Chapter Nine

During the following days they settled into a comfortable routine. They had breakfast together, Claire went to school and as Severus grew stronger, he did tasks around the house, thereby exploring Muggle technology like the washing machine and vacuum cleaner. He prepared dinner, proving his expertise in cooking, and they spent the evenings together, enjoying each other's company and love.

In the first week of the holidays the weather remained fine, so they made trips to the seaside, sitting on the beach or going on long, leisurely walks. And they made love, sweet, passionate, fulfilling, rapturous love. Severus tried not to think of his anxieties. For the first time in his life he was happy, he clung to the hope that he could remain so for a little bit longer.

Often he would look out of the window scanning the street for suspicious individuals loitering and watching the house; and when they went out he couldn't help looking over his shoulder from time to time, afraid that they were being shadowed. Once he thought he had recognized the familiar figure of a Death Eater, but when he looked again, there was no one there.

They couldn't avoid Linda Davis's invitation to a dinner-party on Saturday. There were two other couples present and Severus' charming side was on display again. He didn't do much of the talking, but proved an excellent listener, creating the impression that he was perfectly familiar with computers, cars, and cricket. From time to time their eyes met and Claire always felt a surge of passion run through her body. She wanted him, wanted him desperately, she hardly could wait till they would get home.

When they finally were alone in her bedroom, he carried her to the bed and started undressing her. Slowly he unbuttoned her blouse, kissing every inch of skin he had bared. She moaned and pressed her body to his, urging him to go faster, but he just smiled and got rid of his own clothes before he continued. His mouth played with her nipples, his hands caressed her belly, then went to her thighs and down on the outside of her legs. His mouth took over on the inside, his tongue slowly circling upwards until it reached the part of her body that was throbbing painfully, demanding relief. He let his tongue go on, making her moan again with lust and longing. At last, when she thought she couldn't bear it any longer, he entered her. He bent down, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a sitting position, holding her to his chest, his lips again finding hers. Their bodies began to move rhythmically in unison, then for Claire the world exploded in waves of lust and she cried out. Severus collapsed and lay panting next to her. She felt tears running down her face.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No," she could hardly speak, the tears choking her, "it's just – I never – Oh, Severus, I love you so!"

"So do I," he replied softly, kissing her tears away. He pulled the sheets up to cover their hot bodies and they lay in each other's arms, lulled to sleep by the steady rhythm of their heartbeats.

Severus woke with a start and found the room illuminated by the lights of several wands which were pointed at him. Behind the lights were black figures, cloaked, hooded and masked.

"There you are, traitor," a familiar voice sneered. "In bed with a Muggle slut, as the Dark Lord suspected."

Soft laughter came from the other Death Eaters.

"He wants to see you, Snape," the voice drawled on. "He wants to see you at once – and her, too."

He pointed his wand at the lump under the sheets that was Claire. She stirred and sat up, rubbing her eyes.

When she focused on the dark figures she gasped and reached for Severus.

"I saw them," she whispered, "I saw them in my dream in your flat."

Severus put his arm around her, his voice was hoarse when he addressed the figures.

"I'll come with you. Leave her alone, she has nothing to do with the Dark Lord, she just was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Let her go, you can obliviate her, she won't remember anything."

He was pleading. But the Death Eater only laughed.

"So concerned, are we? The Dark Lord would be very disappointed if we didn't bring her to him, he's looking forward to meeting her – and," he chuckled, "we are looking forward to playing with her – oh, very much so."

"Lucius, please leave her!"

"I wouldn't dare to disobey our Lord, Severus, so shut up and GET DRESSED!"

The voice had lost all its pleasantry and had become cold and hard. Severus jumped up and wanted to throw himself at the speaker, but a beam of blue light hit him in the chest and he fell back. A flick of the wand brought their clothes to the bed.

"Get dressed!" the voice commanded again, this time sounding bored.

Severus turned to Claire.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"Will you get dressed now, we haven't got all night."

The voice was getting angry again. With trembling fingers they put on their clothes. Claire felt strong arms grabbing her and then she had the horrible sensation of having every particle of her body squeezed to its smallest possible size and transported through the air. She felt nauseous and dizzy when they landed with a soft "plop".

She tried to focus on her surroundings. It looked like a large room, bare stonewalls and stone pillars with torches giving out a flickering light. Horrified she noticed more black clad figures, many more, they stood in a circle with Severus and her together with their captors in the middle. On one side of the circle there was a throne carved from stone with intricate snake-like ornaments. And on the throne a man was sitting, also robed in black, but without hood or mask. She remembered his skull-like face from Severus' memory: So this was the Dark Lord. She realized that she was shaking uncontrollably, if it wasn't for the two Death Eaters holding her arms, she probably would collapse. The Dark Lord rose and approached the spot where Severus stood, also flanked by two Death Eaters, who now forced him down on his knees.

"Ah, our spy. Or should I say traitor? Dressed like a Muggle – how disgusting!""

Claire wasn't sure what kind of voice she had expected from someone who was called the Dark Lord, but certainly not this thin high-pitched albeit cruel tones.

"Look at me, traitor!" he commanded, giving a short nod to one of the Death Eaters holding a struggling Severus down. The man grabbed Severus by the hair and jerked his head back. The Dark Lord pointed a wand at his throat. Murmurs could be heard from the circle of Death Eaters watching the scene.

"Wormtail has worked very hard to bring us evidence of your treacherous schemes. Crucio."

The word was uttered in a casual tone, but its effect was terrible to behold. Severus doubled over with pain and fell to the floor, his body contorting with agony. Loud screams filled the room, and it was only when one of her captors slapped her face that she realized the screams were coming from her. The Dark Lord looked in her direction, his mouth drawn into an ugly smirk.

"Ah yes, and you betrayed our cause by living with a Muggle. There are rumours that you received her blood in your veins, an utterly despicable device of Muggle medicine. My dear misguided servant, you understand that I must punish you for that, don't you? Crucio."

The spell lifted Severus several feet in the air, he was screaming and thrashing with his arms and legs, then it was withdrawn and he fell to the floor. Blood was running from his nose and from a gash on his temple. The Dark Lord placed a well-aimed kick at the shaking man and turned. To her horror Claire realized that he was coming towards her. Would he use this spell on her now? When he stopped in front of her, Claire had to fight the urge to avert her eyes. His face was even more horrible to behold at a short distance. His eyes were red and instead of a nose there were only two tiny slits above a mouth that didn't seem to have any lips. She felt the bile rise in her throat and swallowed hard.

He came even closer, extended his arm and Claire recoiled when she realized that he was going to touch her. But she didn't have a chance, there were four strong arms holding her in place. Skeletal fingers stroked her cheek, her neck, leaving a trace of icy coldness on her skin.

"Passable."

His cold high voice made her blood curdle.

"Who wants to be first?" he asked his followers.

"My Lord, may I begin?"

A woman's voice. No, that couldn't be true! The Dark Lord smiled and inclined his head. The dark figure that came forward, removed her mask and lowered her hood. Definitely a woman. Thick black hair and a mad, lusty glitter in her eyes. With a movement of her head she indicated the nearest pillar. Claire was pushed towards it and her hands were locked in manacles hanging from its capital. From the corner of her eyes Claire saw that Severus had struggled to a standing position, but a vicious Death Eater fist sent him sprawling on the floor again. The woman stood in front of her now. She pressed her body to Claire's and kissed her hard on the mouth, bruising her lips. Claire struggled helplessly. The woman chuckled and stepped back. She took out her wand, a lazy flick and Claire's clothes had vanished. A murmur among the onlookers showed that they appreciated this move.

Slowly the woman traced Claire's body with her wand – around her breasts and down to her abdomen, producing shallow, bleeding cuts. Claire cringed at the pain. Then the woman's fingers followed the bloody lines and caressed her body, painting it red with the blood.

Claire closed her eyes to hide her tears as she thought of Severus' fingers in the same places just a few hours ago. She felt her body respond against her will. Again there was the woman's mouth on hers, forcing her lips open, a greedy tongue in her mouth, while skilful fingers played a soft tattoo between her legs. Claire tried to fight the climax, being overwhelmed with shame, but the woman knew exactly what she was doing, her fingers were merciless, and finally Claire's body arched and a loud moan escaped her. The onlookers applauded and the woman stepped back, panting heavily. Claire kept her eyes shut. Suddenly the chains that held her arms were released and she fell to the ground.

She looked up. Another black-clad figure was towering before her.

"You didn't like Bellatrix's kisses?"

Claire recognized the drawling voice from her bedroom.

"Perhaps this will please you better."

He forced her to a kneeling position and nestled at his clothing, pulling out his stiff penis. He took her head between his hands and forced her to open her mouth, shoving his penis inside. She choked and fought against his hands.

"Behave yourself," he whispered softly, "or I'll break your neck."

Overcome with fear, humiliation and disgust Claire obeyed him. When he came, she couldn't help it any longer, she collapsed and vomited on the floor. He kicked her violently.

"Bitch", he hissed.

Claire curled up on the cold stones, trying to protect her body. Tears were running down her cheeks, sobs were shaking her body. This couldn't be true, surely she would wake from this nightmare soon.

Hands grabbed her arms, pulled her on her back and held her down. Another one was bending over her, fingering her breasts. Suddenly there was a commotion, she heard voices shout "Aurors," and felt herself released. The room was filled with flashes of light – red, green, blue, white, with running and shouting. Then someone touched her and she flinched. "Claire," a soft voice whispered. "Claire, it's me, Severus. The Aurors are here, don't be afraid. I have to go, they mustn't find me."

She turned her head to look at him. His face was swollen and covered with blood.

"Severus, don't leave me alone."

"Sorry, Claire, I have no choice. The Aurors will help you. Everything will be alright. Forget me, that's the best thing you can do."

"I love you."

A sad smile appeared on his lips and she could see tears glittering in his eyes. His lips brushed hers and then he was gone. She lay still, crying. The noises of the fighting died down. A black face hovered next to her.

"Here's a victim", a man shouted over his shoulders, "a woman, probably a Muggle."

Then he addressed her. "Madam, are you all right?"

The man lifted her gently and put a blanket around her.

"I'm Kingsley Shacklebolt, I'm an Auror. You won't like what we are doing now, but I have to get you out of here."

He put his arms around her and again she experienced the horrible feeling of compression she had had when the Death Eaters had taken them from her house.

They arrived in an office, at least that was what the room looked like to Claire. Two large wooden desks littered with papers and files. File cabinets lining two walls. In the corner there were a small table and two armchairs next to an enormous fireplace. The tall black man seated Claire in one of the armchairs, then he went to the fireplace, threw some sort of powder from a pot on the mantelpiece into the fire, which instantly turned green, and said, "Susan? Can you come to my office, we've got a Death Eater victim here."

Then he turned.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" he asked Claire.

She replied with a nod, still staring into the fireplace, then, remembering her manners, added a feeble "please". Shacklebolt was about to leave the room, when a tall blonde woman arrived. Claire noticed that both of them were dressed in blue floor-length gowns, obviously some kind of uniform. Then she remembered. Of course, Aurors, the wizard police! The woman crossed the room and sat down in the other armchair.

"Hello", she addressed Claire, "I'm Susan Bingley, I'd like to help you, let me see if you are badly injured."

Gently she pulled the blanket away from Claire's shoulders and muttered something under her breath when she saw the bloodstained skin. She took out her wand and passed it over Claire's body, murmuring strange incantations. The blood vanished and the cuts healed. Then she pointed the wand at Claire's bruised face and again the relief was instant.

"That's it", Susan said, "You were lucky that our lot arrived in time. I've seen women in much worse states."

She handed Claire a blue garment similar to her own.

"You can put this on."

"Could I have a wash somewhere?" Claire asked hesitantly.

"Yes, of course. There's a bathroom down the corridor, I'll show you. And when you have finished we'll have a few forms to fill in, I'm afraid."

Susan led Claire to the bathroom, which also contained a shower. Claire stepped inside and let the hot water run over her head for a long time, she rinsed her mouth over and over again; she wanted to clean away the traces of the rape. It was only when somebody knocked on the door and a male voice shouted, "are you all right?" that she turned the water off and dried herself. She put on the blue robe and wound a towel around her head. Then she went back to the office. Susan and the Auror called Shacklebolt were waiting for her. They handed her a mug of tea. Claire took a sip and grimaced, too much sugar to her taste. Skacklebolt reached for a piece of paper – no, it wasn't paper, it looked like some document from the Middle Ages, was it parchment? – and a quill, yes, definitely a quill.

"Can you tell us your name and address, please?" he asked Claire.

She complied and Shacklebolt's quill scratched over the parchment. Susan rose and went outside.

"And can you give us some information about how these Death Eaters got hold of you?" "Well", Claire hesitated, "they appeared in my bedroom in the middle of the night and kidnapped me."

Susan returned and she and Shackelbolt exchanged a look.

"Do you live alone?"

"Yes", Claire replied.

"Have you had any contact with wizards before?" was the next question.

"What? Wizards? What are you talking about? There are no wizards!"

Claire tried to sound upset. Skacklebolt looked at her hard and their eyes met. Somehow Claire knew what he was trying to do and used the trick Severus had told her – she emptied her mind and erected a barrier of "No!" for the intruder.

After agonizing five minutes he withdrew his gaze.

"Hmph," he muttered and, turning towards Susan, said in a low voice, "this is strange, it seems that she can do Occlumency."

"Impossible, she's a Muggle, I've checked it. She isn't injured, so there is nothing for us to do now. Let's give her new clothes and take her home. Then we can modify her memory and she won't remember anything."

"It's dangerous, they might come back for her. We must put wards on her house and keep watch."

Susan sighed. More work to do.

"Well, write a note and then things will be looked after."

Shacklebolt wrote something on the parchment. Susan left the room and returned with an armful of clothes: Jeans, sweatshirt, socks, underwear and shoes. Claire took them and put them on while Shacklebolt left the office. She pulled the towel from her head and shook out her hair.

"You can go home now, we'll give you a lift."

Susan took hold of Claire's arm and after another bout of this nasty feeling they landed in front of Claire's house. Another "plop" and Shacklebolt appeared there, too. Claire hoped her neighbours weren't looking out of their windows. It wasn't broad daylight, but it wasn't dark either. It looked like evening. So she had spent a whole day with the Aurors. Claire went up to the front door, but then she hesitated.

"I haven't got a key!"

The Aurors were standing behind her, their wands raised.

"Wizards were here", Susan said, "I can still feel their presence."

Claire fervently hoped that she couldn't feel the presence of a particular wizard.

"I haven't got a key, I can't get in," she repeated while doing some quick thinking. Were there traces of Severus in the house? The use of the spare bedroom and the toothbrush and razor in the bathroom could be attributed to her cousin's visit, they didn't indicate that a wizard had been there.

"That's no problem," her thoughts were interrupted by Susan, "if you permit…"

Susan pointed her wand to the lock and said, "Allohomora". The door sprang open. They went inside, the Aurors cautiously going from room to room with Claire trailing behind them.

"My cousin was here till yesterday morning, " she explained in – what she hoped – a matter- of- fact voice, "I didn't have time to tidy up his room."

"Your cousin?"

Shacklebolt looked at her curiously.

"Yes, my cousin from Scotland. He's a musician."

"Ah, an artist."

That seemed to end the topic. The Aurors didn't ask any further questions. They assured Claire that everything looked all right and that they would ward her house against the intrusion of unwanted guests. Then Shacklebolt turned his wand on her and muttered something under his breath. She felt a sense of peace come over her, something like a thick blanket entering her head and covering her brain. She didn't like it. No! she screamed inside her head and struggled to throw the blanket out. The Auror looked at her angrily.

"Shit," he whispered to his colleague, "I can't obliviate her, there is strong resistance."

Susan frowned and repeated Shacklebolt's motions. Again Claire fought the blanket off. Susan shook her head.

"It doesn't work, her mind resists us."

She shrugged wearily.

"Let her be. She will probably remember these experiences only as a nightmare tomorrow anyway. We will keep her under surveillance and see if anything strange happens."

Then they left. Claire sank into an armchair and closed her eyes. She was so incredibly tired.

And she longed for Severus. Would she ever see him again?

This could be the end of the story.

Or it could be just a cliff hanger – I haven't decided yet. Leliha

Thanks to J.K.Rowling for the inspiring characters.