48

Dark Bargain

A few days later

Malfoy Manor:

The soft strains of soothing music coming from the invisible string quartet did little to ease Severus' nerves. It was always so at the Death Eater revels. About once a month, Voldemort insisted his followers mingle with each other, perhaps to form alliances or for some diabolical reason of his own. Lucius, whose manor was the most accessible and able to be hidden away, almost always hosted these events. Severus and Zoey (Lily) hated them. Most of the Death Eaters were crude and obnoxious ordinarily, but put a few pints of beer or glasses of wine into them and they became utterly repulsive. Not to mention dangerous. Severus sometimes wondered if this was Voldemort's way of amusing himself, by watching his rabid followers attempt to interact in a civilized manner while still picking each other off.

Severus glanced cautiously about the room, a half-filled glass of frost wine in his hand. The Dark Lord was absent right then, after the opening remarks to enjoy the revel, Voldemort had vanished. That made Severus uneasy, for he could picture the wizard hiding under some spell shield, observing unseen. He took a cautious sip of his wine. Normally, he did not indulge in alcohol, but he knew it would seem odd if he didn't have at least one glass of wine, and so he picked the least alcoholic frost wine, and made sure to swallow two potions, one to ensure that he remained sober, no matter what he drank, and the other to prevent being poisoned. Zoey had also taken them, it was a necessary precaution.

Severus hovered at the edge of the grand ballroom, which had been lit with many elegant floating candelabra, making the polished tile floor glisten. There were about thirty or forty Death Eaters present, all wearing the robes but forgoing the masks, since everyone knew what everyone else looked like anyhow. Zoey had gone to get another refill on her strawberry punch, she claimed she was dying of the heat and needed another glass. She could have simply summoned an elf, but Zoey had never liked asking a servant to do something she was perfectly capable of doing herself.

Unfortunately, on the way back from the refreshment table, she ran into a drunken Evan Rosier. Rosier was considered quite handsome, he reminded one of a fallen angel, with his long silky locks and unblemished white skin and penetrating sapphire gaze. He could be quite cruel and sadistic, though right then his eyes burned with lust for Snape's wife.

He came up to Zoey from behind, clasping her shoulders with a firm unrelenting grip. "Zoey, my dear, you are stunning tonight," he murmured into her ear. "And totally wasted upon that black crow Snape."

Zoey froze, her drink still clutched in her hand. Just the feel of Rosier's hands upon her sent waves of revulsion through her. There was something about him that made her skin crawl and her stomach turn. Probably the knowledge that he liked to torture small animals in his spare time, as well as children. "Rosier. Please let me go," she forced herself to be polite, when she really wanted to turn and dash the punch in his smug face. "My husband is watching."

"So? He cares more for his potions than he does for you, my sweet." Rosier's lips grazed her neck. "I could show you what you've been missing, married to that cold stick."

Zoey fought back a shudder. She would sooner sleep with a dungbeetle. "No. Now release me." She put more command into her words this time. I'm going to need a twenty minute shower just to scrub the disgusting feel of him away.

But Rosier was not so easily deflected. Drunk and in the mood for seduction, he had settled upon Zoey as an object of affection, and continued to paw and grope her, even going to far as to kiss her mouth.

That was the final straw.

Zoey wrenched herself away, drawing her wand, a look of revulsion in her eyes. "Keep your hands to yourself, Rosier!" The tip of her wand prodded him in a delicate area. "Touch me or kiss me again and you'll find I know a few spells that will make you a eunuch. Permanently."

She glared at him and even in his inebriated state he could feel the threat in her tone and instinctively went to cover his groin. He also backed away.

Severus had been scanning the crowd, observing Lucius dancing with Narcissa and Bella with Rabastan, surprisingly. There were others out on the floor swaying to the music, but he ignored those when his eyes came to rest upon Zoey being pawed over by Rosier. The more rational part of his mind was screaming to let Zoey handle it, but his overprotective instincts went into overload. How dare that beast touch his Lily? Especially like that? Who did he think he was? Who did he think she was?

Without pausing to think of consequences, he promptly strode through the crowd and came up behind the handsome Death Eater. "Take your hands off my wife," he growled, his voice a low rasp of fury. He grabbed Rosier by the back of the collar and yanked him around.

Rosier's eyes went wide when he saw Severus and then he started to whine, "Snape! It was all in fun!"

Severus' hand tightened upon the collar, making the other gasp for air. "Fun, was it? Are you having fun now? I can show you a good time, Rosier. Your last good time. How would you like to try seducing someone with no hands? Or no balls? I doubt you'd be able to perform with those missing, eh?"

Snape made a wringing and twisting motion with one hand.

Rosier began squealing and choking, sounding like a pig caught in a vice. Severus allowed himself one good satisfying punch and then used magic to toss Rosier across the room. Rosier slammed into the wall upon a gale-force wind, and the crack as his body struck could have been heard around the world.

Everyone stopped and stared, mouths agape.

Severus ignored them, instead turning to his wife. "Are you hurt? Did he . . .?"

"I'm fine, Sev." Zoey reassured him.

Before she could say any more, a cold voice demanded, "Just what is going on here? A brawl at the celebration? How very typical. Tsk. Tsk."

Everyone froze, like naughty children caught quarreling while their parent was out. Or mice under a cat's glower. Voldemort had returned.

Inwardly, Severus cursed. Bad luck and poor timing. He cautiously turned about to face the dark wizard, who was standing a few feet beyond the ballroom entrance, frowning. His eyes met Severus' and then he spoke. "What started this?"

Severus answered calmly, "Rosier put his groping fingers on my wife. Against her will. So I defended her."

Voldemort arched an eyebrow. "You should have left his punishment to me, Severus Snape. I know well how to deal with thieves. Of every variety."

Severus felt a cold stab of fear. "I apologize, Master, for disturbing the peace."

"Good. Come with me, my faithful potions maker. I would have some words with you," Voldemort purred.

Severus felt his throat close. He had seen others who had had private conversations with Voldemort and when they walked out, they were often bleeding and bruised, or worse. He started to leave, and Zoey caught his arm.

"Severus . . ." she whispered, her eyes blazed concern and fear for him.

He squeezed her hand. "I'll be fine, Zoey." They both knew it was a lie.

Voldemort glared at the limp form of Rosier. "See to him."

Dolohov and Avery went to check on their "brother".

"He's still breathing," reported Avery.

"Got a lump the size of a billiard ball on his head," remarked Dolohov. "Should have hit him a little harder, Snape."

There was muted laughter at that, the laughter of bullies upon seeing someone helpless.

Even though he didn't really care about Rosier, the cruel laughter reminded him of his schooldays. He marched towards Voldemort with his head high, determined not to show any fear or apprehension whatsoever. Voldemort was a predator, like a shark, he would attack if he sensed vulnerability. Severus put on his icy mask and ignored the muttering surrounding him, they were probably placing bets on how long he would last under the Cruciatus.

Zoey watched him accompany the Dark Lord out of the room and felt her heart plummet to her shoes. Oh, Severus! I wish it were me instead!

"Don't you feel stupid?" hissed Bellatrix. "Why didn't you just let Rosier have his fun? Now look how you got your husband in trouble, you fool!"

Zoey felt her temper flare. She spun on Bellatrix and hissed, "Shut up, bitch! I don't put out for anyone except my husband. Any man who touches me and thinks otherwise is going to be missing some very important parts of his anatomy!"

Bellatrix nearly drew her wand upon the uppity blond witch. "Touchy, aren't you?" she muttered, smirking.

"Leave me alone!" she snapped. Then she stalked off to nurse her drink and her fear that when Severus returned he would be unrecognizable.

Severus followed Voldemort down the hall to a dark wood-paneled study. The tall wizard preceded him into the study. Severus felt his muscles tense. He was sure he would be the target of Voldemort's rage once the door was shut.

To his shock, Voldemort waved his wand and a Privacy Shield sprang up, ensuring that they could not be overheard. "Sit down, Severus."

Severus sank into the plush chair in front of the cherry wood desk. "You wished to speak with me, my lord?" Was this some kind of test? Or was Voldemort merely toying with him, like a cat with a mouse?

"I have been noticing something . . .something I have yet to see in any other of my Death Eaters. You and I are very much alike, young Snape."

Severus blinked, wondering if he was dreaming. How on earth are we alike? I've never executed innocents in the name of genetic superiority.

"Ah, I see I have surprised you. Perhaps you thought I wouldn't notice? I had my eye on you for a long time, Snape. Lucius informed me you had potential, especially because you were also spurned by the Headmaster." Voldemort's face twisted into a grimace of hate. "Dumbledore, so beloved by all the wizarding world! So brilliant! So very conniving and coldhearted. I heard that Dumbledore favored a band of Gryffindors over you during school, so typical! He claims he favors none, but then allows his precious lions to get away with murder! When I was a prefect, and took points from Gryffindor, Dumbledore would find an excuse to award points back, thus negating my penalty. And yet, once I admired him, when I was young and new to the wizarding world. He was my sponsor. Until I discovered the ugly truth. Dumbledore does not value ambition or independence, he wishes those closest to him to believe he is the be-all and end-all of the wizarding world."

Severus nodded. Much of what Voldemort said made sense, too much sense, unfortunately. He had often thought Dumbledore was manipulating all of them for his own ends, though those ends were for good rather than evil. Beware, Severus. Do not trust Voldemort. He is a liar and skilled in persuasion, he reminded himself.

Voldemort continued, and there was an odd look in his eyes. "Once, when I was young, I trusted Albus Dumbledore. He was the one who discovered I was moldering away in that dungheap of an orphanage, and showed me magic and brought me to Hogwarts. For many years I respected and worshipped him like a father. But then he betrayed me, much as your own father betrayed you. Do not look so shocked! I know well that your Muggle father was a bastard and now he rots in a Muggle prison." Voldemort shook his head sadly. "Such similarities! For I too have known hardship as a child—growing up cold and hungry and friendless, for I was too smart and everyone hated me for it. It wasn't until Hogwarts that I finally found an outlet for my genius. But Dumbledore told me I was dabbling with the Dark Arts and that I was putting my soul in jeopardy! He refused to help me, and thus betrayed me." Voldemort leaned forward suddenly, his face intent. "Much the same way he betrayed you, poor Severus, by not protecting you from those pack of bullies and expelling them. If it had been me, they would all have been whipped from the school, thrown out on their ears. What use were they to anyone?"

"Of no use whatsoever, my lord," answered Severus carefully. Where was Voldemort going with this?

Voldemort chuckled. "Just so! You bear no love for the doddering old fool, do you? He who sits in his office sucking lemon drops and thinks himself wise? I have discovered, however, that he has a weakness. A weakness that I intend to exploit."

Severus was curious. "What is it, sir?"

Voldemort smirked, his smile sharp as a dagger and wicked as the devil. "He is in need of a teacher. His Potions Master, Horace Slughorn, is retiring, and now he is searching for a replacement. It is a prime opportunity to do some spying. I want you to apply for the position, Severus. He will hire you, for you are the best candidate. And then you are to get close to him. Make yourself indispensible to him."

Severus felt a cold chill run down his spine. Dumbledore had spoken the exact same words to him. How alike these two adversaries were! "As you wish, Master. But . . .I am not quite finished with the Academy of Potioneers. I still have a month or two left till I finish."

"Fine. Dumbledore will make allowances. You shall be ready to teach for the fall term. Here is what I want you to do . . ." Voldemort outlined a plan similar to Albus' for gathering and passing information to him. "I know you can do this, Severus. You are smart, dependable, and loyal to the cause. And you are subtle. No one shall suspect you."

"No, my lord."

Voldemort nodded. "Look at me, my child." He ordered softly.

Severus knew what was coming, but he did not flinch. He met the man who used to be known as Tom Riddle's eyes squarely. He felt the other whisper the Legilimens spell and then Voldemort's clumsy yet powerful probing. Severus' natural Occlumency shields snapped into place and he began to think very hard about doing the job assigned, and how much he loathed Dumbledore and the Marauders and how proud he was that Voldemort had chosen him for this task. I am your loyal servant. I am yours, body and heart and soul.

After a few more agonizingly clumsy riffling through surface thoughts, Voldemort withdrew, satisfied of his spy's loyalty. "Well done, Severus."

Severus felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck. Once again he had masked the truth from the Legilimens. He bowed his head to hide the relief in his eyes. "Thank you, my lord. It is an honor to serve."

"And now, my faithful one, I would ask that you deliver a message for me to Lucius. Tell him before you leave the revel that it is time to gather some more candidates to take the Mark. I have heard that young Regulus Black was of the Iron Masks. Is that not so?"

Severus nodded. "Yes, Master." He wanted to scream at the dark wizard to leave Regulus alone, but he locked his feelings away. One slip and he would doom them all.

"Good. Will you be sponsoring a candidate this time, Severus?"

Severus knew what Voldemort wanted him to say. He swallowed the bile in his throat and said, "Yes, my lord. His name is Regulus Black."

And Voldemort laughed, pleased with his new spy's response.

"Go, Severus. Go back to your pretty wife. Enjoy the party."

Severus knew a dismissal when he heard one. He bowed low and kissed the proffered ring, then he made his way from the office. He felt as if he were drowning in quicksand. A double agent! Merlin help him! He almost wished Voldemort had Crucioed him.

Severus forced himself to return to the party and act as if everything were normal. But as soon as he was able, he took Zoey and they returned home.

"Sev, what happened?" Lily cried, shifting out of her Zoey persona as soon as they stepped through the door. "Did he hurt you?"

"No. We talked," Severus told her.

"About what?"

"About me becoming his spy. He wants me to apply for the Potions Master position at Hogwarts and become Dumbledore's shadow."

Lily started to giggle. "How devilishly ironic! What are you going to do?"

"What he wishes. I shall tell Dumbledore and the Order, of course. I must finish my Mastery before I go and teach." Severus drew her down on the couch. There was no doubt he would get the position. "My only regret is that you cannot come with me, love. Unless you wish to be Zoey all the time."

She kissed him ardently. "I will be whatever I must. I love you, Sev."

"And I, you. Always," he finished with his trademark saying.

"What else is bothering you?" she asked, sensing with her uncanny perception that something else was wrong.

"He wants to have Regulus take the Mark." Severus answered heavily. "And I'm to be his sponsor."

Lily gently caressed his cheek. "We always knew this day would come. It was foretold."

Severus leaned into her embrace. "I know. But that doesn't make it any easier. I feel as if I'm condemning my best friend to hell."

"No, Sev. He knew what he was getting into. He won't blame you."

"He doesn't have to."

Hating the bitterness in his tone, Lily did the only thing she could think of to comfort and soothe him. She began to make slow and gentle love to him. She kissed him with exquisite passion, fluttering butterfly kisses down his neck and shoulder, teasing and playing with his hair. A quick wave of her wand and she was naked before him, only her red hair covering her. Like Aphrodite rising from the sea, she straddled him, her green eyes alight with love.

"Lily, you siren!" he grinned up at her, adoring every last inch of her.

"Only for you, Sev." She said huskily. "Only for you." She recalled the touch of Rosier's hands upon her and Bellatrix's disgusting suggestion and she shuddered.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just . . .I remembered Rosier for a moment."

He pulled her down on him. "Let me make you forget, Lily."

She melded to him. "All right, Sev. Remind me again why I married you, Snape."

He chuckled, making a sound halfway between a laugh and a growl. "With pleasure, little oracle."

They made love over and over, surrendering themselves to the other, giving and taking, until their bodies merged and pleasure was a foregone conclusion. Their lives had suddenly gotten more complicated than either could have imagined, but at least they had each other. And in the end, that was all that mattered. In all the world, there was only one Severus trusted with his heart, and that one was curled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, sated and sleeping.

I love you, Lily, he thought, tracing her earlobe. Never forget that. I love you always.

Then he fell asleep with his nose buried in her hair, at peace at last.

The next morning, Lily woke up to find a rose lying next to her on the pillow. Tied to the stem was a strip of paper. It read, A rose by any other name smells just as sweet. I love you. Always, Sev.

She cradled the rose in her hand, breathing in the scent of the flower. She smiled. Sometimes her husband could be charmingly romantic. She sat up, and summoned her robe and put it on. Before she could get up, a tray floated into the room and settled upon her knees. Upon it were strawberry tea, crumpets, eggs, bacon, and heart-shaped pancakes with syrup, plus a glass of juice. On the tray was another note.

This one read, Little oracle, don't work too hard. I'll see you tonight. Love you, Sev.

This time there was a lily in a bud vase on the tray.

Lily inhaled the wonderful aroma of breakfast and once again thanked God she had married Severus Snape, who cherished her for all that she was. Last night had completely re-energized her. Severus had made slow and tender love to her, erasing the memory of Rosier's revolting touch from her mind and replacing it with his own. As she ate her pancakes, she wondered how her sister was getting on with James, and if she was still volunteering at St. Mungos.

Meanwhile, an owl was winging its way towards Grimmauld Place with a message of a very different kind. Regulus received the letter from Severus and sent the owl away. But before he could open it and read it, there was a knock upon the front door.

Kreacher answered the door, and then stepped back, his huge eyes bugging out of his head. "Master Sirius! You have returned!"

Regulus peered down the staircase at the familiar form of his older brother. Well, well. The prodigal son returns. I wonder what Mother will say?

Next: Sirius reunites with his family, but all is not as it seems within the Black household, as Regulus must take the Mark. Plus some more Petunia, Annie, and James.

Sorry for the delay but I had relatives visiting from VA, and my cousin just died of bone cancer. It's been one thing after another, so I'm glad I got this chapter done finally. Hope you all like it and please review, as it makes me happy when you do so, especially in the wake of another tragedy.