A/N: Errr...hi... I KNOW I KNOW!!! I AM TERRIBLE TERRIBLE LATE!! -cries- I'm so sorry! I know this is written in each damned chapter now, but yeah, I'm still in writer's block when it comes to HP. Anime has infected my brain, though I'm having troubles with those fanfics as well...anyhow, I am not giving up on this story. This is my second chaptered story with an actual PLOT so I intend to finish it! I need the practise. I'm so bad at dark stories, especially long ones.

But, that aside, I'm sorry for the OOCness! I've been gone for so long I'm very rusty XD I hope this chapter isn't as bad as I think it is...but hey, at least I'm getting closer to the end! finallly the plot os moving! lol. And hey, what'd'you know? I managed to stuff in some SSNTness in this chappie!

Enough rantings, on we go (if people are still reading this...-sighs- wouldn't be surprised if you've given up on me! XD)

NOTE: About Severus' and Lucius' past...I'll come to that soon, you'll see. I had planned to not make it slash-ish(lol) since I was unsure how you'd take it (I was expecting flames, really) but since slash is so much better for the thing I have in mind, then I have to apologise for those slash haters because I will most likely use it. I'm sorry! But it goes so well with what I have planned! -pleads-

Wake Up

Chapter 14: Fading Truth

"Albus, are you sure?" Remus Lupin asked, a deep frown disturbing his already worn face. His tired eyes held worry, his mouth and voice expressed his doubt and disagreement. No matter how many times Dumbledore would repeat the fact that Snape had successfully avoided the worse outcome he wouldn't accept this willingly; it was disturbingly sickening to see how confused and pained Tonks was without her former captor.

"Yes, I am quite sure Remus," the old man assured him, smiling sadly. "It will be best for both of them."

"But what about You-Know-Who?" he insisted, trying to find another way; another reason. "He wants Snape to stop working at Hogwarts, doesn't he? He wants him by his side all the time now, right? How do you think that will work out?"

"It is true that Voldemort seems to be learning from his mistakes and is indeed planning to go after me first. But, nothing is certain," Albus explained, his blue eyes dull. "It is too risky to remove Severus from his position at Hogwarts; Voldemort will soon realize this if he hasn't already. But as things are, we'll be seeing little of him as soon as I announce him healed and free to leave the 'hospital'."

Remus sighed, scratching his neck. He believed Severus was on their side, and loyal towards Albus, but his behavior and actions left a sour taste in his mouth. He was torn between hate and admiration; finding it painful to acknowledge the courage it must take to face You-Know-Who over and over again.

"But," he began after a moment of silence, "you will have to let him go soon; only a few days from now. While his injuries were severe, You-Know-Who will suspect something if he is kept hidden for too long."

"I know," Albus said with a grave nod, looking up at the ceiling while frowning. Remus tapped his fingers against the table impatiently, waiting for him to continue; to come with an answer which would settle the uneasy feeling in his stomach. A simple yes or no would do!

"So, why are you having Snape take care of Nymphadora?" he burst out as the silence became too much, his voice harsher than he intended. Albus' kind eyes locked with his, and he regretted the hard tone he'd used but still felt the headache that comes with annoyance and irritation throb inside his head.

"She has asked for his help, and in these circumstances, who is he to deny it? I will do my best to aid them in these times, for they have brought us closer to the end." Remus blinked, unable to stop his lips from curving up into a gentle smile at the old man's damned riddles. But the somber atmosphere froze his muscles and he was forced to speak yet again when the answers refused surface on their own.

"What do you mean?"

"We need to move forward," Albus stated, leaning back further in his chair before continuing. "We're not growing stronger as time passes; we are only holding out and surviving. While we are gathering followers – fighters – Voldemort is doing well making it as difficult as possible. I fear time is not on our side, and whatever change is made we need to use for our advantage. There is always a way, always a chance, to succeed. All you need is the right decisions and," he paused, smiling another sad smile, "the right people."

Remus shook his head and admitted defeat. He might not like it, but he couldn't help but trust the aged wizard before him. Many questions without answers, and many answers without questions, were left hanging in the dusty air. All he could do was fight alongside his friends and colleagues while praying for the lives he knew would be lost. Considering their currently situation, perhaps that really wasn't the worst outcome.

Madness, that's what this was. Madness. The pain and strong surge of various emotions told him this could not be a nightmare; no one would be able to sleep in this state. He had to admit it was possible with a sleep potion, but he had no memory of taking one of those today. Besides, if he took a sleep potion it was the dreamless one. A vain try to keep his mind calm at least once during the day.

"You should go to bed," he growled as his temper seemed to slowly burn his insides. His hands clenched and unclenched as a small sigh was the only reply. He wondered how this was helping her in any way, and made a mental note to talk to Dumbledore again. It wasn't the time for this! He had more important things to do, like find a way to fool Voldemort and avoid any situation that allowed him no excuse to not kill. Things were rapidly changing, and here he was; sitting in a large couch with a mentally scarred witch occupying his lap. Her pale fist was holding onto the black fabric of his pants, and her cheek rested too close to a highly inappropriate place; the back of her head using his stomach as support while her whole body was curled up like a ball beside him. They hadn't been like this for long, but it seemed like an agonizing eternity for him. She had probably fallen asleep, but he had to wake her now. If it was sleep she needed, then she could lie in her own damned bed!

"Nymphadora" he hissed, bending over to lean over her head and get ready to shout directly in her ear if needed. He didn't need to, but it was too late before he realized. She'd turned her head, and her sleepy eyes were staring up at his black orbs. He froze, wondering why this had to happen. Her lips parted, the whisper of his name hitting his face in a warm breath. His hand came to rest on her cheek, anger forgotten just for a moment. Her eyes, they were like amber again. She was in a trance, aroused by his gentle touch and deep, deep eyes. He would look away soon, he would remove his hand and push her off his lap. He would. Soon.

"No," she mumbled, tired mind recognizing the look in his eyes. She needed to shock him, or the warmth would disappear all too quickly. She needed it, she needed it! A dainty hand, nails broken and fingers slightly abused, snuck up to rest behind his neck and before he would protest she had his mouth pressed against hers; warm and smooth. Her tongue flicked out, traced his lips and pushed through to taste him after all these days.

He was, indeed, shocked.

Almost, he'd almost forgotten the feel of her tongue against his. The warmth of her breath and the need in her moans; exciting, addicting – forbidden. But he kissed her back, he savored the moment, took this chance to remember something good; something pleasant. If he could, he would've continued. If he could, his arms would've wrapped around her and lifted her close to his chest while the kisses turned deeper. Nymphadora

She gasped as he broke the kiss; cheeks pink and lips bruised. His eyes had closed, and he slowly sat up straight. His hand left her hot cheek, falling down to rest beside his hip. The excitement burned in her stomach, the adrenaline pumped through her veins and the need ate at her lungs, making it hard to breathe. If the world could only stop, if things would just be gone, then he could be hers. She wanted this forever; this feeling of safety and want for more. But the reality of his stiff posture, pained expression and smooth voice kept disturbing her moments of release. Why couldn't he let her dream? She was tired of this.

"Severus, I need this," she said with a strong voice, surprising herself at the force she managed to express. "Don't argue, please. Let me rest."

"Then go sleep in your own bed woman!" he hissed, getting ready to push her off and stand to throw her out. He needed a moment of peace; some time to collect himself.

"You promised," she urged on, not letting go of his pants and meeting his glare with a steady gaze. The amber seemed to gleam, hint of gold making her eyes look like beautiful chaos; controlled yet maddening. He breathed in, deciding that he would wait till she was asleep then leave the room and seek out Dumbledore. He couldn't do this, no matter how responsible he was.

"Very well," he sneered, "sleep, but nothing more."

She smiled before turning away again, snuggling into his lap and sighing with content. The hurt, confusion, twisted truth and cruel reality had taken its tool. Hadn't she done well, dealing with it all? Of course she had, it felt good now. Her head didn't hurt; her thoughts didn't dwell on pain. Severus' red potion had calmed her nerves, given her an opportunity to think without blacking out. He said it was a calming serum, made to let you rest and heal even your bruises if given enough time. She wanted to believe it solved all her problems, made her mind settle for a course of action. It did no such thing, but it was nice to imagine.

Smiling, she began to feel her limps growing heavy and her mind fuzzy; ready to welcome sleep. He had promised to help her; he had to do what she asked of him. He had to; she had to make him. He was responsible for this; he'd said it himself – so how could he deny her?

I dreamt I was in his embrace, she thought weakly, I dreamt everyone was happy. I dreamt he was mine, I dreamt so many things. I wasn't crazy, and it didn't hurt. What a beautiful world…

"My Lord," he greeted respectfully, wincing as he kneeled down and bowed. "I have come with the information you requested."

"Good," the dark figure drawled, hissing slightly as he walked towards the man cowering man before him. Pitiful. Voldemort sneered.

"Is our dear Minister ready?"

"Yes, my Lord, he has been taken care of. The Invisible has been caught as instructed."

"How about the book?" He was getting impatient. Trivial matters, trivial!

"It is yet to be found Master; I deeply apologize for the delay. We are close though, my Lord, we are close."

Voldemort sneered, sweeping his cloak along as he turned to face the woman snickering to his right. After he had dealt with Lucius' punishment and the man had been sent home for a short while, he had announced the change in his plan. If he was going after Dumbledore, he needed to know every spell the fool used to keep the castle safe. Its old protection spells were the trickiest; he knew enough about Dumbledore's magic to deal with the newer ones easily but the ancient magic were complicated. A certain book, containing notes and valuable information, had once been in his possession before it was lost during his years of weakness. The task of finding it was given to Lucius, which seemed to amuse Bellatrix enough to laugh at the kneeling man in their Lord's presence.

"Bella," he began with a low voice, a twisted smirk stretching his horrid skin as her face paled and her movements stilled. "This is taking too long. I need you to take over."

Silence, annoying silence. He hissed, breaking it. The woman bowed swiftly, accepting the mission. He turned to look down at the blonde man, masked and unsteady in his position. His wounds had yet to heal.

"Lucius, like this you are worthless," he snapped. "I trust you have saved the last portion of potion Severus brewed?"

At his hesitant nod, Voldemort flicked his wand and flung the man across the room with ease. "Drink it and heal, you shall work with Severus once he has recovered."

No questions asked, no time spilled. He was gone after a shaky bow and murmured respects. Voldemort turned and walked back to the armchair he had occupied before, gracefully sitting down. His thin elbow placed on the armrest, Voldemort rested his pointy chin against a bony hand; smirking smugly. This time, things would go well. He knew it. There were no faults in his plan, no faults he couldn't fix with ease.

Lucius might have disappointed him, Severus might be suspicious and affected by the lust for a woman, but together they were his best Death Eaters.

The blonde was cruel, a good actor and with knowledge of greedy men. What he lacked, Severus possessed. An impressive intellect, skills worth praise and a wit as useful as it was sharp. It had been interesting in the beginning, when these two clashed and completed the perfect Death Eater; the perfect servant. Their arrogance had made them go separate ways, and he could not help but be amused at the deep hatred they bore for each other. But it was time to force them together; it was time to use their joint power. To make his plan work, he needed the right people. After that, all he needed to do was enjoy the knowledge of a victory within reach. He couldn't lose; there had never been a time when that was possible. Dumbledore was going to die, and then, finally, Harry Potter would meet the same fate.

Blood-red eyes gleamed in the darkness, looking into thin air and seeing his goal as clear as ice. The world he saw was his, a cruel and dark world which he ruled with ease; Potter's dead eyes staring up at him from the bloodstained ground. What power he would obtain.

A/N: I'm so sorry if that confused you. It'll be explain in later chapters, but if you really want to know something ask and I'll see if I can let you know or not lol. Thanks for reading! Leave me a review and I'll hopefully update fatser! D8 -so horribly guilty- I'm soon free from school and I'll be over the fact that my brother had moved to the other sid eof the world in a few days. So, I'm working on getting this story done. I have lots of other stories, but I really need to work on this one. Gosh, no matter what I do I'll be hated by readers XD

Anyhow, like I said, pleeease review! I know it was a crappy update, but...but I want to know if there was somthing good about it -pouts-

I love you all and am amazed if there's anyone left there who is actually reading! -bows-