A Song for Severus ~ (Not Update, but Edit)

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 29 ~ The Meeting

The next day, Hermione couldn’t concentrate on her work. Severus’ upcoming meeting with Bella was weighing heavily on her mind. Bitten several times by the pixies she was working with because of her distraction, the witch finally gave up, putting the irate little creatures back in the enclosure and trying to concentrate on her notations instead.

She sat at the counter for a little while, trying to focus but ended up pacing back and forth for the rest of the morning. This was how Severus found her when he came to the lab during lunch. He entered quietly, Hermione not seeing him. He stood by the door and watched her walk back and forth for a while, shaking her head, her eyes glistening.

“Oh Severus,” Hermione sighed into the silence, “I’m so afraid for you.”

“Are you, witch?” Severus replied, walking forward.

Hermione spun and looked at him. How long had he been there? It didn’t matter. Last night they didn’t talk about this at all, and Hermione needed to get it out before he left.

“Yes,” she said, a single tear falling from her eye and coursing down her cheek.

Severus pulled out his wand, warded the lab door, then repocketed it, walked up to Hermione and pulled her against him tenderly, embracing her, resting his chin on top of her head.

“I will be fine, Hermione. I have been in far more dangerous situations than this,” he said softly as the witch sobbed against him, all her fear pouring out of her.

“But I never knew what you were facing, Severus. Now I do, and it scares me to death,” Hermione said, her voice quavering.

Severus sighed.

“I tried to protect you from this, Hermione, but you were determined to know what I was doing for the Order. Now, you are going to have to deal with that knowledge. Crying won’t help the situation. You need to be strong,” he said, drawing her away from his body and looking down at her, his dark eyes somber. “Tell me witch, is it better knowing or not knowing?”

Hermione sniffed.

“It’s better knowing, Severus…but, gods…right now it doesn’t seem like it,” she replied.

”So in hindsight, are you saying ‘Ignorance is bliss?’” he asked her.

No. Ignorance had not been bliss for Hermione. She wondered and worried over the wizard every time he disappeared, thinking the worst. She looked up at him.

“I never thought I’d say this, Severus…but in this case if ignorance is bliss, then knowledge is misery,” Hermione said softly.

“Knowledge is misery,” the wizard repeated thoughtfully, “No…I would have never dreamed I’d hear those words from you, Hermione, considering acquiring knowledge is your life’s work.”

As he looked down on her, Severus really could see the misery in Hermione’s eyes. He didn’t want to leave her feeling this way if he could help it.

“Why don’t we have lunch in my rooms?” he suggested, “It will give us a bit of time together before I go.”

Hermione nodded.

“Lunch sounds good. I can’t work anyway,” she said, looking about the lab helplessly, then back at him.

“Then lunch it is,” he replied with a smirk.

Severus released Hermione so she could put away her notes and straighten the lab, his black eyes resting on her. He was trying to decide whether or not he should make love to her once more before he left. The question was, if he did so…would it reassure Hermione or make her even more miserable?

Severus escorted Hermione up the stairs and into the dungeon corridor. Several of his Slytherins were passing and greeted their Head of house, looking quite curious as he walked with Hermione to his Potions office, let her in then entered behind her.

“Severus…your students saw us,” Hermione said to him.

“Yes. They do have eyes,” he replied, opening the wall to his study.

“But…but they might think something is going on,” Hermione said to him, surprised the wizard seemed to be throwing caution to the wind.

“They are students, Hermione. You are a fellow staff member. For all they know we are in my office discussing Hogwarts business,” he said, placing his hand on the small of her back and walking her into his study.

“Besides,” Severus purred at her, “All we are doing is having lunch together. Innocent enough, don’t you think?”

Hermione looked at him speculatively.

“There is nothing remotely innocent about you, Severus,” Hermione replied as he arched an eyebrow in response.

“E tu, Hermione?” he said to her as he pulled out his wand and transfigured the sofa into a wooden table with two chairs. The wizard let out an exaggerated sigh. “Must I always be guilty of something?”

Hermione let out an unsympathetic snort as Severus pulled out a chair for her. She sat down..

”You’re a Slytherin, Severus. Slytherins are always guilty of something, though what is rarely ever found out,” she said with a small smile.

Severus couldn’t say anything to refute her statement. Any Slytherin worth his salt had quite a few deceptions under his belt. It was required. Instead he walked over to the floo, took some powder off the mantle and tossed it in.

“The kitchen,” he said.

The flames turned green and immediately a squeaky voice responded.

“What can we gets for you, Professor?”

It was one of the house elves from the kitchen.

Severus looked at Hermione for a moment.

”Tomato soup, two green salads with oil and vinegar, two pieces of baked chicken, potato salad and two pumpkin juices,” he said.

“It will be ready shortly, sir,” the house elf squeaked.

The flames turned red again and Severus joined Hermione at the table. He ordered the soup and salad for her because he knew the witch wouldn’t be able to eat much. She never did when she was worried.

They sat in silence for a few moments, Hermione looking down at her hands. She could feel the wizard’s eyes resting on her. She could always feel his eyes.

“I’m…I’m not going back to the lab today,” she said quietly, “I can’t seem to focus and can’t afford to make any mistakes. The pixies had a hey-day with me.”

“I see,” Severus replied, “So what do you plan to do with the rest of your day?”

Hermione looked up at him.

“I’d like to spend it with you,” she said softly.

Just then, two house elves winked in with their lunch, set the plates, utensils, napkins and glasses on the table, bowed, then winked out. Severus stood up and slid Hermione’s soup, salad and pumpkin juice in front of her, then sat back down and began to eat, not addressing what she said about spending the rest of the day with him.

Hermione picked at her food as Severus ate heartily. He finished his food, wiped his mouth and sighed appreciatively. Hermione finished her soup, but did little to the salad. She pushed it away, then looked up at Severus.

Severus stood up.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, exiting the study, Hermione looking after him.

The wizard went directly to his potions stores, unwarded it and picked out a bottle. He put it in his pocket, rewarded his stores and returned to the study. He looked at Hermione.

“Come with me,” he said, offering his hand.

Hermione rose and took it, and Severus walked her into his bedroom. He sat down on the edge of his bed and patted it so Hermione sat down next to him.

”How do you want to spend the afternoon with me, witch?” he asked her.

Hermione looked at him. She would like to spend the afternoon finding comfort in intimacy…but then, Severus would be tired when he met with Bella…possibly not in top form. It would be too selfish of her to send him out that way though she could tell he was willing to accommodate her if that was what she needed.

“You should rest up,” she said softly, “I’d just like to be with you until you leave, Severus.”

The Potions Master nodded, then stood up, took the bottle out of his pocket and set it on the nightstand, then began unfastening his robes, intending on stripping down to his boxers. He slid them off his arms, tossed them on the chair against the far wall, then started on his shirt, Hermione looking up at the silent wizard and swallowing.

“Don’t,” she said suddenly.

Severus stopped opening his shirt.

“Don’t undress, Severus. I don’t think I’ll be able to just sleep if you do,” Hermione said, “I want you to be well-rested when you meet Bella.”

The wizard smirked at her.

“Am I that irresistible, Hermione?” he asked her.

“Yes,” she replied, her eyes glistening.

Severus actually smiled at her. He didn’t smile often and when he did it made him look so much younger.

“Well, when I return from meeting with Bella, witch…you will show me how irresistible I am,” he purred, helping her up and unbuttoning her robes. He really did feel like taking the witch to the mattress, but she was right. He needed to be well-rested.

He removed Hermione’s robes and tossed them to the chair as well. He then picked up the bottle on the dresser and uncorked it. He held it out to her.

“I want you to drink this, Hermione…it is a calming draught. It will help you rest,” he said softly, “I will be in a better state of mind when I meet Bella if I know you aren’t here climbing the walls with worry.”

Hermione wanted to protest, but the look in the wizard’s eyes made her take the bottle and drink its contents down. She made a sour little face.

“Can’t you ever brew anything that tastes good?” she asked him as he took the bottle back, put it on the nightstand and helped her into his bed.

“Yes. Tea and coffee,” Severus replied, climbing in behind her.

He lay down on his back and slipped his arm under Hermione and pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her temple for a moment. Hermione turned partially to face him, embracing him, her arm curved over his chest, her face resting against the wizard’s throat. Severus could feel her warm breath on his neck as he stared up at the ceiling and waited for the calming draught to take effect. It would put her to sleep, a deep restful sleep.

She wouldn’t wake when he left.

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Severus hid himself near the place where the stones kissed, disillusioned and watching for Bella. The sun was low in the sky and hidden behind clouds. Two bottles of elixir rested in his robes pockets, and he held his wand tightly in his hand, his black eyes sharp for any movement

Presently Bella arrived, apparating in under a silencing spell and removing it. The witch looked around for a moment, then said in a low voice, “You are here, Severus…I can feel you. Come out!”

Severus approached stealthily, and got behind her, keeping his disillusionment spell on. When he was close, he removed the spell, his wand trained on her. Bella spun and her gray eyes narrowed.

“Must you always have your wand on me when you approach?” she asked him with a frown.

“Yes,” Severus replied, “At least until I see where your wand is.”

”It’s in my pocket, damn it!” Bella hissed at him, “I am not about to hex you when you have such important work to do, Severus. I can’t give Voltaire the elixir. I need you.”

Severus put his wand away.

“That you do, Bella…but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious with you,” he replied evenly.

“Do you have the elixir?” she asked him eagerly, disregarding his statement concerning her trustworthiness.

“Yes. Two bottles as you asked,” Severus said.

“Good. Give me your arm so we can go,” she said, holding out her arm, drawing her wand and casting the silencing spell again. “And if you’ve placed a tracking charm on yourself, you can forget about it working. When we apparate your signature will be scattered far and wide. You will be untraceable.”

”I have no tracking spell on me, Bella. I am entering into our agreement without tricks. I only hope you are doing the same,” Severus said, his nose wrinkling slightly.

“This is far too important for treachery, Severus. There is a kingdom at stake,” the witch hissed, looping her arm in the wizard’s, “We go!”

They disapparated.

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Voltaire was waiting for Bella in the arena. He sat on a throne of bones, almost an exact replica of Voldemort’s own. Bella had instructed him carefully about how he was to address the wizard, and to act like royalty.

She had also promised him that if he made a good impression, he could finally fuck her. Bella had provided him the pensieves as she had promised and Voltaire viewed them constantly, his lust for the witch growing as much as his hatred that his father had her in such an intimate manner. Bella had done things in the pensieve that made his stomach clench uncomfortably, but excitedly. And she would do those things to him, and let him do things to her. He was very ready to explore his sexuality with the witch.

Voltaire wasn’t sure he could strike her as his father did, but she seemed to like it, screaming, “Yes, my Lord! Yes! Yes!” If she wanted him to do it, however, he would…and with just as much brutality as Voldemort.

Suddenly Bella appeared with a tall, pale wizard with a huge nose and lank dark hair. She removed the silencing spell around them and they walked toward the throne. Voltaire straightened and tried to look as imposing as possible.

Severus looked around the large arena, noticing the rock face all around them. Apparently Bella’s stronghold was underground. His black eyes focused on the young wizard sitting in the throne before him. He looked very much like his father, bald, scaly and crimson-eyed. He still had his ears, nose and lips however.

Severus and Bella stopped in front of the throne.

“Severus Snape, meet Voltaire Riddle, the next Dark Lord,” she said to the wizard proudly.

Severus studied the boy, then said, “Hello Voltaire.”

Voltaire scowled at him.

“How dare you address me so familiarly!” the boy snarled, his eyes narrowing, “You will show me proper respect. Bow before you speak to me, and call me Lord! You will be my servant…so act like it!”

Voltaire’s eyes shifted to Bella for a moment, and she nodded slightly, giving him a slight smile.

Severus pursed his lips. Voltaire was an arrogant young pup. For now, he would humor him, however. He gave a little bow.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, my Lord,” he said silkily.

”That’s much better. Don’t forget yourself…or you will feel my wrath,” the boy said imperiously.

”Yes my Lord,” Severus replied evenly.

Albus and Hermione were going to have a hell of a time rehabilitating this piece of work.

“Good. Now that you have shown me the proper respect, it is time for you to serve me. Give me the elixir,” Voltaire demanded.

Severus fought back a smirk. He was going to enjoy the boy’s suffering immensely.

“I will, my Lord, as soon as Bellatrix provides me with a strong chair and manacles with which to restrain you,” the Potions Master purred, one eyebrow arching at the young wizard, who swallowed nervously.

“Restrain me? Why?” the boy asked, looking at Bella now.

“It’s just a precaution, Voltaire,” Bella reassured him, “To protect you.”

”Protect me from what?” Voltaire asked, his voice cracking slightly. No one had told him he would have to be restrained and helpless.

“Breaking your own bones,” Severus replied, “It will be quite…painful. However, I am sure that a wizard as ready as you are to rule will be able to handle the agony quite well, my Lord.”

Voltaire looked at him and sensed Severus’ sarcasm. He frowned blackly and stood up, holding himself as straight as possible.

”Of course I will,” he declared, “I am the true Dark Lord. I can take anything!”

He stalked down the stairs.

“Create the chair, Aunt Bella,” he said to the witch, authority in his voice.

Pleased, Bella did as he asked, a solid wooden chair appearing before him with padded manacles attached to the arms and legs, and a head restraint attached to the back of it.

Without hesitation, Voltaire put his wand in his pocket, walked over to the chair and sat down in it, his jaw tight with determination.

He would show this wizard what he was made of. If his father could take the transformation, so could he.

Across the arena, a disillusioned Volaria watched as her half-brother was securely strapped into the chair. She watched Severus curiously. He was very pale and tall, with greasy black hair. But he didn’t show any fear of Bella or Voltaire. Whoever he was, he was brave.

Volaria wanted to get closer. Suddenly, she transformed into her animagus form, and flying low to the ground, moved closer, still disillusioned.

No one noticed when she landed on the Potions Master’s robes.

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A/N: My, my. Voltaire is warming up to being a little tyrant. And Volaria…slick little witch there. That mosquito form is good for something after all. :) Let’s see what happens next. Thanks for reading.