with her head high and stopped just two feet from the dark lord. "You underestimate people too much." she said removing her hood and looking him in the eye.

Bellatrix stepped between her and the dark lord, "how did you find us?"

"Bella, move darling. I want to speak to her myself," he hissed. "My, you are a Moonfire to walk in here with your haughty air about you. Don't you know you are to bow before the dark lord?" he asked pulling out his wand.

Much to Severus's surprise, Alexandria curtsied and bowed her head before the dark lord willingly. "No, I didn't. Now I understand you have a proposition for me?" she asked walking around him, looking down at Bellatrix, and a few others.

"You must give me your left arm," he said curling his fingers, motioning her to come forward.

"No. I have yet to be convinced of your power. Severus speaks of it but I have yet to witness it. I don't doubt him naturally, but… I like to see for myself."

The dark lord seemed to be getting impatient with her and looked from left to right at his loyal followers, "No, you join me or die my dear. That is how this works." All the death eaters except for Severus and Lucius advanced. Alexandria laughed and stood still. The dark lord looked at her intently. "Well my dear? What have you to say now?"

Alexandria stood where she was and suddenly a large explosion seemed to rock the ground. All the death eaters were thrown back except for Severus. The dark lord still stood as well but looked to see all his followers struggling to get up off the floor with the exception of Severus. He smirked when he saw the young girl turn to him and offer him her hand. He did not take it but remained bowed. Alexandria turned to Voldemort. "I will never join your cause like this. It's sloppy." She felt him try and push through into her mind. He was stronger than she could have imagined.

"My… Lord… If I may be so bold…" Severus said rising to his feet. "Perhaps you should give her a taste of the power you posses."

Voldemort raised an eyebrow at Severus, "Very well, you may perform the Imperious Curse on her and convince her forcefully."

Alexandria looked at Severus with a genuine look of fear. He knew her power as well but that she would never be able to resist it for long. "Why force her? If you did you would need to continue using it every time that you need her services."

"My granddaughter will never join you." A deep voice boomed.

Alexandria turned along with everyone else. A tall dark haired man stood in the shadows. His shoulders broad and clothes screamed money. He stepped forward. "My dear friend…" Voldemort smirked. "You cannot deny her what she wants."

"Is it what you want my dear?" he asked throwing her a look with his burning hazel eyes.

Alexandria lifted her head high. "Yes, but not till the Dark Lord shows me his true power."

Voldemort tossed a look at Severus. Get her out, convince her more and bring her back when she is ready. I will handle Moonfire. He is more important than this silly girl.

Severus bowed at his master's command but found he could not move. Soon all the death eaters were mumbling curses under their breath trying to escape the force that was holding them down. Alexandria looked about her, her feet still moved. The old man was a fool. "I will think of your offer," she said to Voldemort and ran to Severus. Before her grandfather could lift his hand she threw her arm around him and in a snap of a finger they were gone.

"Bloody woman! What do you think you were doing? Appearing at a death eaters council that way…"

"I wasn't going to lose you!" she shouted at him.

He stared her in the eyes; her body had its glow about her. "You weren't going to. I wish you had stayed away. Now he will keep calling until you are convinced."

"And I will keep saying no."

"And what if he does show you his immense power?"

"I will tell him that I am a Moonfire and it is beneath me to carry the mark, but I will serve."

"No, you must never serve him!" Severus grabbed her. "Betraying the dark lord will lead to imminent death."

"Then you have signed your life to him? And I cant?"

"There is a difference! My servitude will end at his death. I fight for him but spy for us. You will never understand!" He backed from her. "He calls once more. Stay. Promise me you will stay? Go to Dumbledore and tell him everything.

Alexandria placed a kiss on him and left.

"You seem to have failed the dark lord half-blood." Bellatrix said circling him. "He is most displeased with you."

"Bellatrix you don't know the dark lord's bidding or wishes half as well as you should like."

"That is enough, the both of you!" They both bowed and then watched as Voldemort walked to a seat at the corner of the dungeon he had them meet. "Bella, leave us." She apparated. "Severus, I need you to keep Alexandria interested. Moonfire will turn against us if that girl gets the mark. Still she can serve without it. You have indeed done well. You have not let me down once. Keep it that way!"

"Yes. Whatever you wish."

"Right now we must focus on acquiring the prophecy from the Department of Mysteries. The assault will be soon. I need you to stay out of this one."

"What of Alexandria? Shall I send her?"

"No, keep her with you. I do not want her interfering. I need her for my other war this is just between Harry and me."

"I should advise you my master, that Alexandria has a very strong attachment to Frank Longbottom's son. If we harm him she will turn against us. Of that, I am positive."

"That pathetic little boy? Keep her from knowing then. I cannot risk him ruining everything for us."

Severus bowed and apparated to the castle.