Crimson Moon

Title:: Crimson Moon 2/7
Character(s)::Harry/Severus, Ron/Hermione/Draco, implied Remus/Lucius,
Prompt::Midnight in the Ballroom
Rating::NC-17
Word Count::4000+
Summary:: Harry and his friends have been thrown back in time a thousand years. They have choices to make to fullfill their destinies one day at a time. Harry has walked through the centuries alone until he crosses path with a beautiful creature of an ancient bloodline long forgotten, Severus Snape.
Author's::Calanor and Morganlefay1958
Author's Notes::Man-sex, threesome, No half blood prince... spoilers for for OoTP. Vampires, Elves, Fae/Seelie/Unseelie, Rom's, Werewolves, Werecats, Wereleopards, and Veelas......... Thanks to Occasusvenustas for the read through...
Disclaimer::Not mine...just playing.. we'll put them back when we're done.. maybe...

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Midnight in the Ballroom

Chapter 2

Samael had been lying awake since the sun has set only minutes ago. Severus was lying asleep curled around him, his quiet breaths ghosting over Samael's skin. Thoughts of the previous night's activities caused Samael's body to stir from the memories. Drawing back the duvet from the warm body beside him, Samael nuzzled the mark he had left on Severus' throat. His mark of ownership; Severus Snape would not be pleased, but this dark creature belonged to him now.

The spell he had cast, with the virgin bite, had kept his pet slumbering since the middle of the previous night, but he would be waking soon. Samael licked and kissed his way down the solid chest. He bit down gently on one hard nipple, bringing up a bit of blood, which he savored then licked away--such sweetness and darkness. Severus moaned low in his throat, a guttural moan. Samael grinned. Who would have thought that the Potions Master could make such sounds? He definitely wanted to hear more.

"Mine." Samael whispered, against the warm flesh.

Severus opened his eyes, the deep eyes darkened further with desire… and lust. "Yours." He whispered back in a husky voice.

Samael continued his journey down the lithe body, stopping to tongue the navel, bringing a sudden cry from the lips above him. The cry was a cross between a laugh and a moan-it seemed his pet was a bit ticklish. He smiled and tucked the information away for later. Long fingers tangled gently in his hair, imploring him to continue. He smiled against the warm skin, dragging the tip of his tongue along the line of hair leading from Severus' navel downward. Scooting down and settling between Severus legs, he ran his hands up the outside of the strong thighs, over at the hips and down the inside, running his nails lightly along the skin. Curling his fingers under Severus' knees, he pushed them up and apart gently.

Looking up through lowered lashes, he watched his pet's face as he slowly ran his tongue along the underside of the turgid cock, from base to tip. When he reached the tip, he stopped and tongued the slit, tasting the fluid pooling there. Severus' eyes watched him intently, his cheeks flushed, and his chest rising and falling quickly with the arousal coiling around his insides. His fingers tangled more tightly in Samael's hair. He wanted more… anything… just more.

"Tell me what you want, Pet." Samael said, as he wrapped a cool hand around the purpling cock.

Severus moaned and rolled his head back. "Anything… just touch me… taste me…please."

Samael licked a finger, and trailed it down behind the heavy sac to the puckered entrance. Severus pulled his legs up farther, exposing himself more-offering himself. Samael pressed his finger against the pucker, breaching it slightly, as he swallowed Severus' cock until his nose brushed soft curls. Severus hips bucked and he cried out at the sudden dual sensations. He moaned loudly, "More, please."

Luckily, Samael's fangs were retracted, enabling him to comply and begin to suck---hard, as he ran his tongue alternately around the shaft in his mouth, and thrust gently with his finger. He kept a firm grip on his pet's hips, pinning him to the bed and maintaining control of how deeply he swallowed Severus' cock. He felt long legs wrap around his back and rub up and down against his skin. He hummed in pleasure, sending intense sensations to his pet's body, causing deep moans to emanate from the older wizard.

Severus hands fisted in the sheets as he tried in vain to arch his body, his head thrown back. Pleasure rolled through his body in waves, almost more than he could bear. It had never felt like this before. He wanted more-to be owned by this man. He felt his climax building to a feverish peak, coiling and tightening low in his body. His sac drew up tight to his body and his body tensed in preparation for his climax. His breaths were coming rapidly now. A sheen of sweat covered his body.

Just as he was about to come, Samael whispered a spell, keeping him teetering on the edge. He lifted his head and whined in frustration.

"Patience my pet-it will be worth it, trust me." Samael whispered, as he pushed Severus' right thigh out and flat against the bed, holding it and Severus' hips down. He looked deep into Severus' eyes, as he felt his fangs descend and he knew his eyes would begin to glow a brighter green.

"Come for me now, Pet!" Samael commanded, just before he leaned in and sunk his fangs into Severus' femoral artery, letting the warm sweet blood fill his mouth, making his taste buds sing. At the moment Samael's fangs pierced the skin, the spell Samael cast dissipated and Severus came with a howl. His back arched off the bed and his eyes rolled back into his head. Waves of ecstasy rolled through his body as streams of white shot from his body and his blood flowed into the one who owned him. His climax continued for several minutes---longer than any he had experienced in the past.

As the pulsing in Severus' body slowed, Samael backed off, retracting his fangs and licking the wounds till they sealed themselves. He leaned down and kissed the wounds gently. Sliding back over to the center of his pet's body, he proceeded to lick him clean, savoring this additional flavor, similar, yet different from the taste of his blood. Severus' breathing had slowed, and his body glistened with sweat. Eyes still dilated, he watched Samael with adoration, reaching out a hand to touch his face.

"Yours." He whispered.

"Yes, my pet, you are mine." Samael answered, as he crawled up Severus' body and covered it with his own. Warm arms wrapped around his cooler body, holding him close as he buried his face against Severus' neck and inhaled his scent. He felt soft lips brush his ear, followed by a teasing tongue. His own cock was still rock hard and he frotted against the warm body under him. Long legs wrapped tightly around him and Severus tilted his body slightly to offer Samael better friction.

Lifting his head, he turned and Severus caught his mouth in a hungry kiss. Their tongues tangled and dueled for dominance. Severus' hair had come loose during their lovemaking and spilled across the pillows. Samael reached up and threaded his fingers through it, gently gripping handfuls of it as they kissed. The feeling of their sweat-slicked bodies rubbing together was delicious, and Samael could feel Severus' member begin stirring to life again. He wanted to possess this body, to be inside his pet, and claiming him fully. He broke the kiss, nipping gently at the kiss-swollen lower lip and lifted himself to his elbows. As he lifted his body, Severus legs slid down and off of his body.

"Turn over my Pet. I will have you."

As Samael rose to his knees, Severus only reply was to turn to his stomach and rest his head on his folded arms, waiting quietly. Samael studied the beautiful pale body stretched out below him, admiring the expanse of delicious paleness. He ran his hands up from the slim waist, along the wide back; to Severus shoulders as he leaned down to settle over his pet's body again. He began kissing along one shoulder as he stroked the silken hair out of the way.

Just as Samael began to lick along the mark on Severus' neck, a loud knocking was heard along with, "My Lord."

He closed his eyes and swiftly moved from the bed. "Stay, Pet." Accio-ing a robe, he slipped it on and tied it loosely before opening the door to his faithful friend and servant. "What is it?" He asked, knowing Gabe would only interrupt him if the reason were dire.

Standing there, chest barely covered and a telltale rise in the front of the robe, his expression showed all business as he waited for the reason for the interruption. Gabe swallowed nervously. "My Lord. We have guests. They come as emissaries from a Lord Voldemort. They wish an audience with you and your Seconds immediately."

Samael growled, showing his fangs. "I will meet them at Midnight in the Ballroom." Thinking quickly, he added. "Send the Hunters out into the city and surrounding area to do a sweep. Look for anyone out of place. Humans with a mark on their left forearm of a skull and snake. They are known as Death Eaters."

"Yes, My Lord."

"They should not have been able to find the manor, Gabe." Harry's eyes glowed slightly in his anger.

"A traitor?" Gabe asked, a concerned tone to the inquiry.

"Lets hope not my friend." Harry glanced over his shoulder briefly. As he turned back, Gabe noticed the green eyes had returned to normal again.

"I apologize for the intrusion My Lord. I will see to this immediately." Gabe turned and moved quickly down the hall.

Samael stepped back from the door and closed it. Severus was sitting on the bed wrapped in the duvet. "Pet?"

"My name is Severus Snape." The reply was accompanied by a slight scowl.

Harry smirked as he approached the bed. Oh, the snarky man has come out to play. He stopped in front of the seated man, reaching out with his fingers to brush against the long hair and along Severus' jaw. "I know who you are, but you are also my Pet."

Severus sucked in a breath at the touch. "You are a vampire."

"Yes and you have my mark. You are mine now… and forever."

Severus closed his eyes. What drew him towards this creature? Then he remembered. He'd removed the charms that Dumbledore had placed on him all those years ago when he agreed to spy. He carried the ancient bloodline of the Dark Veelas. His mate was this man--a vampire, but also a powerful man nonetheless. Smiling slightly, he leaned into the touch.

Samael felt an odd pull of magic against his skin again at the touch, similar to what he'd felt at the club. "You are not human, Pet."

"I am of an ancient bloodline--the Dark Veelas." Severus rubbed his bare arm where the mark once was. "I was once...marked by the creature calling himself Lord Voldemort. My bloodrite was hidden for many years by protective spells so he would not be aware of my true nature." Harry glanced down at the forearm. Frowning at the missing mark, wondering why it was gone if the Dark Lord was still alive.

Severus noticed Samael's curious glance at his now bare forearm. "I had to step into death's shadow for the mark to release me. When I was younger, the Dark Lord wanted me for my potions skills and pursued me intently... Albus Dumbledore, my mentor, asked me to take up the mantle and serve them both...as a spy for the light. He cast the spells that made my Veela nature dormant."

"And now?" Samael moved to sit next to Severus.

"My duties as a spy have long ago been...." He hesitated. "I've had to give up my duties as a spy sometime ago."

"They think you dead then." Samael reached over and grasped his Pet's hand, stroking across it with his thumb.

"Yes, I have spent much time in the Muggle world, since. My glamour had become a detriment, so I shed it. Eventually, my Veela senses led me to the club, then here…to you. I am yours now." He leaned into Samael.

"Tell me more." Samael whispered into the long hair, as he put his arm around Severus.

Severus hung his head...his hair falling around him. "I am your submissive. But I am your protector."

"You may be the submissive in the bedroom, but I want your fire… your determination, outside of it. You are my equal and my mate. Forever."

"Forever," Severus whispered, as he looked deep into Samael's eyes. Samael reached up and brushed the dark hair from his face.

Samael shed his robe. He turned Severus and pulled back the duvet from his body, then brought him to straddle his own body, as he leaned against the pillows. "Prepare yourself for me, Severus." Samael's hands trailed down Severus' back to his arse, fingers teasing the cleft. "I want myself buried deep in your body. I want to hear you scream my name as you come after you've pounded yourself on me."

Severus' eyes dilated to black--his lust and desire rolling off of him in waves. Samael held out his hand and a small crystal bottle appeared in his palm. He pulled the stopper and waited for Severus to hold out his fingers, before pouring the thick silky fluid over them.

Placing one had on his lover's shoulder to brace himself, Severus reached back and breeched himself with one finger. His head thrown back, he groaned at the sensation, as he slowly stroked and stretched himself knowing he was being watched. Samael leaned forward and licked a nipple that begged for attention as Severus began to finger-fuck himself. Merlin, he looked so sensual and hot…

"More Severus," he commanded. He demanded. "Open yourself for me." Watching him, Harry knew that he would never get enough of this man. Never.

Severus added more fingers, stretching himself, preparing himself for his Master. His Lover. "Take me, please, Master."

Samael's eyes glowed for a moment. "Never Master. Milord, yes. Master, no." The name was too much like the Dark Lord.

"Take me, please, Milord." He purred, begging deliciously as his skin began to flush a pale pink of arousal.

Samael grasped his cock, and guided the head to Severus' relaxed entrance. "One Soul. One Heart. One Mind." His words ghosted over Severus' lips. "Say them Severus. Say them as I take you, Pet."

Eyes wide, "One soul. One heart," Severus groaned as his lover's cock breached him and slid deep into his body. "One mind." Tipping his head back, the tips of his hair brushed back and forth across Samael's legs as he began to move. Magic swirled around them. Gold and silver with green and blue ribbons of energy surrounded them, unknown to the lovers as Severus moved up and down--wanton and free at last. Samael's fangs nicked a spot on his chest, drawing blood.

As he drew the sweet essence across his tongue, the magic grew stronger. Severus' moaned louder. "Faster, Pet."

He licked the wound. "Complete us." He commanded in a voice heavy with arousal, as he ran his hands over the warm body moving against his cooler one, before closing one hand around Severus' cock.

"Oh yes!!" Severus cried as he increased his pace. He grabbed Samael's face, cupping it firmly, and thrust his tongue into that wet heat, kissing hungrily, passionately--tasting the blood. Tasting the magic in the air. He was so close as he felt his soul reach out and touch the one beneath him--becoming one with Samael-his Lord and his soulmate. Neither of them would ever be alone again.

The intense feeling rushed through him, followed by a wail, as he came hard on Samael's chest. His Lord grabbed his hips and slammed Severus down hard and came deep inside of him, filling him with pulsing warmth. They held each other close as the waves of their completion rolled over them.

Breathing heavy, "Never alone. Never again, my Pet." Samael whispered to his new mate. Severus' only reply was to hold him tighter and bury his face against Samael's neck, brushing lips over the skin there. Neither moved for quite a while, languishing in the afterglow of their union. Eventually, Severus started to sit up and move to the side but Samael stopped him and pulled him back into his arms. "No. I want to stay connected. When you wake again, you'll feel me claiming you again."

It was sometime later when Samael was awakened again by a knock at his door. A small whimper passed Severus' lips, as Samael carefully pulled away and rose from the bed, to pad quietly across the room. "Rest Pet. I shall return," Samael said as he cast Tempus, to check the time. There were still three hours yet, before the meeting with Voldemort's lackeys. Drawing a dressing gown around his body, he stepped into his sitting room. Gabe, Tempeste, and Dorian stood in the center of the room and turned at his entrance.

"Greetings, my kin." Samael acknowledged the presence of his closest friends and family. "Report Gabe."

"The hunters have found 30 of these Death Eaters around the city. Jacob and Marcus are interrogating them as we speak," a feral grin crossing the big man's face.

Tempeste drew in a deep breath. "It seems they cast Imperio on one of the young Werecats. Sidney… she's quite shaken up. Angelina has her sedated in the East wing."

"Which one?" Samael growled, his eyes beginning to glow, fangs showing. "Which one touched one of our Kin?"

"It has Bella's magical signature," Dorian hissed, clearly disgusted with his kin from the old time.

" Sidney is well-there are no ill effects?" Samael's concern for one of their newest kin shown in his eyes.

Cadeyrn stepped into the room silently. "Sidney is fine-shaken, but fine. Angelina had to sedate her to keep her from going out to hunt the bitch down."

"She's well within her rights. But Angelina was smart in sedating her. We will send Voldemort a message about harming our Kin." Samael stepped away and poured himself a glass of wine. "Has the Council been called?"

"I sent out messengers when Gabe informed us," Tempeste added.

"Good. Send in Angelina when she is finished with Sidney. Place guards and wards around Sid's room. I won't have her disturbed."

Gabe bowed and exited the rooms, leaving the four friends alone. "Well?" Dorian asked.

"Well what." Samael eyed his white-haired brother.

"Really, boys!" Tempeste shook her head and looked straight at Samael. "Did you or did you not mark.... 'whispering' Snape?"

Samael smirked. "I did more than mark him."

"Bravo, brother." Dorian grinned wide, an evil twinkle in his eye.

"I would say so. The magic from earlier woke us all. Shook the whole damn place!" Cadeyrn smiled in a devilish manner. "So, how was he?"

Samael smiled wide. "Perfect."

A soft knock was heard at the door. "Enter." Samael called, as he smoothed his features into something more serious. A small dark woman entered the room. She appeared much younger that she actually was, with her dark hair plaited away from her face, and draped down her graceful back. The only indications of her advanced age were the streaks of white along her hairline. Warm brown eyes caught every detail around her and she moved quickly and gracefully. The deep blue robes she wore where heavily embroidered in ancient designs.

Angelina, a dark pearl in the house of Crimson Moon Coven, was a true jewel. She took care of the members and visitors of the coven, with vigor and an iron fist-an iron fist incased in a glove of velvet.

"Greetings My Lord. How may I be of service this night?"

There was a glimmer in her eyes and a smile on her lips. Their Lord had finally found his mate-the other half of his soul. Now, on the eve of his destinies to fates unknown, Samael would not be alone. He would have a mate at his side. A powerful one, too, if the magic that shook the foundations earlier were any indications. This would be a very powerful union.

"May I congratulate you on your union, My Lord."

Samael smiled, a contented smile, as he glanced at the bedroom door. A lazy wave of his hand and a silencing spell was in place.

"I knew him from before." Angelina's eyes widened. "He was...our teacher. We became friends before I disappeared." Samael paused for a moment before continuing. "He doesn't know 'who' I am yet, Lady Angelina. He will find out tonight during the festivities." Samael sighed. "We will be bathing, then you will help him dress. We will be wearing our colors tonight."

"Yes My Lord. Do your Seconds know this?"

Samael contemplated for a moment. "Inform Gwen."

"As you wish."

"Angelina, his name is Severus... and he is my heart."

Angelina nodded, a knowing look on her face. "And he is Kin."

Samael smiled warmly at the woman who was mother to them all. She cared for them and seemed to always know what was best. He trusted her implicitly.

"Since I must confer with my Seconds before midnight, I will shower and dress, then I want you help him bath and dress for tonight. "Bring him to me before we enter the hall."

"I will take care of him, My Lord, as one of our own."

Samael started to turn toward his room, hesitated, then turned back. "He may be a bit…difficult." The other three in the room snickered, knowing how true that statement was.

"Bloody snarky git, that one." Cadeyrn remarked, as he raised an eyebrow at Samael. Tempeste laughed.

Dorian smiled. "Angelina, love, you will have your hands full with Severus."

"Do not worry. I will take good care of him." A smile of mischief touched her lips. Samael nodded, knowing Severus would be no match for this woman, then turned and headed back to his rooms, leaving the sound of quiet laughter in his wake.

Samael hurried through his shower, drying his chest as he exited the bathroom Stepping into his bedroom, he noticed Angelina had just closed the door behind her, entering into his private domain. He picked up the clothes laid out for him and moved to the dressing area, to watch. The small woman had just grabbed the duvet covering a still slumbering Severus Snape. Samael smirked wickedly, as he waited for the fireworks to start.

Dark eyes slowly opened and widened when he saw a woman staring into his face... Not his lover, as he'd expected.

"Madam!" He quickly grabbed the retreating covering. "If you please!"

"I've seen naked men, My Lord." She gave the duvet another strong tug. Samael stood just out of view, watching, as he finished dressing. As he buttoned his jacket, he stepped forward toward the bed.

"Pet. This is Lady Angelina. She will be helping you bath and dress for the night's festivities. He looked into Severus' eyes, capturing his attention. "Behave for me." He purred, before leaning down and passionately kissed his Pet. He then stood, giving Angelina a look of support and trust, before he turned to leave-hiding the snicker that was attempting to escape.

While Severus' attention was diverted, Angelina pulled the duvet away, exposing the tall man in all his nude glory. He let out an alarmed yelp as he sat up quickly and grabbed the nearest pillow to cover himself. "Madam, if you please! I can shower myself."

"You will bath and use the shampoo and soaps laid out for your use. The bath is waiting." She told him nonchalantly and she proceeded to fold the duvet and place it at the end of the bed.

"Shower." Severus glared at the diminutive woman.

"Bath." She replied firmly.

"Shower," he almost growled, but he did not want to disappoint his Lord.

"You will bathe, OR I will put you into the tub and wash you myself. Understood?" Angelina had stepped up to Severus, where he sat on the edge of the bed, nudity forgotten, and was shaking her finger at him as she spoke, admonishing him as one would a petulant child.

"I had a mother!" He did growl this time.

"Well, now you have another!" Angelina informed him firmly, in a tone of finality.

Severus knew he had been beat when his Potions Master persona didn't work on the petite woman. She just gave it right back to him.

"Now the bath water grows cold, if you please. We have to dress yet in the coven's colors. And you must be perfect for My Lord." Angelina grasped Severus' upper arm and prompted him to stand up, so she could lead him to the bath. Severus stood up and started to walk away when she swatted him on the arse. His eyes grew wide in astonishment.

"Now hurry!" She stood with hands on her hips and a look in her eye that showed she meant business. She was accustomed to her 'children' not arguing with her.

Just before he closed the door. "A word of warning. If I don't think it's good enough. I will put you back in and do it all again."

Severus closed the door firmly behind him. "I never!"

"You will if you don't hurry, Little Master!" She called over her shoulder as she headed back to make the bed.

A black claw-footed tub awaited him, filled almost to the top with hot water. A variety of bottles were arranged nearby on a low table, within reaching distance. He took a deep breath as he lowered himself into the tub, letting the hot water soothe his sore muscles. His sensitive nose caught many scents from the waters--the essence of magical enigmas and long-forgotten esoteric mysteries. He inhaled and slowly identified the varied scents; frankincense, rosemary, lavender, neroli, and verbena. They were a pleasing combination and he smiled, as he slid deeper into the hot water.

A deep sigh escaped him as he relaxed.

"Do you need anything, Little Master?"

Severus sat up suddenly, startled, sloshing water all over the floor.

'Little Master indeed', Severus thought. "No, I'm fine, Madam." He growled, as he picked up a flannel and the waiting soap. After lathering up the flannel, he brought the soap to his nose and inhaled the scent, before placing it back down. "Such a shame to not have the time to enjoy all of this."

"You will have time later, when there isn't so much that needs attending to." He looked at the door, eyes wide.

"And she has the ears of a bat!" he muttered to himself.

"A necessity, Little Master, with so many children to care for!" Severus glared toward the closed door.

When Severus was done, he had washed his hair three times and scrubbed himself pink, including between his toes and behind his ears, in case the infernal woman decided to keep her promise.

Stepping from the bath back into the bedroom, he noticed Angelina was still there, waiting. "Sit," she said, pointing at a low upholstered stool. "Hair first. Then clothes."

Knowing arguing with her would be fruitless; he moved quietly to the stool and seated himself, facing away from her. She lifted the brush and began long strokes; taming the lustrous hair--it was so soft. He closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the soothing sensations. Angelina could see his reflection in the mirror and she smiled. She mumbled a light drying charm each time she drew the brush through the long locks. When it was smooth and dry, she plaited it loosely and secured it with a silk ribbon, wound around the end.

Angelina picked up a bottle, pouring a minute amount into her small hands; she moved to Severus' front, kneeled and began rubbing the scent into one of his calves.

"Madam?" he croaked. "I believe I can do that myself." He eyed her with concern, worrying as to how much of him she intended to cover with that oil.

"Little Master, this is part of my duties to you and My Lord." She did not stop massaging in the oil as she spoke, slowly moving up his leg.

"Madam please!" Severus stood and attempted to step away from the rapidly ascending hands.

Angelina swatted his arse a second time, as he turned. "Sit!"

Severus realized he'd not get far with only a towel, so he returned to his seat, irritated that this tiny woman could cow him so. He let go of a deep sigh, and tried to sit still and ignore the small hands massaging fragrant oils into his skin. Albus and Lucius would be laughing their arses off if they ever heard of this. The Evil Potions Master gone--overpowered, by this little bit of a woman. He thought to himself, how he was going to repay his master, somehow, for this.

Angelina bit back a laugh and moved quickly and efficiently, trying to keep from embarrassing her new Little Master. He blushed so pretty. Wiping her hands on a towel when she finished, she picked up the black leather pants and started pulling them on his long legs. As she pulled them to his knees, she looked up at him an commanded, "Stand up!"

Severus stood, as an obedient child would and let her do her duty. She pulled the supple leather up the long legs to settle low on his hips. Nimble fingers quickly had them fastened. She stepped away, then back, just as quickly, carrying a blood red poet's shirt. Helping him slip the silky shirt on, she made the same quick work with the ties.

Angelina stepped back and looked at him. Tilting her head side to side. Untucked or tucked? She contemplated.

"Untucked." She spoke out loud as she decided. Severus felt very much like a dressing doll at that moment.

"Sit please, Little Master."

"Why do you call me Little Master, Madam?" He asked as he again seated himself on the stool.

Angelina had been moving small ornate boxes around on the dressing table, obviously searching for something. She turned and smiled. "It fits you." She returned to her search, quickly moving boxes and pouches around on the table.

He raised an elegant eyebrow at her. "Little?" No answer was forthcoming-Angelina just continued to smile; a private joke of her own then. Severus just shook his head and remained silent.

"Found it!" She exclaimed, as she picked up a silver torc embellished with carvings of snakes and runes of protection. The ends were looped, and Angelina rummaged through several more boxes until she found a soft pouch. She tipped out its contents into her hand and Severus saw a silver ankh, embellished with moonstones and bloodstones. She placed the ankh and the torc together on the dressing table and turned toward Severus. She checked the time on the ancient clock in the corner.

"Almost time. Lift your hair and let me place this around your neck."

He lifted his hair as she had directed and held it out of her way, as she placed the torc around his neck and adjusted it.

Severus dropped his plait behind his shoulder and quietly watched the older woman pick up the ankh and a connecting ring.

"What is this and why must I wear it?" He asked as he felt magic tingle around him when she fastened the ankh between the ends of the torc, using the connecting ring.

"My Lord will explain it to you." Making quick work of the pendant, she stepped back. "Stand up. Turn around!" She stood back and watched as he turned, making sure everything looked as it should. She nodded to herself when she was satisfied nothing had been missed.

"Do I not wear shoes?" he asked, as he looked down as his bare feet, then back up at her.

"No, My Lord likes...bare feet." She smirked at him. "Come on then, move along! They wait for us. We never keep the Council waiting." When he didn't move fast enough for her liking, she swatted him on the arse again.

"Madam! Will you please cease swatting me as if I am a child!" Severus glared at her as he reached the doors to the hallway.

"Then move faster." She commanded him, as she opened the door and stood aside to allow him to pass.

TBC…

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