Severus

It was very rarely that one had the pleasure of experiencing Holly Potter's full, unwavering attention. Severus counted himself lucky when she hung onto his every word as he shared the details of the explosion and the likely manslaughter of Umbridge. She seemed to love the way her plan had played out — even, or perhaps especially — the part where Dolores walked in to discover him dropping the match. They were seated on the floor by the wooden stove, huddled around the warmth emanating from the blazing logs inside.

After his account was exhausted and she asked half a dozen questions, Holly set off on a detailed description of her daring broom theft and subsequent escape from the Castle. Severus restrained himself from lecturing the witch on her irresponsible behaviour. It would be wasted breath on his part. And, quite some time ago, the scales of guilt regarding reckless behaviour had tipped in his favour. If only he'd kept his mind on his work, he'd not have been as easily swayed by the lips, hips, and tricks of the Chosen One. Alas, the time for ifs was passed. This was what he truly desired. He'd lusted after this love too long to pass by when it came knocking.

Would a thirsty dog reject water?

He would see his decision through. He would quench his craving when the opportunity presented itself.

Only the promise matters. Protect her.

Thus instead of berating her, Severus focused on observing Holly. The little curls that always stuck to her forehead after Quidditch (or, more often, in the wake of their fornication), the elegant thickness of her brows slanting above her golden spectacles, the perfect bow of her lips, the flushed cheeks tinting her otherwise pale skin. Green eyes finely speckled with gold. Lily. Sweet Lily. And yet, Holly was so very different.

What does a witch like her want with a wizard like me?

'Are you listening?'

'Yes,' he said too quickly. Then slower; 'You climbed the side of the western tower using a sticking charm while Dolores was investigating the dung bomb in the lavatories. Why?'

'You look like you've been Imperioed, is all.'

'As it happens,' he said, sweeping a strand of hair from her eyes, 'I am bewitched.'

'Really?' She asked, eyes widening. 'What happened?'

'By you,' he placed a hand over her smaller one.

She rolled her eyes, but smiled, 'Don't joke about hexes.'

'Oh, but I'm dead serious…' he traced a finger down her palm, Dark Mark humming. 'When you left, the pain was such that I thought I'd die. And now,' he cocked his head, confused by his own articulation. 'I find myself content. Beyond all logic. Like magic. For the first time since… Christmas.' He wove his long fingers through hers. 'I need you by my side. Everything. Everyone. Can go to hell.'

Holly blinked a few times before leaning over and stamping a kiss on his forehead. He forebore touching her as she slipped away to her spot on the floor again.

'You're more like Hogwarts to me,' she mused, sitting back. Severus frowned at the metaphor. She let him hang for a moment, watching gleefully as his confusion turned to mild suspicion. He hated that she could anticipate his reaction. She needed no Occlumency to read his thoughts like it was tattooed in large letters across his face. 'You're the home I never had,' she explained. 'But don't let it go to your head!' Holly threw James's retched grin at him and squeezed his hand. He looked down at their union, only then realising his fingers had been shaking. 'I'm glad you're here, Sev.' She steadied his tremors with gentle pressure. 'Thank you. For caring.'

For proving my loyalty.

'You mean blowing up Umbridge?'

'And half the dungeons, yes,' she answered.

'I'd do it again in a heartbeat,' he admitted, lifting her hand and kissing the back.

666666

Holly did not mention their quarrel again, which suited Severus just fine. There was no good reason to scratch at such a fresh wound. He wanted very much to query her about the birth control potion but held his tongue for fear of setting her off. It would simply have to wait until their relationship drifted to safer waters again. Severus added a stump to the fire and stirred the greying coals about. The manual task ground him in the peaceful moment they were sharing. After the time alone, he was ecstatic, in his own way, to have her back. Severus found himself vowing over and over, never to lose her again. He would be more careful with his treatment of her. With his words. With his deeds.

Losing her had shaken him deeper than he could fully wrap his head around. If he had to keep his opinions in check to keep her by his side — and allowed respite and release between her legs — he would consider cutting out his tongue to better shut up.

A flash of lightning lit the room for a moment, and rolling thunder followed, interrupting their conversation. When the darkness had settled in again, he broached the topic of her Occlumency and dream exercises. And for once, she seemed not to mind their exercise regime.

Holly toyed with her loosened hair as he commenced his casual prodding of her theoretical knowledge on the subject of Occlumency. He surpassed a pang of shame for ruining her tail during the window incident earlier. Their customary drill of exercises comforted him, and he found himself gaining confidence in the familiar territory of teaching. She picked up the two new defensive spells he had added to her regime quickly but, as usual, struggled more with the practical Occlumency invasions at the end. He made a mental note to start her off with Occlumency next time. That would keep her on her toes and leave her fresh, also hopefully allowing her the small 'victory' of competency with the spell work that would follow.

As their time together progressed, he learned much of what worked with Holly, and what did not. She had to be pushed to perform but lost her focus to emotion when he applied too much pressure. Mentoring her took as much self-restraint as it took pushing. Looking back, she had progressed well, and he was able to increase the efficacy of her lessons now that they were so intimately familiar with one another. As the secrets became less, the barriers broke down, and soon he feared they would be completely bared to each other. He was unsure how she'd react to the ugly darkness that lived in his heart of hearts. Lily could not accept his dark side. But perhaps Holly could.

I could keep it hidden, he mused. But perhaps she already knows? And somehow, the notion was comforting.

They sat together, legs folded in front of the small stove when the bulk of the intense work — mental raids, rebuffs, and failures — was completed. He was using the ring exercises to cool her down. Holly sat frowning, eyes screwed shut, rolling the ring on her finger as she concentrated on the meditation.

'You know Sev,' Holly said, without opening her eyes. 'Lockhart was a particularly bad wizard. But. Although I hate him and totally don't condone his methods, you have to admit, he was brilliant — in that, he focused on spells he was good at.'

'Concentrate on the ring, Holly,' Severus chided gently.

'I think I should be doing that,' she said, ignoring him and opening her eyes.

'You'd like to focus on charms?' He asked incredulously, watching as she spun the ring about her finger. 'The Dark Lord would find that amusing at best.'

'Memory charms. Something like Obliviate could be useful,' she went on. 'I've never really practiced it. Obliviate isn't an Unforgivable, although I think it could do more damage than Crucio…'

She conjured a memory of Slughorn to his mind's eye.

'I fully agree. Good argument, Princess.'

Her brow furrowed, green eyes downturned. 'And also… I dunno, I have a good feeling about it.'

'You're in charge,' Severus drawled, a smile pulling at his lips.

She flashed him a grin and stood up in a movement so elegant she almost seemed to flow upright. She poured two steaming cups of dandelion tea from the steeping teapot on the stove, thrusting one toward him.

'Thank you,' he said, accepting the fine china and sipping on the hot golden liquid. It warmed his insides pleasantly.

'I've missed you,' she said, stroking his head lightly from her superior position.

'And I you,' he said, looking up at her over the lip of his teacup. She brushed hair from his face with one hand, cupping his jaw and drawing a nail to the tip of his chin.

'By the look of those dark circles, I'd bet you need some sleep—as usual,' Her glasses twinkled in the light of the stove.

Severus hummed, touching her hip and trailing his fingers across her stomach. 'Will you put me to bed with a tit in my mouth?'

He committed Holly's delightful laughter to memory. Perhaps he needn't cut out his tongue. If foul jests made her laugh so, he would need it still.

She kneeled by him, eyeing him seriously. 'I want to ask you something. But hear me out before you get mad.'

By Salazar. Was she going to ruin this peace so quickly? 'What is it now, Holly?' he sighed.

'I want to see Sirius,' she said firmly. 'I know how you feel about him, so I'll go alone.' His expression had her backtracking in mere moments. 'I mean, of course, you can come too. In disguise. And, like, stay outside… erm… we'll figure it out.'

Severus tussled with raging inner demons for a few heartbeats.

'I see no way to stop you,' he conceded. 'I will escort you. And await your return.'

She stood up excitedly, 'I'll write to him.'

'And you trust Black not to inform Dumbledore—or anyone else—of your whereabouts?'

'I do.'

He took a sip of tea.

'I trust you, Princess,' he said, not believing his own words.

Holly

The ancestral home of the Black family had the feeling of a derelict building. Holly stepped up to the door, anticipation building. It had been so long since she'd seen Sirius. She knocked as softly as possible, afraid to upset the painting of Walburga. But too soon, the muffled screams of the old woman sounded through the wood of the grand front door. It swung open with a tortured creak just seconds later.

'Sirius!' Holly exclaimed, throwing off her cloak.

'Holly!' His sunken face lit up considerably. His beard had grown. 'Come in, come in,' he said, ushering her inside and glancing up and down the street behind her. They shared a quick hug in the entryway. He smelled of bourbon, but thankfully he looked less like a scarecrow than the last time she'd seen him.

'How have you been?' She asked, trying to raise her voice above that of Sirius's mother.

'Oh. You know,' he said, scratching his head as he closed the door. 'Holed up in here — but Holly,' he held up a hand, 'Is Rita's article in the Prophet true? You're on the RUN? Why on earth?'

'I'll explain soon. But I have to warn you, I can't stay long,' she said quickly. 'You know what's it like. I have to keep moving. I just wanted to see you first.'

'Sure, sure,' he nodded distractedly. 'You can tell me everything over some tea and sandwiches. KREACHER!' He swore, storming down the hallway 'MOTHER DEAREST, WILL. YOU. SHUT. UP!'

For a bright moment, it was like it'd been before, years ago. They enjoyed a meal together, Sirius listening intently as Holly explained about the Horcruxes.

'Who knows about them? Apart from Voldemort, and you?' He asked.

'Well, Dumbledore knows, some few of the Order, I know Kingsley does. But I was thinking, Sirius — you don't maybe have a book on Horcruxes in the library? I'm desperate for any information, really.'

Damn. I miss Hermoine.

'Quite possibly,' he answered, chewing on a slice of cucumber. 'My mother was especially fond of dark arts. As you well know. Let's check the library.'

Severus would love to hang around here for a week… or six, she thought, walking into the ancient Black Library. It smelled woody, a bit damp, and practically reeked of dark magic.

Sirius mumbled to himself as he checked the spines of books, standing on a rather untrustworthy-looking ladder attached to an ancient bookcase. Holly followed him, idly pressing her nose against the cases of curios scattered about the room.

'Oh. Have you heard? Prophet says Snape's gone and blown himself up,' Sirius said from somewhere behind her, giving a bark of laughter. 'That hag Umbridge was right there with him, according to Skeeter.'

'Really?' She asked, trying to focus on the oddities inside the victorian glass box instead.

'Yeah. Snape had it coming, playing with that chemistry set all the time. I'd say it's a rather fitting end to him.'

'I think that's a real shame, he was a brave man,' Holly said neutrally as she could muster, setting her jaw.

Sirius snorted in reply, launching into a story about how teenage Severus used to rat on the Marauders' shenanigans. 'I tipped him off once, knowing he always spied on us. Almost got himself killed by a transformed Lupin in the Shrieking Shack,' Sirius laughed. Holly turned toward him.

'You did what?'

'James intervened, of course,' he said, grinning in reaction to the shock writ on her face.

That must be why Sev hates him.

'That's horrible, Sirius…'

Her godfather said nothing, humming to himself as he stuffed an old tome back onto the shelf. He suddenly seemed like a thin, bitter man twisted by years of captivity, first in Azkaban, and now in his mother's house.

Holly turned back to study the display, trying not to give away more emotion.

An awkward silence hung in the musty air.

The displays all contained instruments the like of which she imagined would be sold at Borgin and Burkes. A heavy golden locket caught her eye, a large S was inlaid with emeralds on the front. It was almost as if it spoke to her.

But that can't be? Can it? And yet, she was drawn to it like a magnet.

'What's that?' Holly asked, pointing at the locket laying upon a smooth crimson velvet cushion.

'Er. No idea. You can have it if you want. Just be careful. Some of the junk in there's hexed.' He pulled out a large tome and fanned it open. 'This one mentions Horcruxes. It's called Beyonde Darkenesse by Sir Wilhelmus Vicar, you want it?'

Yes please,' Holly said, while she reached inside the case and fished the locket out by its chain. It was cold to the touch. Too cold. It seemed alive, somehow. She cradled the piece in her hand.

Then, it all went black.

A pale man sat by alone in the darkness, in the center of a large canopied bed. His back was straight, long hands resting in his lap. He looked up at Holly's arrival, light playing in the crimson eyes. She was close enough to see him lean forward, a rakish smile pulling on his lipless mouth.

Muffled shouting sounded from far away.

'We meet again. I have waited long,' Voldemort spoke into her mind. He rose with grace, slipping from the shadow-shrouded bed.

The Dark Lord drew closer, cloak trailing behind him. He could have been handsome. The way he stood tall and proud. But he reminded her too much of a freshly dead corpse. He had high cheekbones and bone-white skin, clever eyes, and a sharp jaw. All his shapes were right, but they seemed wrong somehow.

Holly tried to back away, but her feet would not move. His presence inside her became stronger, like blood spreading in water. Her brain teetered on the edge of being pulled apart by the pressure. In a moment of clarity, she recognised the feeling from her lessons with Severus and fought to stay calm and protect her mind like she'd practiced so many times before.

Voldemort frowned and tilted his chin an inch, smile widening. 'What have we here?' he slid closer. 'Dumbledore's been teaching you, hasss he?' He was close enough for her to see the shallow veins crisscrossing below the surface of his translucent skin. He ran a single finger down the side of her face. Pain shot through her scar. 'Kneel for me. And I will bestow true power onto you.' A woman screamed.

The scene scattered like ash in the wind. Holly stayed long enough to see the Dark Lord's smile turn upside down.

666666

'Holly! Are you okay?' Someone asked. She became aware of Sirius holding her to him. 'You hit your head… what happened?'

She sat up, rubbing her scar. The locket lay by her feet. 'That thing. Is a Horcrux.' She shivered involuntarily, hugging herself. She felt cold. So very cold.

'How do you know?'

'I just know. I have to destroy it. Do you have a handkerchief?'

He must think I've gone barmy.

Sirius handed her one nonetheless. A small silver SB was embroidered in the corner. Holly wrapped the locket with it and stuck it in her pocket, trying to ignore its searing presence against her leg.

There is no time to waste.

'Sirius. May I ask Kreacher something?'

'Of course, he's bound to you as to me,' he waved a dismissive hand, touching her elbow with the other, 'What happened?'

'I—It's hard to explain.' Should I tell him? He'll only worry more. I have to get out of here. 'But I'm alright now, Sirius.'

She was saved by the arrival of the ancient house elf. Holly rounded on the small, wrinkled creature, forcing her voice calm. 'Kreacher, I need you to get Dobby for me. NOW. Please.'

The elf disappeared, grumbling.

'Holly. Care to explain?' Sirius asked behind her.

She turned toward him. 'I'm sorry… I blacked out when I touched it, that's how I know it was Voldemort's. Thanks for catching me…' she reached to touch his hand, trying to console him.

Kreacher reappeared moments later, Dobby beaming at his side.

'Mistress Holly Potter! It is an honour to see you again,' the small elf shrieked, bowing so deep his long nose touched the carpet. Meanwhile, Kreacher slunk from the library, muttering something about blood traitors.

'Dobby, it's so good to see you,' she smiled back at the elf. 'I need to ask you a favour.'

'Anything for Mistress.'

'I knew I could count on you, Dobby,' she kneeled in front of him, bringing their eyes mostly level. 'I have an urgent mission for you,' Holly said, pulling the locket out of her pocket and holding it out to him, partly wrapped. It was difficult to resist the pull of the magic. 'I'm looking for items like this one. There should be six. These things could end the war, you understand? It will be relatively small. Easily concealed. Valuable. Will you help me?'

The elf inched closer, his knobbly hand hovering above the locket. 'Dark magic,' he squeaked, tennis ball eyes bulging. 'It's trace is strong. Dobby will try his best, Mistress Holly Potter.' He bowed again, the colourful hats piled onto his head almost toppling.

'Thanks, Dobby, I knew I could count on you,' she said, stowing the locket back in her pocket. 'Will you find me if you have news?'

The elf nodded, hats swerving.

'Oh. Take this. It's a basilisk fang. You can destroy the objects with it if — if you have to.'

If I'm dead, she thought. 'Thanks. I owe you,' she said, handing Dobby the curved tooth. He turned it over in his knobbly hands.

'Dobby will do his best to help the mistress end the wizard war. Goodbye,' he piped, snapping his fingers and disappearing with a pop.

Holly turned to face her godfather with a grimace, 'I have to go now. Again, thanks for today. You really helped u—me.'

Us? Really, Holly? Keep it together.

She forced a tight hug on him, ignoring the smell of booze. He pressed the large book he was holding into her arms as she released him.

'Dumbledore told me to notify him if you should come here…' he paused, brows raised. 'Now I've never been one for rules and such. But, don't go.'

'You can tell him I was here. And that I'm fine. But I have to do this, Sirius.'

'Are you fine? You seem… Different.'

'I am. And we will see each other again.'

'And that thing on your neck?'

'What thing?' She held the book to her chest like a shield and touched her throat, self-conscious.

'We used to call that a hickey, back at school,' he lifted a scraggly brow. 'You're not alone. Are you?'

Holly felt her face grow warm.

'Who is it? Someone from school?'

Oh god, he knows.

'You tell that boy he better treat you right. Keep you safe,' Sirius grinned then. 'Or I'll hang him up by his ears.'

Holly relaxed, exhaling and hiding her discomfort with a smile. 'I'll see you soon, Sirius. Be safe.'

'I can't believe I'm letting you go…' he held her at arm's length. 'You really do look just like your mother, you know. But you're pure James on the inside, all right.'

666666

Severus

It was very early morning, still and dark, rain drizzling about the empty park half a block away from Grimmauld Place. Rain drummed on top of his umbrella as he lounged, scanning the Prophet's classifieds for the third time. He usually binned the advertisements from the get-go, but the witch was still not returned. She left for the dog's den about an hour ago already, but he'd decided not to fret yet. He turned back to page two, scoffing at it. Naturally, the Chosen One's disappearance graced the front, and the spontaneously cremated Potion Master at the very bottom of page two. And, if it weren't for Umbridge's involvement, he would most certainly only barely have made page four. The former Inquisitor was now in St. Mungo's intensive care unit. The Healers had refrained from commenting concerning her status.

Well. At least the she-demon yet lives.

Skeeter was calling it an accident. He looked like a fool, which irked him to no end. However, it mattered not, as there was precious little he could do about public persona right now.

I got away with it. For now.

He adjusted his umbrella and stretched out his legs in front of him. His Muggle disguise consisted of a cassock — the long garment worn by members of the Catholic clergy. It was close to his usual garb but iconic enough to serve as a disguise. It had button closure and narrow sleeves that fit his body closely. Really, the only difference between his usual uniform and the priest's was the stiffly starched cotton dog collar. Overall he was comfortable. Holly had scoffed at seeing him emerge from the cramped bathroom after he'd dressed; according to her, he looked the same. So he compromised and tied his hair with a band he pinched from her vanity. She was happier with the change, but he guessed it was only because she liked his hair tied, for some reason. Admittedly, it was comfortable not hanging in his eyes as he went about things.

The sound of footsteps slapping on the wet curb made him raise the edge of the umbrella to peer beneath its dripping rim.

Holly was running toward him through the rain. She was hidden by her cloak, but even a blind man would notice the footprints in the water.

'Reverend Father,' she greeted him, peeping out from her dripping cloak. Her hair was plastered to her cheeks in inky webs. A book was clutched to her breast.

'We should leave,' Severus said, standing and offering her his arm.

'I found one.'

'One of what?'

'One of his Horcruxes, at Grimmauld Place. It's some old locket. I'll show you later.'

'You're certain of this?' He asked, frowning down at her.

'Yes. I saw him in some kind of vision just now, when I touched it,' she said, her voice rising a pitch.

'I should have been there.' Fuck. 'Let's go.'

'Where to?'

'Spinner's End. We'll be safe there.'

He covered her wet hand with his own and apparated.