Ch 29
A/N: Ok, at this point I'm not even going to apologize anymore. I think you all know that I'm trying. This chapter has been very emotional to write so I hope it translated well to the page. Let me know what you think.
...
"Good evening. I wish to thank all of you for joining me here tonight. I will make this brief as I am sure everyone wishes to return to their own homes." Dumbledore stated standing at the end of the dark wooden table in the dining room of number 12 Grimauld place. The old fashion gas lamps around the room flickering gave the room an almost ominous appearance. Looking around the table at the faces staring back at him, he continued on, "I am sure by now you are all aware of the reason I have reinstated the Order. However I wish to make everyone aware of the severity of the situation. Lord Voldemort has returned." He paused looking down momentarily. "He has already murdered an innocent soul and has begun to reunite his followers and gain more. It is for this reason that all of you must remain cautious. As I am sure you already know being part of this Order is a risk in and of itself; however I wish to ask each of you a favor once more. If there is any one that you can think of to join our ranks I implore you to do your level best to recruit them. I realize this is asking quite a lot, but as you can see there are few of us. If we are to fight the forces of darkness once again we must do so with as great a number as possible." He took a deep breath yet again. "That is everything for now. I once again beseech you to keep your guard up. Have a good night."
Dumbledore slipped into the chair in front of him, looking like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Most of the Order members filtered out of the room, most returning home while others chose to make their way to the kitchen or the drawing room. As the voices died away Dumbledore heaved a great sigh. A moment later he felt hands slip over his shoulders giving a light squeeze. Opening his eyes once again he looked up and a smile crossed his face seeing Minerva standing over him. He took one of her hands placing a light kiss to the back of it. Looking away from her once again he said softly, "I should never have given in."
"Given in to what?" she asked quietly, rubbing his back gently with her free hand.
"To letting you join the Order," he answered, his gaze still on the table in front of him. "I cannot endure to entertain the thought of you becoming injured."
She looked down at him curiously, "Yet you would let our daughter fight for your cause?"
He shook his head, "That is an entirely different matter. I did not know at the time she was our daughter."
"That may be, but you let her come back to the Order once you learned the truth," she countered, struggling to keep her voice at a gentle tone.
"I did not have a choice. She would have found out from her friends if I would not have asked her back. She would have thought that she had not done an adequate job and would have asked me about it." He answered looking back up at her, "What was I to say? 'Yes Victoria you did splendid, however I no longer require your help, but I will be more than happy to utilize your friends.' It would have been more than a bit suspicious do not you think?"
Heaving a sigh she nodded, "I suppose. I am worried about her though."
"I am as well my dear. I worry for both of you; however I know there is no way I can keep either of you away from your sense of duty."
She smiled back at him, "I'm afraid you're correct there." Taking his hand in her's she pulled him up, "Come my love, you may not be able to keep the entire world from darkness, but you can give me happiness."
His eyes twinkled as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her's, disapparating away from the house before anyone could enter the room and find them together.
Victoria was just walking by as she heard a distinct pop of someone apparating. Looking around she realized that they must have disapparated, as she saw the person she'd been meaning to talk to nearing the door. "Severus," she called out, making the man stop in his tracks.
Turning in her direction his dark eyes met hers, "Victoria."
"Can I talk to you for a second?" she asked stepping up to him.
"If I am not mistaken that is what we are doing," he answered dryly.
She smirked, rolling her eyes, and pulled him into an unoccupied room, "You know what I meant."
"What is it that you wish to discuss?" he asked sounding almost bored.
"I actually have something to ask you," she said, nervousness entering her eyes.
"In that case may I entreat you to ask it?"
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, biting her lip. Finally looking back up at him she started, "Well, I've… I've heard rumors that you were a Legitimens."
He nodded, still looking slightly disinterested.
"I was… um… wondering…" she trailed off.
"If I might teach you," he finished for her.
"Well… yeah."
"Victoria, I may be a teacher; however I do not make a habit of doing my profession when I am on holiday." He drawled.
"Severus please," she begged.
"I do not see an adequate reason to do so."
"For a friend," she stated matter-of-factly.
"Victoria…"
"Come on Severus. You and I both know that we are going to need all the tools we can use to fight the Dark Lord. Why won't you help me learn another one?" she asked with a look of defiance.
He studied her for a moment, considering his options. Finally he nodded, "Very well. We will start next week after the meeting."
A wide smile crossed her face as she pulled him into a hug, "Thank you Severus! You won't regret it!"
"Somehow I do not believe that is altogether true." He answered dryly, apparating away a moment later.
…
The weekly order meeting had just finished and as people started to file out of the dining room two people stayed behind. Severus sat at one end of the table, blending into the shadows with his dark appearance. Victoria on the other hand in her customary ice blue robes stood out among the dingy interior. Her bright blue eyes dancing merrily as she bid her friends adieu claiming she had a special assignment for the night.
As the last of the stragglers left the room Severus rose from his seat and started towards her. He studied the floor for a time, then spoke in a low voice, "Victoria, are you certain you wish to learn Legitimency?"
"I am," she answered in a firm tone.
He stopped in front of her, his dark eyes searching hers, "You realize that Legitimency is not the same as Occlumency. In Occlumency all that is necessary is enough concentration to keep an invader out of your mind. In Legitimency however, you will need to learn not only to delve into another person's mind, but be able to correctly interpret someone else's memories, thoughts and emotions. It is in no way an easy task to accomplish, however with extensive labor it is possible."
"I understand," she said determinedly.
He gave a curt nod. Closing the door behind him, and then turning back to her he said quietly, "First, I know that you have experienced having your mind invaded during your Occlumency lessons. I would like to have you undergo it once again. This time however, you will pay attention to what it feels like instead of trying to force someone out."
She looked at him warily, unsure if she was ready for him to literally be picking through her brain. She was suddenly concerned as to what he'd find as he searched. Certain images flashed through her brain that she wouldn't particularly like him to see. Pushing those aside, she finally nodded, "Go ahead."
As her eyes connected with his, she felt as if they were suddenly boring through her, with good reason. It felt as if hands were combing through her brain. Abruptly images started swirling around in her mind. The first that he stopped on was a moment with her adoptive parents. She could feel her shoulders tense up at the memory. She was standing in front of them as they sat quietly on the couch both of their faces showing a vast dissatisfaction, nearing hatred. Her mother was the first to speak, "Victoria we are both very disappointed in you."
Her father looked up nodding, "We would have thought you would have had more sense than this."
Victoria could feel herself starting to choke up, however she would not allow herself to cry.
"However," her mother continued in a demanding tone, "as you have proven that you cannot be trusted to make good judgments, we have made the decision for you."
"What decision?" she heard her younger self ask.
"The decision about what to do about your mistake," her father answered as if the answer should have been obvious.
Her mother nodded, "We have made an appointment for you tomorrow. We will go directly after school and there will be no more talk of this… ordeal."
"You mean…" Victoria broke off breathless, "get rid of it?" She said with a crack in her voice.
"Well of course," her mother answered with a bit of a laugh. "You didn't think you'd be keeping it did you?"
"Well…"
"Victoria you are much too young to be taking care of a baby by yourself, and we are in no position to take care of it for you," her father said with an air of finality.
Her mother gave a brief nod, "We will have no more talk about this now. The decision has been made and that is all. Now, it is time for bed, pleasant dreams."
Victoria felt a rogue tear slip down her cheek as the images in front of her started to swirl once again. She didn't even have enough time to get her emotions back in check when the image stopped. This time she could feel an uneasiness course through her as she watched it start, dreading the memory she was about to see, but she knew there was no stopping it. She saw Sirius sitting next to her, his appearance that of a skeleton with skin. His long, manky, matted hair falling into his face as he studied her, "Vicky, look at me." She heard him say as he took her hand in his, "It's just me. Same as I've always been."
She shook her head, not bearing to look him in the eyes, "It's going to take me a little time."
He cupped her cheek gently with one of his rough hands, "I've missed you."
Closing her eyes, trying to steel herself against what she knew was coming. Sighing she said, "I've missed you too."
He sat up, pulling her closer to him, "I thought about you every day in there."
"Sirius please…" she begged, her voice cracking.
"I thought about that night a thousand times," he looked deeply into her eyes, stroking her cheek with his thumb.
"Sirius don't…" she turned away from him.
"The thought of you and that kiss were what kept me going in there," he said putting his hand under her chin and forcing her to look at him again. "Why don't we give it another try?"
He gently brushed his lips with her's, causing a rush of excitement to course through her once again. Finally she pulled back, pushing him away gently. She could see the hurt in his eyes as he said, "Vicky, I love you."
A tear rolled down her cheek, "I love you too Sirius, but not like that."
Mercifully the images started swirling once more. She didn't think she could stand seeing Sirius's hurt expression any longer. As the images stopped she realized that this memory was going to be harder than the rest. Fighting with herself not to push him out immediately, she watched as the scene played out.
The night was quiet, a soft breeze blowing through her hair. The stars were bright in the sky as she lay on a blanket with a boy beside her. She felt like all was right with the world, that nothing could ever go wrong. Sadly the older Victoria knew what was coming.
The boy took her hand in his darker one. He gave it a gentle kiss, eliciting a slight giggle from her. He leaned over, kissing up her arm and shoulder to her neck. Lingering there for a moment she could feel goose bumps start to break out over her skin despite the warm evening. Continuing to trail his way up her neck to her jaw, then to her lips she lost herself in the feeling. She'd never felt so happy, excited, and nervous all at the same time. As she felt him deepen the kiss she did nothing to stop him, wanting nothing more than to make him happy.
Unexpectedly a moment later she felt his hands move under her shirt, stopping on her stomach and rubbing gentle circles there. Squirming a bit she tried to push his hands away, but to no avail. He continued on in his exploration as she continued to fight him.
Finally breaking the kiss she tried pushing him away, "Aaron, stop," she demanded.
"Oh, Tori," he whispered breathily, "I can't stop now." Pulling her to him once again he started moving her shirt up her body and unclasping her bra.
"Aaron, I'm serious stop!" she commanded once more trying to fight him off.
"No," he said pinning her down underneath him. "You will give me this!"
She felt his hands fumbling with the zipper on her jeans as he leant down and kissed her again. Fighting him as he did so, she felt hot wet tears trailing down her face.
Victoria caved to the torrent of emotions enveloping her. Severus had seen more than he needed to, he certainly didn't to see any more. She pushed him out of her mind abruptly and glared furiously at him. Feeling anger bubbling inside her as if it were a pot boiling over she moved towards him. Her hand seemed to move of its own accord as it raised and swiftly slapped him across the face. "How dare you," she growled moving away, a ferocity in her eyes he'd never seen before.
"I am not to blame," Severus answered in a cold tone, placing a hand over his injured cheek. "I merely chose the memories which had the strongest emotions tied to them."
"That is no excuse!" she yelled, turning on him once again.
"What is it that you are most upset about Victoria, the fact that these events happened, or that I saw them? If you are to become a Legitimens there will be many things you wish not to see that you will," he stated dryly.
She gaped at him, wondering how he could possibly think that mattered at the moment. "What is wrong with you? You seriously think that this has anything to do with me not wanting to see things? I am…" she broke off, shaking with anger, striving to find the right word, "livid that you would invade my most personal memories in that way! You knew there were thousands of other moments you could have chosen, but you picked those! What were you thinking?"
"Again, these simply had the strongest emotional ties linked to them. I had no intention of hurting you, but it was necessary for you to see the amount of emotions that would be able to be conjured up from certain memories."
"Fine," she said with a huff, still trying to control her emotions which seemed to be on a roller coaster that evening. "I understand why, but can we please leave it here for tonight? I don't think I can handle any more."
"As you wish," he answered with a nod. "We shall continue next week."
"Thanks," she said quietly, her breathing finally returning to normal. "Oh and Severus…"
He turned back to her from where he was about to walk out the door, not speaking but asking with his eyes.
"I'm sorry for the…" she pointed at his reddened cheek.
"It is alright. I can assure you, I have dealt with worse," he gave her a slight smirk as he walked out of the door, leaving her alone in the dark room with her thoughts.
…
Two weeks later Victoria found herself in the middle of yet another Order meeting. It had been a rather dull time as there hadn't been much going on this week. The only things to report were two more disappearances; however it was not certain that they were officially missing yet.
As she sat, nearly dozing off at the monotonous talking, she looked around the table. It was true that they had started with a small number, but now there were nearly 25. There were some of the original members such as Moody, Dumbledore, Kingsley, Sirius, Remus, Hagrid, and a few others. Now they were joined by Poppy, Minerva, Tonks, and a number of the Weasleys.
Victoria was sitting between Tonks, who was anxiously tapping a rhythm with her boot against the wooden floor, and Remus who was surreptitiously reading a book under the table. Poppy was sitting across from her with her hand in Moody's, a smile crossing her face as she took quick glances in his direction.
Just as the meeting seemed to be coming to a close, Dumbledore rose, surprising everyone around him. A wide smile spread across his face, he said, "If everyone would please remain in their seats, there is one order of business that is my great pleasure to attend to tonight."
Most people looked around the room, confused as to what was going on. Dumbledore continued, "Poppy, Alastor, would you please rise."
As they did, Poppy simply beamed, while a slightly more subdued smile crossed over Moody's scarred features. They took hands once again and Dumbledore moved to stand just behind them saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls."
There was a collective gasp heard around the room as everyone realized what was going on. Tears sprang to Minerva's eyes and a smile so wide it felt as if her face would crack spread across Victoria's. Dumbledore continued, "These two have chosen to commit to each other in front of those assembled here. So without further ado, Alastor Fergus Moody, do you take Poppy to be your wife? To love, honor, and cherish her all the days of your life?"
Moody looked deeply into Poppy's eyes for a moment, a shine like never before reflecting in them. Nodding slightly he said, "I do."
Dumbledore gave a nod, and then turned to Poppy, "Do you, Poppy Althea Pomfrey, take Alastor to be your husband? To love, honor, and cherish him all the days of your life?"
A radiance surpassing the sun came from her as she could no longer contain her joy, "I do."
"Then I declare you bonded for life." He waved his wand high over the heads of the couple and a shower of silver stars fell upon them, as Moody pulled her to him and kissed her tenderly.
Applause erupted around them as the couple pulled apart, looking happier than ever. They were immediately bombarded by every side, Moody receiving numerous handshakes and slaps on the back, while Poppy was enveloped in a tight hug from both Minerva and Victoria. Minerva was the first to speak as they broke apart, "Why didn't you say anything?"
"We wanted it to be a surprise," Poppy smiled looking over at her husband.
"Aye," he added, "didn't want any unexpected guests."
Victoria looked at the couple as if they'd lost their mind, "But here, really?"
Poppy nodded, "It wasn't exactly what I'd pictured, but once I realized Moody would never accept doing it at Hogwarts, I conceded."
"It would have been lovely at Hogwarts," Minerva smiled, knowing that her best friend had secretly always wanted her wedding there.
"Lovely," Moody growled rolling his eyes, "and unsafe."
"I beg your pardon Alastor," Albus said looking surprised, "Hogwarts has some of the best security outside of Azkaban."
Moody gave a short laugh, "Is that why you had someone walking around there all year impersonating me and never knew it? Or is that why Sirius could enter the grounds multiple times the year before undetected?"
"For the simple fact that it is your wedding day I will refrain from arguing with you," Albus smiled and shook Moody's hand.
"Now I'm sorry everyone, I'm sure you all have more questions for us, but I must take my husband and be off. We have a honeymoon to get to," Poppy beamed taking Moody's hand.
His eyes held a twinkle rivaling Dumbledore's, "She's right. The meeting took longer than we'd thought."
"Where are you going?" Victoria asked before they left.
"A little unplottable island in the Adriatic," Poppy beamed wrapping her arms around Moody. "Two weeks with perfect weather and no one else around." A smile spread on both of their faces as they disapparated with a pop.
With the happy couple gone most of the Order members had started to disperse as well. There were only three remaining around the table, Remus who was once again absorbed in his book, Victoria who still sported a smile for her friend, and Tonks who looked more nervous than Victoria had seen her in a long time.
Noticing her friend's demeanor Victoria asked, "Tonks, what's wrong? You look like you did when I gave you your NEWTs test."
Tonks let out a slight laugh, "Yeah, not a test I'd like to remember. No, I've just got a bit on my mind."
"What is it?" Victoria asked, noticing that Remus had started silently listening in.
"It's… my parents." She finally answered with an uncharacteristic sigh, "I'm just worried about them. With me now being an Order member and still living with them it puts them in more danger. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to them."
"Have you ever thought about moving out?" Victoria asked putting a comforting hand over Tonks's.
Tonks nodded sadly, "Yeah, but if I were to move out by myself it would just make me an easier target, and if I were to move in with anyone else it would be the same mess I'm already in."
"Not if you were to move in with someone from the Order." Victoria said gently.
Tonks scoffed, "And who would that be, the Weasleys? Push Ginny out of her room? Or maybe Hagrid, ask if he has room for another bed?"
"Well they are both options," Victoria smirked, "but I was thinking about someone else. Why don't you move in with us?"
"With you?" She asked warily, "You mean you and Remus?"
"Why not? I've got more than enough room for another bed in my room or you can take the couch. I'm only there until school starts again anyway."
"Why's that?" Tonks asked curiously.
"The Ministry has decided that Hogwarts could use a little more security after the fiasco last year." Victoria shrugged.
Tonks nodded not saying anything for a long minute. Finally she looked over at Remus, "You've been rather quiet in all of this. What do you say Remus, can you handle living with another woman?"
Remus finally looked up from his book, without missing a beat he said, "You are more than welcome in our home."
"Really?!" she asked jumping from her seat and moving to hug them. "Thank you so much Remus, and you too Vicky. I've got to go. I've got packing to do!" she beamed disapparating out.
Remus stood with a sigh, "On that note, I suppose we should go clean. We haven't done so in quite some time."
Victoria laughed, "Not like we haven't been busy or anything. I'm right behind you."
…
It didn't take Tonks long to make herself at home in Remus and Victoria's flat. Choosing to put her things in Victoria's room, but sleep on the couch the arrangement seemed to work for everyone. That is as far as Victoria knew.
One morning she woke up before she normally did to the sounds of Remus banging around in the kitchen. Picking up her robe from where she'd lain it across a nearby chair she threw it on and was about to open her bedroom door when she heard Tonks's voice from the other room.
"Would you shut the bloody hell up," Tonks mumbled from her position on the couch.
Opening the door a crack Victoria could see Tonks. Her face buried so far in her pillow that only her violet hair could be seen, a leopard print blanket was wrapped tightly around her legs and a polka dot, multi colored tank covered her top. Stifling a laugh, Victoria continued to watch from her position.
Remus jumped slightly, placing the pan on the stove quietly, "I'm sorry," he said gently. "I forgot you were asleep out here."
At his voice Tonks sat bolt upright, her hair sticking up at odd angles, "Oh, I'm sorry," she said timidly, "I didn't realize it was you. Forgot where I was I guess," she said with a nervous smile.
Victoria looked at Tonks in shock, unsure if the woman on the couch was truly her friend.
Remus gave her a reassuring smile, "It's quite alright. It was my fault." Motioning to the pan he asked, "Now that you are awake, would you like some breakfast?"
"Sure, thanks," Tonks said self-consciously running her hand through her short hair.
"What will it be?" he asked walking to the fridge.
"Anything," she answered untangling herself from the blanket.
Remus gave her a sly smile, "That's a dangerous answer."
She smiled back, a slight blush painting her features, "I meant anything you would like to make. I'm not very picky."
He nodded, deciding to drop it. Victoria couldn't help the slight smile that crossed her face seeing Remus attempt to openly flirt with Tonks, and Tonks back down. She never thought she'd see the day. Deciding to intervene on the uncomfortable situation she entered the room, making both of them jump and return to what they were doing.
"Good morning," Victoria said brightly.
"Morning," Tonks answered from behind the blanket she was now folding.
"You're up early," Remus said surprised.
"Yeah, I've got to be at the Ministry early. They want me to get a few things done before I go back to Hogwarts." Victoria answered crossing the room and heading to the bathroom.
"Do you have time for breakfast?" Remus asked pointing his wand at the carton of eggs which started to fly out of the container and crack themselves into a bowl.
"No, but thanks. I really have to get moving, you two enjoy," she smiled, giving a wink to Remus when he looked over at her.
"Don't forget tonight. We have to be at headquarters by 7." Tonks called just before Victoria closed the door.
"I won't!" Victoria yelled just before turning on the shower.
…
That night at 7 o'clock on the dot Victoria found herself in front of number 12 Grimauld Place. She was surrounded by Tonks, Kingsley, Remus, Emmeline Vance, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, and Sturgis Podmore. Moody stood in front of them, pacing back and forth, finally speaking, "Tonight you will serve as the first line of defense for Harry Potter. I do not think I need to tell any of you the extent of responsibility this entails. However, I would like to remind each of you that should anything happen to any of us you are to keep flying. There will be a rear guard to take the place of us if we all should fail in our task." He motioned to a group of witches and wizards assembled just behind them. "Now it is time to take off, I will be along in a minute."
Kicking off from the ground the Advance Guard took off heading toward Little Whinging.
Moody stepped in front of the next group, and looked at each of them, Charlie Weasley, Minerva, Hagrid, Severus, and Poppy. He heaved a great sigh, and started, "As you have heard me say to the others this is a responsibility like no other. Harry Potter's life is in our hands. As it is rather obvious the Advance Guard's lives will be at risk considerably more than yours will be, but you must be on guard as well. If there should be an attack from behind you will be the first to encounter them. In addition you will be responsible to take the place of any of the Advance Guard should they go down. I wish to remind you that should they go down no one will be going after them until Potter is safe." He looked directly at Poppy as he said this. "Now we are far enough behind the others. We must go."
As the others kicked off the ground Moody and Poppy stayed behind for an extra second. Moody looked at her pointedly, "It isn't too late. You can still back out."
She smiled at him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek, "I appreciate you trying to protect me, but I'm a big girl." She kissed him quickly and pulled away. "Come on, we need to join the others."
He nodded kicking off the ground along with his wife.
…
The last Order meeting before school began had just ended. The kids having thrown multiple dungbombs at the door to see it's impenetrability now giving the air in the house an even worse smell than the usual rotting scent. The distant noises of people moving around the house were muted as Severus stood and closed the door. Turning back to Victoria he drawled quietly, "You have been training for some time now. I think it is time to see your progress."
"What do you mean?" she asked gently, afraid she knew where he was going, but fearful of what she would see at the same time.
Taking a seat next to her and pointing his chair to face her he answered, "I would like you to attempt to penetrate my mind."
She froze for a moment, fear evident in her eyes, "Are you sure?"
"It is the only way to properly assess your development." He answered simply.
"Alright," she said simply taking a deep breath.
Taking a moment to clear her mind, she looked back up at him, staring directly into his inky black eyes. Willing herself to keep going she kept staring, until she saw his eyes seem to dilate. She knew then that she'd been successful. Continuing to stare she felt as if she was falling into his mind, it was an almost floating feeling, odd, but not completely unpleasant. It wasn't exactly like she thought it would be, but then when was magic? Images seemed to float around like little pictures in front of her. Concentrating on one in front of her she saw the image of Severus, who could have been no older than 18, kneeling in front of the Dark Lord. It wasn't exactly the one she wanted, but since it was the easiest one to get to, she focused on it.
They seemed to be in the middle of a cemetery with people surrounding them in black cloaks and masks. Severus was looking at Voldemort's feet not moving, but holding his arm out for the Dark Lord.
The Dark Lord spoke in a soft voice, hissing, "Severus, there is only one last task I must ask of you before you earn your mark."
"What is that my Lord?" Severus asked, keeping his head bowed.
Voldemort motioned to the crowd and they parted as a person started to levitate towards them. The woman, as she could now be seen, was bound and gagged, her blond hair streaming down her back as she writhed and twitched, fighting to get out of her constraints.
Severus took in the woman, now lying on the ground in front of him listening as the Dark Lord began to speak, "This is Mariah Luff. A Muggle," a sneer formed on Voldemort's face as he looked down on her, "who claims she has fallen in love with one of our number," Voldemort gave a cold laugh as he said this. "I have taken care of her lover already, however now it is time to eliminate her."
"My Lord?" Severus questioned, his voice shaking slightly.
"It is the only way Severus. We cannot have contaminates such as this hinder our progress. If you are to truly be one of us you must dispose of her." Voldemort answered simply watching as the woman now screamed and fought harder against her bindings.
"But my Lord…" Severus started.
"It is your choice Severus," the Dark Lord stated firmly. "Either her life or yours."
Severus took a deep breath and chanced a glance at the crowd behind him. Each of the wizards had their wands poised to shoot if he backed down. There really seemed to be no choice for him. Finally he picked up his wand pointing it at the woman who now had tears streaming from her eyes and said simply, "Avada Kadavra." A green light lit up the darkness around them for a moment and then died out as quickly as it had appeared. The woman was no longer moving, but her eyes remained open staring straight at Severus. Forcing himself to look away he heard the Dark Lord chuckling gently.
"Well done Severus," Voldemort hissed happily. "Come, your mark awaits."
Standing on shaky knees Severus got to his feet and pulled his left sleeve back. Voldemort grinned as he pressed his wand to the man's waiting flesh. A moment later a solid black dark mark could be seen on Severus's once pristine skin. The skin around the mark had turned red as if it had been burned into the flesh and Severus was breathing heavily, holding back a scream.
Taking his wand back from Severus's arm Voldemort smiled and put his arm around the younger man. "Welcome to the Death Eaters."
Victoria felt herself being pushed out of the memory, not that she was fighting it by any means. Tears sprang to her eyes as she tried to shield them from him.
He spoke quietly, a shaky quality to his voice, "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"It's… it's okay." She said turning away from him.
"I warned you prior to this that you may see things you wished you hadn't."
She nodded, a knot forming in her throat, "I know."
"Victoria," he said gently, standing and taking her by the arms, "I cannot rectify the past. What is done I am unable to change."
She nodded, a tear slipping from her eye, "I know… but that woman," she whispered looking back up at him.
He released his grip on her arms, "I had no choice. You heard what the Dark Lord said. It was either my life or her's. I was young, scared, and in far too deep to realize until that moment."
She searched his eyes for a moment curiously, "And you still stayed with them. That's what I don't understand Severus. You continued to stay with them even after you knew what was going on."
"I could find no way out. Once you become a Death Eater you are one for life." He answered looking at the ground.
"Is that why Dumbledore sent you to be a spy again?" she asked pointedly.
His head shot up, "How did you…"
"Come on Severus," she rolled her eyes, "just because you don't say anything in the meetings doesn't mean I couldn't figure it out. We had to be getting our information from somewhere."
"It was not my choice." He answered ashamedly.
"That seems to be the theme of the evening."
"Indeed," he said with a sigh.
"Well I think we should leave it here for the night. I don't think I can handle anymore deep dark secrets," she said, giving him a slight smile to show that she was joking.
"Very well. We shall continue when school resumes," he pulled the door back open, the sounds and smells of the house returning them back to reality.
"Have a good night Severus." She smiled walking with him through the corridor.
He gave a curt nod and disappeared through the front door.
...
A/N2: I'm sure you're wondering about Poppy and Moody's middle names, yes they're actually there for a purpose.
Althea means Healing herb, and Fergus means rock or manly, a strong name. Thought they were both fitting.