It was time for Severus Snape to defend himself, to steer his own fate. He felt his child move within him and was overwhelmed by the need to protect her. Yes, he was frightened, but what choices did he have? Either way, he would be caged in a kennel but this way he had a choice on which kennel, which jailer.

"Actually," Severus curtailed the looming fight between the Headmaster and Gawain with his outburst. "I much prefer Azkaban to a jolly holiday at Hogwarts. I'd like a cell near Katya, please."

Like he was reserving a room for a jolly seaside holiday. He smiled at the Headmaster, like a man facing his executioner smiles. It was time to twist the knife in the bastard's kidneys. Twist it slowly. Savor the sweet sensation of puncturing the Headmaster' pride…. Publicly, no less. Let Albus experience first hand Severus' pain.

The Headmaster… no…Albus… blanched, and he whispered, "No."

"I asked you to help Katya. You couldn't be bothered, so no deal," hissed Severus. Then in a louder voice, he exclaimed, "With a choice between Dementors and Dumbledore, I find that I much prefer… "

He put his hands over his belly, to protect the child he prized more than anything else in the world.

Now, they'd be together until the very end. It would just be the two of them… no Albus…. just Severus and Ariana… together…It was right… and it was proper… because he loved her far more than Albus ever could.

"…Dementors."

Purple unicorns be damned.

Lucius Malfoy was in the fetal position, softly whimpering, while a sniveling Black still continued to scream from whatever Damyan had done to him.

"Minerva, please give the Headmaster back Fawkes," Severus ordered Minerva. He held out his hands to show that they were empty. "He's in my pocket and he should be just fine. He keeps pecking me."

To Severus' lack of surprise, Albus' mouth quickly engaged. Could the man never just shut up? Couldn't he just take his bloody bird and leave?

"Severus…. I know you're angry…" Albus said. His voice was conciliatory, soothing, as though Severus was merely being an unreasonable, stroppy cow. Yes, as though Severus was merely a toddler, exhausted after having an eppy that had successfully knocked most of Manchester flat.

Oh yes, Severus was furious.

However his anger was mainly directed at the guilty party, that being himself. For his weakness, for his overwhelming desire to throw himself on Dumbledore's mercy, for his obscene need to beg for the Headmaster's forgiveness and his strong wish to return back to his padded call at Hogwarts. Yes, it was a bloody Compulsion, but as Severus savagely reminded himself… Compulsions could be broken; Compulsions could be negated by strong emotions.

Severus' terror regarding the angry Headmaster was far greater than his Compulsion to return back to the Headmaster.

And it even outweighed his fear for Ariana's surival.

But his dread of Dumbledore was almost evenly matched with Severus' darkest horror. If the Compulsions were broken, if he were no longer Compelled to love Ari… the mocking voices inside his head taunted that he would hate the child within.

Yet no one truly understood what the Real Dumbledore was like… well… no one on the allegedly good side. Damyan had comprehended even better than Severus what the real Albus was like. The mage had called Severus, Brother… and he had bloody died to protect Severus from Albus.

"Headmaster," Severus' voice was quite composed though Severus feared that his hands were noticeably shaking. "Don't you have something more important to do? Perhaps heal Lupin? Save Manchester from imploding on itself? Perhaps you might be willing to do something to shut Black up as I find his screaming quite tiresome. Regardless of what you choose to do, don't do it around me."

Severus tightly hugged himself, as though he was holding himself together physically. Ari, realizing her father was upset, decided to show her support by kicking him most unmercifully.

All mine, you're all mine, Ari. I don't have to share you with anyone. Until the bitter end, it will be just the two of us. And at the very end, He will be there, to take you from me. You will never know of me, never know how much I wanted you. I wonder… will I see you before I die?

"Severus, I understand that you're angry with me." Albus' voice was so damn soothing, so bloody reassuring.

What an actor he was! Not good enough, because Severus could taste the anger hidden by Albus' sugar-coated tone.

"No, I'm not Headmaster. I'd be angry if I didn't understand you… I'd be so terribly disappointed in you… except for the fact that this… all this… is how you are. One cannot expect a leopard to change its spots. My time with dear, dangerously deranged, though now quite deceased thanks to you, Damyan has given me much…. Needed… Mental…. Clarity."

An uncomfortable looking Headmaster opened and closed his mouth, not saying a word.

Truly, a discombobulated Headmaster was sight that needed to be savored, Severus admitted.

His defiant mood vanished once the Aurors asked him to hold out his hands, so he could be Collared and Cuffed. They obviously thought him quite the dangerous character if they were doing that. By being Collared and Cuffed, he'd be thoroughly magically incapacitated, a minor annoyance, normally, but what of Ari? Her very improbable existence depended on magic. She had been created by spells … nourished by enchantments…

"It will alright, Severus. I promise you," Ekaterina softly advised him. "We will all be fine."

He caught Ekaterina out of the corner of his eye. The Russian put her hands over her heart once before offering up her own hands to be Cuffed.

Why? Why that strange gesture?

"Remember…" she mouthed at him.

She was reminding him of the pendant.

Yes, the pendant. He could feel the weight of it against his skin. Most importantly, Severus felt physically stronger than he had in a very long time. Was it his anger? Ari was certainly far more active than she had been recently… but was it caused by his anger? Or was it… vitality? Just before Damyan had fallen, he had cast something… backhanded… towards Severus…towards Ekaterina… Instead of defending himself…the Dark Wizard had given Severus one final… magnificent… gift.

Severus had bloody gotten Damyan killed, and yet …

"Severus," the Headmaster's voice was dangerously calm. "If you… should… change your mind… I will get you out of Azkaban. Do not let your righteous anger with me blind you to the facts … It's not safe in Azkaban… You need medical care, Severus… "

It was long past time for Severus to remind Albus of a few issues, including the fact that Severus' personal Healer had come down with a serious case of death, thanks to him.

"I had proper medical care. Sadly, you seem to have forgotten the small fact that you murdered my Healer…The one who has kept me alive for the last few months. I would have been dead by now if I had stayed at Hogwarts."

There.

Severus had scored again. But not on the Headmaster, but on Minerva, who flinched. While she always tried to appear aloof and unsympathetic, she had a kind heart. She'd miss him when he was dead. Mainly because she'd have no one to wager on the outcome of the Quidditch cup.

"Voldemort specialized in deceit, trickery and lies. Just because he said you'd be dead by September, doesn't mean it's true. Proper medical care, Severus, is what you need. You won't get that at Azkaban."

Again, he just sounded so concerned. Like the bugger actually bloody cared.

Truly the Headmaster… no… Albus… No longer would Severus be afraid to use 'Albus'… Albus Dumbledore was no better than he was… he had killed his sister… slept with Gellert…. The glorious Albus Dumbledore rolled around in the mud and the shit just like Severus did. The only difference was Albus Dumbledore arose from the muck with his robe pristine and his reputation intact.

And Severus Snape hated him for that. It was no wonder the Marauders got away with murder….

Oh my dearest Ari, to think you have the misfortune of having Albus and me as your parents. When I am gone, I beg you to cling to your Auntie Minnie and your Uncle Aberforth. For they're the only decent ones among the entire sorry lot.

Albus mistook Severus' silence as a sign that was weakening, as once again the Victorious Albus spoke. "You need to be under the care of a Healer, Severus."

"Once again, I must remind you that my Healer is dead due to you," Severus retorted. "Perhaps you missed him being wrapped in his banner? Being carried off like a great big sack of bloody potatoes by Toma Filipov?"

"Damyan was the darkest of Dark Warlocks," patiently reminded Albus as though Severus was a naughty school boy who had forgotten part of his lesson. "Perhaps, Madam Pomfrey might be a better choice for your Healer."

"She wasn't able to give me my arm back," Severus protested. "She thought I'd be dead by now also."

"Look at me, Severus," Albus demanded. His commanding voice caused Severus to instinctively follow his demands. Their eyes met and Albus' blue eyes peered into his soul.

"I know you're angry with me, Severus. However, I thought we had both agreed that your health was our primary concern. You will not get adequate care in Azkaban. When your anger with me has cooled, and you realize the truth in what I'm saying, just… say… the word. I will hear… I will get you out of there…"

Whether you like it or not. That was unspoken, but Severus heard the threat loud and clear.

The cage was closing around him. Severus was near panic as he felt as though his very air was being cut off. Still, he was determined to not show his fear. He'd keep verbal punching at Albus, until Albus the Saint persona cracked and the monster underneath was revealed to one and to all.

"Listen closely, as I will not repeat myself. The Dark Lord is dead so you don't need me anymore. And I certainly do not need you anymore," Severus tersely reminded Albus.

"Not so," was Albus' rapid retort. "You know that's not true."

"Go to hell, old man." Severus spat that at the damnable Headmaster.

"Severus…" was Albus' low response.

Dumbledore took one step closer to him and Severus' nerves broke as he knew… knew… that the Headmaster would not tolerate that vitriol from him. Not in front of witnesses. Why had he stepped over the line drawn in sand? The Headmaster would hurt him for his impudence, there would be no one to defend him, to protest… and that meant… Ari… and he HAD to protect her.

Instinctively, he crouched, putting his hands around his belly.

Then…. Then… Albus was touching him; his hands were on Severus' shoulders.

"Listen to me; it'll be alright, Severus. You've been badly hurt and you need to heal."

Albus' soft voice was so gentle and affectionate. As though he truly cared, and that God damn Compulsion to return back to Dumbledore was close to overwhelming Severus' good senses. If he returned, if he allowed the Compulsions to control him completely… Ari wouldn't have to worry that her father hated her… wouldn't have to walk on tiptoes, waiting for the dark monster to explode… But wait… he'd be dead by then…. Why couldn't he bloody think?

He was completely adrift. His mind was racing and he couldn't bloody think.

"You're angry with me." To his deep shame, Severus had to admit that his tone was quite close to sniveling.

"I am not angry with you, Severus. I'm furious that Voldemort hurt you and I'm livid regarding the manner in which he hurt you. Come back to Hogwarts, we'll talk… get everything as right as rain between us," insisted Albus.

"We talked before and you didn't listen." Yes, that admission was definitely a snivel. Severus could just imagine the contempt on everyone's faces.

"This time, it will be different; you talk, and I'll listen. I'll really listen. You can say anything you want and I won't get angry. My dear boy, it's time to stop running from me."

Albus was moving closer to Severus as though the older man wished to embrace him. Severus was weakening, it was only a few moments before he completely crumbled and threw himself on Albus the merciless' non-existent mercy.

"I've been terribly worried about you. I'll do better this time, I swear, Severus. Please, give me another chance. Time is passing and September is getting closer, Severus. I didn't mean to suffocate you; I just wished to reassure you that I'd support you."

They were words he had once longed to hear from Albus, but Severus knew that they were lies. Sweet sounding, honeyed deception was the Dumbledore specialty after all. His fear of Albus threatened to drown him… but he knew… he had to escape from Dumbledore… and that meant Azkaban. He jerked away from the too-close Albus and reached towards a startled Gawain Robards.

"Gawain, I'll plead guilty to anything. Just keep him away from me," Severus pleaded to a shocked Gawain. "I'll tell you anything you wish to know, just keep him away. I'll do anything…. just… protect me from him. I want the deepest, darkest, most Dumbledore-proof cell in Azkaban."

And a stunned Albus said not a word in protest when the Aurors Collared and Cuffed Severus.

I was right, you don't care. You never did. This was nothing more than a show for the witnesses. A show to demonstrate to everyone how bloody munificent you are. That way you can assure Minerva that you tried, but that I refused your aid.

"Gawain." There was steel in Albus' tone. "If anything… anything… happens to Severus while he's in Azkaban… if he even so much as stubs his toe, I will bring the very walls of Azkaban down in the North Sea. Do I make myself… perfectly … clear?"

"You can't go threatening me," Gawain Robards protested. "I work for the Ministry!"

"I'm not threatening you, Gawain. It's a promise."

Filius watched the scene unfurl between Severus and Albus and he wished for the patience and understanding needed to resolve the current situation. Or if providence permitted, a Quidditch bat. And while he was wishing for the impossible, a jigger of dragon-blood infused firewhiskey wouldn't be amiss. It had been that time of day, after all, and Manchester still rumbled and groaned underneath his feet.

Nature abhors a vacuum and right now there was a complete lack of leadership among the international mix of wizards and witches in Manchester. The idiots were celebrating because the new Dark Lord had been killed and his army defeated, but no one seemed to give a bloody damn that Gellert's people had escaped. The loud raucous party had shielded most of the Albus-Severus raree show from view. Only a few of the Order maintained enough self-control to be interested in the play unfolding before them. Alastor Moody was shaking his head in disapproval at Severus the ingrate's behavior.

Prats! Bloody, stupid prats! Gellert is just as bad as He Who Was Just Hit with a half dozen AKs was!

"Horace, take the Order back to Hogwarts. Poppy is to sedate Black and start the silver detoxification process with Remus. Hestia, you are to advise Dora Lupin of her husband's condition, but carefully. Harry and the rest of the students are to be put into separate detentions the minute they get back to Hogwarts." The done, Filius continued to rattle out various commands.

First and foremost, Alastor was to immediately confirm that Gellert was still in jail though Filius knew the odds were piss-poor.

As expected, Alastor got mulish until Filius chastised him. No one could cut Moody to the quick quite like his former House Head. The lad was reminded that he was a world-renown Auror; his visage would guarantee that he'd get into Nurmengard. Someone needed to find out what Gellert's current standing was! Someone with a brain, someone who wouldn't be mindlessly celebrating the death of Voldemort! And that someone was Alastor Bloody Moody!

What now? What had to be done now? He was just a bloody academic… and bloody hell… Albus was completely undone.

The emotionally disturbed Severus' little performance, the caustic, biting accusations of filicide combined with Severus' overwhelming terror of Albus had completely thrown Albus off his broom. And that had been before the frenzied Severus had convoluted himself into the fetal position, a desperate move to give his child the barest sort of physical protection from Albus' impending punishment.

Yes, Albus had realized that Severus was leery of him, but he hadn't truly comprehended the depth of Severus' apprehension. Severus hadn't just been verbally striking at Albus. It had been a noble, desperate attempt to make it appear as though he wasn't afraid of Albus. That he was in charge of the situation, that he had complete self-control.

His act might have fooled someone who didn't know Severus as well as Filius did, but there had been that moment that crystallized the two men's stressed association. Severus had been horrified that one caustic comment had gone too far; Albus had swooped in, determined to be compassionate and reassuring. To no one's surprise except for Albus, the shattered Severus had panicked into what Filius prayed wasn't a one way broom ride to Azkaban.

Filius couldn't deal with that problem right now. He needed to stabilize Manchester, so he sat on the ground and Viewed the Nodes. A glimmer of silver distracted him, kept pulling his focus from the empty Nodes, so Filius investigated.

It was a bloody silver hairpin with a Russian design, and he reached out for it. At first and second glance, it seemed like a normal hairpin, yet it obviously wasn't. No… no… it was a nice bit of charm work, a Paradoxum Nexus, a physical manifestation of Felix Felicis, a bloody wildcard thrown directly into the jaws of Fate. Liquid luck… a silver hairpin… the ripples of unforeseen, opportune happenstance would be quite beneficial to Severus. Especially if the young man was in need of luck.

It had been the final, magnanimous gift to Severus from a crazed Dark Wizard.

Severus, you have found yourself the staunchest of defenders.

With a nimbleness that belied his advanced age, Filius Flitwick got to his feet and ran toward the Russian witch. She and Severus were both kneeling while the various Death Eaters were being Cuffed and Collared. A distracted Gawain was arguing with a furious Albus regarding the definitions of threats and promises which meant that Albus had been a very bad boy. It didn't matter, just as long as their argument kept Gawain distracted.

"Madam," Filius politely said. "I think you dropped this?"

He showed her the pin and her eyes narrowed in confusion, wondering why Filius was bothering to return it to her.

"That's mine," she admitted. "I gave it to Damyan as a token."

"It must be your lucky hairpin," Filius carefully stressed the word. With nimble fingers, he pinned it back in her hair, carefully Concealing it from prying eyes. "Keep it close, Ekaterina. And keep Severus closer. Good luck in Azkaban. You're going to need it as it's not a very nice place. Remember, good luck is often with the witch who doesn't include it in her plans."

There that's all he could safely say, but it was enough as the tall witch quirked a crooked smile. She understood what he saying and more importantly, comprehended what he wasn't saying.

"I found that my luck was often helped along by a certain Warlock," the witch assured Filius. "I'll keep an eye on him."

"Thank you, I'm quite fond of the lad," Filius softly admitted. "He's not so bad, once you rub off the rough edges."

Severus was too traumatized to even give Filius a furious glare. No, the lad was busy looking inward, mentally berating himself for his stupidity.

Azkaban! Why the bloody hell did you volunteer to go there, Severus? Are you that afraid of Albus? Have you decided that with your Dark Wizard dead, there is no one left willing to muzzle Albus? Bloody hell, I keep failing you! No more! I will get you out of Azkaban!

"Minerva." Albus seemed to have finally won the skirmish with Gawain. In response to his embarrassing defeat, the sulking, hulking Auror roughly pulled Severus to his feet. To complete the charade that he was in control of the situation, Gawain made a snide quip about Severus being far heavier than he looked. "You're to go to Azkaban and stay with Severus during his processing."

The arch of Minerva's expressive eyebrow spoke volumes. About how Albus had cocked up everything, his commanding tone with her and a thousand other issues. Meanwhile Severus and Ekaterina were Side-along Apparated to Azkaban with nary a pop.

"I need to see about getting him out of there. I'll speak with the Wizengamot and with Ms. Dobrolubskaia s involvement, I fear that I may have to go before the International Confederation of Wizards. Manchester is about to fall into the sea, Lupin and Black need medical assistance, someone needs to talk to Dora Lupin, plus those Hogwarts students … what were they doing here? And where have they gone? Plus someone needs to check to see that Gellert hasn't escaped. And I need to take care of Tom's body before someone decides it turn him into an Inferius."

"Most of that is already done, Albus. Though I will need help with Manchester as it's steadily sinking," Filius explained.

But Albus didn't hear him as he was occupied, attempting to convince Minerva to go to Azkaban.

"Minerva, please. I'm juggling as many balls as I can right now," was Albus' soft request. "He trusts you. He needs someone there during the Intake Process to support him. It's the only time you'll be able to be physically in the same room while he's in Azkaban. Please keep an eye on him and Ekaterina. I'm not sure if that Russian witch is truly Damyan's prisoner or his devoted detainee but she will be our best witness for Severus' acquittal."

"Acquittal?" Minerva tartly questioned. "For breaking his parole? I think you'd be the best witness."

At the moment, Albus looked ancient, far older than Filius.

"They will charge him with breaking his parole. I will explain in great detail how it is my fault that he broke his parole. However, Minerva, they will charge him with consorting with a Dark Wizard. He was with Draganov for several months and they will most assuredly blame him for the carnage that occurred here. Severus is in a great deal of trouble, Minerva. Somehow, you must convince him…"

Albus paused and then a battle weary Minerva shook her head. "That you know best?"

Minerva stabbed Albus in the heart with that acid comment. You couldn't blame her for being a bit short-tempered. She was still recovering from Prague and now this!

The most renowned mage since Merlin appeared to age centuries while Filius watched. It was staggering how Minerva had managed to deeply wound Albus with only two cutting remarks. Yet as Filius reminded himself, the two of them had been lovers and the emotionally reserved Albus had fallen quite hard for the witch. Let everyone else be fooled by Albus' effusiveness, Filius knew it was a bloody act.

It took Albus a bit to recover from Minerva's thoroughly well deserved skewerings. However, he was soon explaining himself to Minerva.

"What I know, Minerva, is that he needs to be very careful right now. The Death Eaters will blame him for Voldemort's death and the guards may not protect him. Also find out… if you can… about Ariana. During the physical exam, his unusual circumstances may come to light."

A wild-haired Aberforth Dumbledore arrived next, barreling his way through the celebrating masses. The bartender appeared none the worse for wear, considering he had just survived his second major magical mêlée in less than a week. If anything, he appeared to be extraordinarily pleased with himself. His grin faded when he looked and realized someone…. Someones…. Were missing.

"Where is he? Where's Severus?" He growled.

Silence.

"You buggered it up again?" Abe roared at his brother. "Where is he?"

"Azkaban," was Albus' quiet admission.

"AZKABAN!" The younger Dumbledore raised one belligerent fist and he gave Albus' crooked nose a lingering look. Then he dropped his clenched fist in disgust. "You idiot! We lost Da to Azkaban. How much more must we lose?"

"It was his wish," Albus softly protested. "I told him…. He didn't have to go there. One word, Aberforth, one word from him, and I assured him that…"

"You bloody berk, it was a bloody test," spat Aberforth. "You failed, you self-absorbed idiot. He wanted to see if you'd actually make an effort."

"Abe," was Albus' soft protest. "I have no idea what Severus wants. I'm sorry, Abe, but it's true. He has to come out and tell me what he wants. I can't figure out what he wants when he doesn't say it! Right now, unfortunately, I have other concerns. Filius, let us see if we can save Manchester from falling into the sea."

Albus Dumbledore walked away from his brother, and Minerva put out her hand to stop him.

"I'm sorry," Minerva softly whispered. "My comment was cruel."

"Don't be," was his response. "Don't ever apologize for speaking the truth to me, Minerva. Among other thing, I deeply value your honesty. Now get to Azkaban and do what you can to protect him."

It was chaos.

It was hell.

It was an overwhelming, despairing darkness and it was still only a holding cell in bloody Azkaban. Severus had been there once, for a brief time, when he was younger and stupider. Albus had spoken for him, had gotten him released on parole and… bloody hell; Severus had buggered it all up by running.

Some God or Goddess was smiling on him, as he was being Processed with Katya. That seemed strange as they were deliberately separating the Death Eaters but he and Katya were still together in an Intake room. And they had been Uncuffed. They were still Collared, but at least they had use of their hands. Plus, somehow the two fuzzies had managed to find them, as both cats were rubbing themselves against his legs.

How the hell did the cats get into Azkaban? How did the guards not see them?

"Lucky, wouldn't you say? That they kept us together?" Katya asked. Her lips were quirked in what seemed to be amusement. "And Grisha and Nadya managed to locate us. They'll keep the vermin away. Quite propitious, is it not?"

"Yes," was Severus' curt reply. "However…the exam?"

"They won't see your pendant or the mokeskin bag."

"And?" He looked downward at his seemingly flat stomach and then at Katya.

She shook her head once. "Let's sit down. You sit in the corner."

It took a little bit of time, as his center of gravity was off, but he managed to sit down on the intersection of two wooden planks that were attached to the wall. Not the most comfortable of chairs, but then Katya sat next to him, and she carefully placed her feet on the opposite wall's plank. The two familiars curled up next to him, hiding themselves among the shadows.

"Guarding me?" Severus asked.

A quick nod was her answer.

They were silent for a bit, though the thick walls of Azkaban did little to muffle the shrieking, keening sounds of prisoners gone mad. Severus swallowed once and then he voiced one of the most difficult apologies in his life. After Lily had refused to accept his apology for calling her a Mudblood, he had vowed to never apologize again. Well, except to the Dark Lord, and that a survivalist trait.

However rusty his contrite confessions were, Severus knew that recent events demanded one.

"I am quite sorry… about this… about Damyan. If I hadn't run…" He swallowed once more and he tried to continue. "I considered him… a friend…and… I am…. If I had only…It's my fault."

"Never you mind that. It's nobody's fault, nobody's to blame except for Damyan," whispered a somber Katya. "It's always been only a matter of time before we were found. And it's best for all if he's really dead. Damyan was a Monster. It is a moot point whether he was born or Transformed into a Monster, but he was one. A completely charismatic, exceedingly exasperating Monster."

The Russian witch roughly wiped her eyes.

"And perhaps he's finally found the peace that eluded him in life. Hopefully he's with… his wife… and his…."

The resolute Russian broke down then and Severus awkwardly patted her hand, wishing he could do more for the witch. After the storm of weeping passed, Ekaterina wiped her eyes once more. There was a glint in her eyes that he recognized, which usually meant that she was preparing to give Damyan the rough side of her tongue.

"Bloody, stinking bastard. Decides to be a bloody, stinking hero, tries to off two wizards that he couldn't hold a wand to, leaving me to pick up the pieces! Idiot's grand plans just succeeded in putting us in Akzaban, making me face Sergie! Bloody bastard better be dead, or I'm cutting off his tripes."

"Better be dead?" Severus softly questioned.

"I'd think I'd feel it more if he was dead," was her hesitant admission. "Somehow I expect him to show up, merrily chortling that they refused him admittance to the seventh level of hell."

"No doubt the devil would be afraid that he'd take over." Severus dryly quipped.

That earned him a brief chuckle.

"We've been together for so long. I've been with him for more than half my life, Severus. So, yes, I can't believe that he's dead. I simply can't wrap my mind around the idea that he's dead. But denial is usually the first reaction to death. "

"Actually, relief is what I feel," was Severus' confession. "Relief that my mother is finally gone. Relief that Tobias is dead."

"I put the flowers into your mother's casket," she informed him. Her voice was quiet and in the darkness, Severus could barely make out her face. Her hands reached for his and she squeezed them hard. "Like I promised I would. I keep my promises, Severus. I know you were far more impressed with Damyan's abilities than mine, but I vow that I will protect you as long as I can, Severus. I just don't know how long they'll let me live."

"The Russians?" A confused Severus asked.

"The Brotherhood. I do not know the reason why I'm still alive. I didn't expect to live this long after he died."

They seemed to be shriving each other, the darkness making it easier to admit their weaknesses.

"I'm not sure if I made the right choice," Severus shamefully admitted. "I nearly…"

"It's the Compulsion, Severus."

"I should have gone with him, done what he said." His voice was quite soft.

"Be proud that you stood up to him. It took a great deal of courage," the witch assured him. "To face your fears is never easy. And you did. And he heard what you said Severus. I saw it in his eyes."

"I fear what might happen… if I manage to break the Compulsions. I could… easily… hate her. With no effort at all…as she'd be a living reminder…"

Severus stopped then, afraid to finish giving voice to his greatest nightmare. He could see her, a small girl, with riotous curls, who was utterly terrified of the beast that was her father. She was cursed with a father who hated her, no matter how hard she struggled to be the best little girl. Her soul would be twisted and deformed by her mistaken belief that it was her fault that her father….

I should have gone with Albus, allowed the Compulsions to swallow my soul. I should have done that, rather than risk … that…

"My goddaughter will always be a living reminder to you, of your two unlikely friends you found in an alleyway in Manchester," Ekaterina firmly stated.

The door to their cell opened, and they were ordered to stand.