Took me forever but I finally came around with a chapter. Salena's under so much pressure she's about to crack, and it's not on the students or Voldemort, or Snape; she's got a few words for Snape and Voldemort, but who's got the heat coming?
Yes it gets sad in the end, but it'll get better next chapter.
Enjoy!
A few weeks later:
Ever since Salena found out she was to be the Dark Lord's intended, she had kept her distance from Snape and the Order for a good bit longer than usual. Severus didn't pester her and neither did Dumbledore, but poor Draco would come whining to her about how worried everyone was and frankly it was annoying. For the moment, she was busy grooming Naomi trying to clear her head when a knock came to her door.
"Come in." inside stepped Harry Potter, which surprised Salena greatly. "What can I do for you Mr. Potter?"
"I was wondering if you'd seen Malfoy anywhere? He seems to have disappeared and McGonagall asked me to see where he might've gone."
"Unfortunately I haven't seen him today, he has been acting mysterious lately though."
"Hello Harry." Harry stepped back and nodded at Naomi.
"That's a lovely snake professor, when did you get it?"
"I've had her for years, her name is Naomi and I think she just said hello to you."
"She did, I'm sure you know I can speak Parseltongue right?"
"Of course, I remember. How are you though? Everything alright with Dumbledore and your friends?"
"For the most part professor, why do you ask?"
"Oh I just like to know how my students are with the war beginning."
"I see, later professor."
"Later Harry." Naomi hissed goodbye too, and the boy left. Salena went back to smoothing Naomi's new shiny scales, and then cleaned her hands of the dead skin. "You look stunning as usual Naomi."
"Thank you mistress, but can you please tell me something?"
"Tell you what?"
"Tell me what you'll do about Tom's plan to make you his queen?"
"Turn it down what else?"
"Shouldn't you give a good reason?"
"Like what? Since when are you an expert in turning down proposals?"
"Since we were in our time and many other male anacondas wanted me to mate with them."
"Right…what's your suggestion?"
"Say you don't believe in marriage, not since you lost your fiancé."
"He'd still want to breed me Naomi."
"Then call it off until after the war."
"If he's not killed?"
"Then do it yourself…I'll assist."
"You're full of bright ideas today aren't you? I'm going to see Severus, it's been too long."
"Only a few weeks mistress, not nearly as long since that thing with Lupin remember?"
"Don't remind me, I'll see you in a bit Naomi."
"But mistress, are you going to…?" Salena stopped in her tracks and turned t the snake.
"Maybe…I don't know yet."
"Mistress, you said you wanted to wait, but you want to…?"
"I have to go, later Naomi."
"You too mistress." Salena pulled her emerald robe over her head and walked out to the outdoor entrance, or one of them at least. She continued on out as the sky grew darker and darker, and then stopped at a vine covered pathway near the forest. "Open." She chanted softly and the vines began to move to make a clean path inside, as she walked along the vines tangled again, if someone came along the vines would snap and fling them away. A dim green light appeared at the end of the path, and Salena created her raven patronus to signal the being hidden at the end. A doe came out in return, and she quickly hurried over to the end. A figure wearing a long black cloak met up with her, and took her by the hand after blindfolding her. "What is this?"
"It's a surprise. Just hold onto my hand…"
"Ok." He led her through the forest for a few minutes, and they stopped. Salena felt the air was cooler, the ground felt soft yet firm under her feet, and the sound of running water was heard. The blindfold was removed, and Salena's green eyes widened at the sight. A waterfall, surrounded by rocks, cool green grass and lilies were around her and the spot was glowing from the rising moonlight.
"Severus…what is this place?"
"My own personal space, I had forgotten about it until I remembered a spot where I could escape from the constant everyday tortures from Potter and his pals. I found it when I was eleven, and I created the garden at least every day during the spring."
"It's beautiful, does anyone else know about it?" Severus looked away.
"Only one did, but she left."
"Lily knew?"
"She helped me with it, but after our fifth year she stopped coming. She never told anyone about it though." Salena nodded in understanding, then turned and pecked Severus' lips before taking off her cloak and dress. She ran to the rocks and jumped into the cool water. She laughed and Severus smiled big before walking over to the edge of the pond.
"You're like a child my dear." She smirked and splashed water in his face before pulling him in. His head popped up from underneath and she laughed.
"Having fun?" she asked.
"Not yet." He splashed her back and pulled her in for a kiss. He deepened it when she responded, and his shirt came off with little difficulty. Salena pulled away and went under, Severus followed her and they swam around seeing all the small fish and tadpoles in the pond's shallow parts. When Severus went up for air Salena went up with him and climbed onto the rocks again.
"Tired already my dear?" Salena just panted a bit, and then pulled off the top of her under dress. "Salena, what're you…?"
"I don't want to wait anymore." Severus slowly got out of the pond and stood in front of her.
"Salena, you said you wanted to wait because of the war, and now that the Dark Lord…"
"Forget the Dark Lord Severus, all I want right now…is your love."
"Are you saying..?"
"I-I…" she stuttered a little. "I-I…l-l-love you…I love you Severus Tobias Snape." Severus' eyes widened and kissed Salena fiercely but passionately. She kissed back with equal passion, and soon Salena was on her back on the grass with Severus staring into her green eyes.
"I love you my angel, my beautiful princess. My Salena…" he kissed her again and started trailing down her neck. When he reached her chest Salena felt like she was in heaven again, and his touch set every nerve on fire.
"Severus…Severus…" she panted his name the entire time, and that sent Severus over the edge.
An hour later:
Both witch and wizard were on their backs panting and relaxing from their nightly fun, four times. The only thing covering most of their nudity was Severus' black robe. Salena turned on her side and kissed her lover's cheek, he turned and smiled at her.
"You're amazing Salena."
"So are you Severus."
"What changed your mind about this?"
"I'm not sure…it was a long time away from you, and the idea of becoming Tom's queen was sickening to me. Then I realized, after you brought me here…that I really cared about you, and loved you. So I wanted to prove it."
"By letting me make love to you."
"You couldn't hide that you wanted to, then after I remembered all the times you stood up for me, and protected me in my weak state…I realized that…you're the same as Austin was. Loving, caring, stern, and especially…overprotective."
"I remind you of your lost love?"
"In a way…but you're the man I've wanted in my life forever. Austin was my intended, but you're far stronger than he was. You strive to protect the ones you care about, even if they're in dire trouble you risk everything to keep them safe."
"It's my job to protect them, no matter what side I'm on. You are something special…you've shown me better times in my life than anyone else I've known." Salena giggled.
"Even Dumbledore?"
"Even him…Salena I would do anything for you. I would give my life to protect you."
"I know, that's why I want you to be with me when we go to the next meeting. I will give my decision to Tom, and we'll see what happens from there."
"The meeting's tomorrow, my orders are to remain here and watch over Draco."
"He'll be fine here, Albus will watch him and if I know Harry Potter then he won't let Draco out of his sight."
"I don't want you in the line of fire there love."
"You won't be, as long as you're my caretaker you'll do as I say. My mark…" she stroked the star on his wrist. "Proves that you're mine…no matter what you do or who's side you're on. You're mine…always."
"And you're mine, no matter what anyone says about you. We are together, forever, until the end." They kissed again and redressed themselves before heading back to the school through a small passageway Dumbledore slipped to Severus sometime in his school years. Just before they reached Severus' quarters, Salena felt a hand grab her arm and a pair of lips on hers; she kissed back sweetly and then Severus pulled her into his room, rather abruptly too.
"What's wrong Severus?"
"We need to check you out."
"What?"
"We need to make sure nothing's happened from our little…affair."
"You mean the possibility of me being pregnant?" Severus shushed her and lightly touched her lips with his finger.
"Don't say that around here, the walls have ears." She held his hand and kissed it.
"You don't have to worry Severus, I took a potion this morning. I won't be pregnant because I know if it happens now then we're both in danger." His eyes widened and she quirked an eyebrow.
"You planned this all along didn't you?" she kissed his nose and smirked.
"Obviously. Now let's prepare ourselves, because I have a feeling Tom's going to have a ball with the others tomorrow."
"As you wish my princess." They kissed again and curled up in the large double bed under the thick covers. Salena fell straight to sleep and Severus held onto her before his eyes closed in a happy sleep.
The next afternoon:
Severus and Salena kept their usual distance from each other; when night came along they were to head off to Malfoy Manor to meet with the remaining death eaters to discuss the progress. Draco wouldn't go unless the Dark Lord asked him to, and Salena kept a good watch on the boy with Severus since he was on the verge of collapse from exhaustion.
At the moment Salena was busy teaching a class for Potions covering for poor Slughorn since he was distraught on what happened to poor Katie Bell. For the moment everyone was working on a minor poison antidote, something easy on their shoulders for the time being.
"Alright everyone you have five minutes until class ends so let's pick this up and clean up. Dinner will be ready in 30 minutes so hop to it."
"Yes Professor Sardinia." The students cleaned up their stations and left with their books heading to their dorms. Salena magically cleaned the room and left to find Naomi since the meeting was after dinner and she never left without her precious snake. When she reached her room the snake was on the bed curled up with the tip of her tail tapping the silk cover.
"What took you so long?"
"I was substituting for Horace Naomi, you know that."
"It took longer than I thought, are we going to dinner?"
"In a minute, first I need to fix myself up for the meeting." On queue Salena pulled her hair up in a tight French bun and fixed her makeup magically in just a few seconds. Her dress went from black to navy blue with a silver trim on the collar and sleeves. It showed off her figure, but the skirt had a split on the right showing off her leg. "How do I look?"
"A bit too sexy for my taste mistress, the Dark Lord would get suspicious if he saw you wearing that."
"He'll have to get over it. You ready?"
"Yes." Salena shrunk Naomi with her wand and the snake slithered into her robe pocket covering her dress. When she made her way into the Great Hall she took her seat beside Minerva and watched the students talk amongst themselves, meaning she was watching Harry and his pals eyeing Draco at the Slytherin table.
'Poor kid, can't imagine what he's feeling right now.' She took a bite of salad and snuck some meat to Naomi who gladly nipped her fingers in thanks. Severus hardly said a thing, just kept eyeing the students looking for any misbehavior. Salena finished her foot and then gave a small hiss to Severus walking out through the teacher's exit. Naomi's small head poked out of the pocket and hissed with a smile showing off her fully belly.
"Many thanks mistress!"
Salena smiled and nodded before pulling the hood of her cloak over her head walking out to the gate just before the shield ended. She kept her hand on her wand, and awaited Severus' arrival.
15 minutes later:
Severus appeared from the door and pulled over his hood before meeting beside Salena.
"The students have all gone to bed. We're free to leave."
"Excellent. We'll be late but Tom will have to understand."
"That we have a cover to maintain?" Salena smirked at him.
"That a queen is never late; everyone else is just early." The minute the shield left them Severus apparated them to the gates of Malfoy Manor. They went through the shields and entered the building, Salena walking ahead of Severus and Naomi crawling up onto her shoulder. When they reached the main dining hall, every death eater not in Azkaban circled the table, not including Mrs. Malfoy, who was nervously sitting by her sister Bellatrix.
"Good evening everyone." With a flick of her wand Naomi's body grew to its normal size and she winked at Tom.
"Lady Salena, we were beginning to worry. Please take a seat…Severus?" Severus bowed to Tom and walked out. "I don't recall summoning you to this meeting?"
"Forgive him Tom, I made him come along. To make sure there weren't any suspicions about me disappearing from Hogwarts. We had to wait until the students went to sleep."
"Very well, you can take Lucius' old seat right there next to Narcissa." Severus obliged. Salena took her seat at the other end of the table and Naomi circled around her trying to get comfortable.
"Now…since you are here Severus you can tell us Draco's status on the mission."
"So far he has failed milord, but his efforts have shocked Dumbledore."
"I can vouch for him Tom, Draco has been trying with great effort. He just hasn't found the right plan to end this for us."
"What about the cabinet?" he looked at Severus.
"Still on the mending but we're close."
"Good. Now let's get to the matter at hand, Lady Salena…lately I've been thinking and I wanted to explain this more easily, but I figure I'll just come out and say it. When this war is over, I will be required a companion by my side, a queen if you may say."
"I know what you're saying Tom, but I'm afraid we can't discuss this at this time."
"Why is that?"
"I'm not one to jump into a commitment after what's happened in both my lifetimes. I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes either."
"Would you please care to explain?" Salena's nerves tensed, but she took a breath and Naomi perched her head on her mistress's shoulder; Salena's nails lightly scratched the snake's head, and the large eyes closed in calmness.
"What do you want to know?"
"Explain your commitment idea if you will, I'm sure we'd all like to know wouldn't we everyone?" all heads nodded in agreement, even Narcissa's.
"I will only explain a bit of what you want to know, nothing more. Now to begin, I won't commit to anything because unfortunately the death of my fiancé in my time still haunts me to this day."
"What happened to him?" Salena took a big gulp, and Naomi's tail rubbed her shoulder in comfort.
"He was murdered by the leader of an army my brother and I fought after our father died. I was busy escorting injured wizards and soldiers to a hospice when he was murdered." Voldemort nodded his head in some sympathy and Nagini poked her head up on the side of the table. "That man you saw in the flashback I showed you a few months ago, that was the murderer." Tom looked sympathetic, but Salena knew he was faking it.
"I see…well I do hope you'll consider this Lady Salena, it would be unwise for us not to maintain our bloodline."
"That's not a priority now Tom, and sorry to get off the subject but I know that the mission will finish itself in a few months time. Until then I advise you to be patient with Draco, trust me you will be satisfied." She gave a sweet smile and Naomi winked at Nagini. Tom smiled back and stroked Nagini's head.
"To end our meeting, I will expect a full report on the mission before the end of the year from you Bellatrix. If Draco is to fail, you know the punishment." Bellatrix nodded and Salena could see a nerve pulsing under Narcissa's bangs. "Dismissed." With that everyone but Bellatrix, Narcissa, Severus, and Salena had left; Tom said goodbye kissing Salena's hand and apparated away himself.
"Narcissa, may I speak with you in private?" Narcissa turned to her and nodded. Naomi slithered off Salena's shoulders and slept on the leather couch. When they walked off Bellatrix tried to follow but Severus held her back.
"She said privately Bella." The two women disappeared into the living room, which happened to have a door.
"Narcissa, I know you blame me for what happened to Lucius. I also know that you blame me for what's happening to Draco; but you must understand this is out of my hands. I can't change Tom's mind and neither can anyone else." Narcissa took a deep breath and stared at Salena.
"I know that. But how can you just stand by and let him hurt my boy? After all Lucius and I have done to shelter him from this life it just comes back to haunt us and you can't do anything but assist him." The poor woman had tears in her eyes; Salena went up and put a hand on her shoulder giving it a slight rub.
"I have done all I can so far to help your son, I wish I could do more but unfortunately I'll have to wait until this mission is completed. Draco won't fail I promise you, even if he doesn't somehow complete the task he won't be killed."
"How do you know?" Narcissa looked at her with tearful eyes and Salena smiled slightly.
"I just do." Salena lightly kissed Narcissa's head and was about to leave when she stopped at the door.
"Lady Salena….tell me…why are you doing this for me? For Lucius and Draco? Why protect my family?" Salena put her hand on the doorknob, and sighed lowly.
"That I cannot answer, but the truth will reveal itself in due time; goodnight Narcissa." With that she left and picked up Naomi; Severus apparated them back to Hogwarts outside the shield and Salena kissed him on the nose.
"How'd I do?"
"Excellently, but I can't imagine how hard it must've been for you telling the Dark Lord about your past."
"At least I didn't say who he was." Before she left Severus pulled her into a kiss and they went straight to their rooms to sleep.
"Goodnight Naomi."
"Goodnight mistress." Naomi curled up at the foot of the bed and Salena made herself comfy under the sheets. Tomorrow she had a feeling she was going to need a word with Draco, and it wasn't going to be a good one.
The next morning:
Salena woke up to Naomi poking her side with her tail. She glanced at the clock and it said nine fifteen; her hands moved to push the sheets off her and she grabbed her wand making her clothes float from the closet. A long off white dress with silver lining was put on with white shoes, and her hair was French-braided. Breakfast was already beginning, but the students were on a holiday of sorts because most of them were terrified from the recent events.
"Keep watch over Draco Naomi. I'll see you tonight."
"Yes mistress." Salena left the room and headed to the Great Hall but was soon pulled aside by Severus in the hall.
"What's going on?"
"We need to get to the hospital wing, there's been another incident." Salena followed Severus to the wing and there was Ron Weasley surrounded by Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Dumbledore, Minerva, Slughorn, and Poppy.
"What happened?" Dumbledore turned to her.
"Mr. Weasley was accidentally poisoned, it was rather toxic but fortunately Harry here found a bezoar and managed to save Mr. Weasley in time."
"Poison from what?"
"This bottle of wine…" Dumbledore showed it to her and she took it. "It was an intended gift to me from Horace here."
"I see…" Salena stroked the bottle and took a small whiff of the liquid inside. It smelled sweet, too sweet; the bottle was definitely poisoned with a toxin that could kill a human in minutes. "Did you see anyone mess with this bottle Horace?"
"No Eleanor I didn't…it was in my office the entire time I've had it." Salena nodded and left the room without a word. No one followed her, and she immediately knew where the 'culprit' was lurking. When she walked quickly down the hall the door to the Room of Requirement appeared and she opened it carefully to see a room full of old magic objects and books that hadn't been used in years.
"Draco…Draco I know you're in here." She called for him and the boy appeared from behind a covered cabinet.
"Lady Salena." He bowed to her and she walked over to him.
"Draco, it appears that Ronald Weasley has been sent to the hospital wing from an accidental poisoning. Do you know anything about that?" he looked away. "Draco?"
"Yes."
"Sit down Draco, we need to talk." A chair appeared and Draco reluctantly sat down. Salena crossed her arms and walked in a straight line back and forth.
"I don't know what to do…I've tried all I can think of and it just fails like that." Draco replied with a snap of his fingers. "I can't understand it…h-he trusts me and chose me to complete this…why can't I…?"
"You're not a killer Draco." He looked at her with tearful eyes but didn't let them fall. "You aren't a murderer; your father was because like you he was forced, and it eventually went to his head. If anything your aunt is the only true assassin in your family."
"How would you know what I am? You're his ancestor, you help him in his reign of terror and yet you do nothing to assist those who truly need it."
"I cannot interfere with what's happening so far, because I'm not meant to interfere." He looked at her confused.
"What do you mean? You can't interfere because you're not meant to, what does that mean?" Salena was about to respond when someone else answered for her.
"It means she can see the future." Both looked to the left of the room and Severus was standing there by the door.
"Severus? I don't recall summoning you here."
"Forgive me milady, I followed you after you'd left the hospital wing."
"Wait, you said she could see into the future…do you mean she has visions of what'll happen?"
"Precisely Draco…Lady Salena has a special power that allows her to see the present, and the future at times, even the past. Her father had it, and she inherited it from his bloodline."
"Thank you for informing him Severus. Do you understand what he's telling you Draco?" Draco nodded hastily and then took a few deep breaths.
"Is that power, how you've been watching everyone? How you appear in almost every dangerous situation?" Salena nodded and then cleared her throat.
"Now that you know my secret Draco, you cannot say a word to anyone. This is top secret between me, you, Severus, and of course Dumbledore." Draco nodded and didn't bother asking anymore questions. "That's good, now please try and get some rest you can't overexert yourself or you'll be weakened from exhaustion. Run along now…" Draco bowed and left without a word. Severus put a hand on Salena's shoulder and she stroked it.
"You didn't have to do that you know."
"Yes, but the boy had to have some confidence put into him. And Severus, I must ask you now before I confirm it all…if Draco is to fail the mission, are you going to take over for him?" Severus' grip on Salena tightened a bit but not much. He took a good deep breath, and then pulled Salena into his arms.
"I will." Salena held onto him, knowing that Dumbledore was like a second father to Severus, and that killing him would be his biggest regret of all.
"Severus….I love you, and I don't want to lose you. But if you go through with this, I don't know what to do."
"Salena I wouldn't want you to feel burdened by this. It was my choice to be a death eater and it was one of the biggest mistakes in my life. I betrayed my headmaster, but I regained his trust, and he trusts me to pull this through." Salena pulled back and stared at him dumbstruck.
"What? You mean you and him have this planned?" Severus nodded and Salena couldn't believe it for a second. "How long?"
"All year. Since he first put that ring on, he's already dying Salena and he doesn't have much longer." Now it was starting to make sense.
"Is that why he's been gone more than half the year? Why he's been 'tutoring' Harry so many nights this year?"
"Yes…he's trying to tie up loose ends before his time comes."
"What about you? What'll you do after it's done, should Draco fail?"
"Return to hiding, and the rest of the members will attempt to infiltrate the Ministry until the Dark Lord's next orders come around." Salena nodded and was about to leave when Severus stopped her again.
"What about you my love? Where will you go?" she turned and kissed him on the lips sweetly; his arms went around her waist and they kissed with great passion. Salena broke for air and looked deep into Severus' eyes, full of longing and sadness.
"With you, wherever you go. If Tom has a problem with that I'll see what happens and take care of it. For now…I have to go and be where I'm needed, Tom wants me to lead the breakout for Azkaban when he wants Lucius and the others freed."
"When's that?"
"In the summer, around the middle maybe; you'll be there too, he wants you to get Lucius while I free the others."
"I assume you'll bring Naomi?"
"No, she's staying at your place watching Wormtail when this happens. She's not fond of flying or apparating." Severus smiled and kissed her again. Salena smiled playfully and bit his lip, he groaned and pushed her against the wall. The kissing grew fierce and out of nowhere a bed appeared and the two flung themselves on it before they began their love ritual. Salena smiled at the sensation, and as they began she felt her heart pounding over and over at a fast rate.
'God I love this man!'
A few days later:
Salena ran out of her room when she heard, or more like felt a string of powerful magic coming into the school. She ran up towards the tower when a vision suddenly came to her.
Vision:
Draco had Albus at wand point, and the old man didn't seem afraid, just enthusiastic. Draco was on the verge of tears, but he was struggling to hold them back. Albus was on the floor, shaking slightly. He was in tremendous pain but he was holding back his moans.
"Draco…please let me help you." Albus was trying to calm him but Draco wouldn't hear it.
"I don't want your help! Don't you understand, I have to do this! I have to kill you, or he's gonna kill me." Just then footsteps came up the spiral staircase and Bellatrix appeared with a few other death eaters, including Greyback.
"Well look what we have here, well done Draco." She came up behind Draco and kissed his shoulder. She began encouraging him to finish the job, but Draco was frozen on the spot. Just then Severus appeared behind Draco, and the man stared at his headmaster.
"Severus…please…please…" Albus was pleading with him. Severus' mask of hollow emotion was about to break at the sight.
"Avada Kedavra!" a flash of green appeared and Albus's body flew out of the tower. Severus pulled Draco away and down the stairs as Bellatrix conjured the Dark Mark at the top of the tower.
End Vision.
"No!" 'Naomi!' Salena ran back to her room and gathered the bag of all her belongings inside, and made Naomi appear on her shoulders. "Time to go Naomi."
"Is it finished?" Naomi asked and Salena's face fell.
"Yes." Without another word Salena ran out the room and into the halls before reaching the end of the castle grounds where the rest of the Death eaters were heading into the forest.
"COWARD! FIGHT BACK! YOU COWARD FIGHT BACK!" the sound of Harry's voice echoed in the meadow as Hagrid's hut began to burn from Bellatrix setting off a spell.
"NO!" Salena didn't mean to shout but she did. No one seemed to hear her, and Severus fought back angrily. Salena didn't bother to watch, so she ran into the forest behind the others, and as they apparated away she could see the Dark Mark hovering over the palace. When she reached the top of the hill, Severus came up behind her and held her close to him. He choked back his sobs and she rubbed his back in comfort.
"Salena…p-please forgive me…I couldn't…"
"Shh…I know, I know." She held him like that for a few minutes, and then pulled away looking back at the castle. "Severus look." She pointed to the Dark Mark, and it was fading away with lights of salute to Dumbledore, likely from the students and teachers, bidding Dumbledore farewell.
"Time to say goodbye Severus." They both pulled out their wands, and stuck the ends together to form a large orb of light. When the wands separated the light flew to the Dark Mark, and it disappeared in the dark clouds. The light burst, and Salena felt a tear fall from her eye, and Naomi's.
'Goodbye to an old friend, a teacher, master, and most of all, a second father to us both.'
Like? No like? The next one up will come soon I think, involving the meeting at Malfoy Manor at the beginning of the Deathly Hallows, where Salena may crack under pressure, but only with an excuse. Should she get in contact with Harry, and cover for Severus, or should she just spill her secret to the Malfoys to make them feel more comfortable with her around them?
Tell me what you think in a review, and please make it a good one thanks! Later!