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

Chapter 35 ~ Catching Up

Hermione was so intent on catching up to Severus, she didn’t bother apparating to a public point, but appeared very close to Rosier’s shop. Unfortunately, an Auror happened to be passing and caught her apparating in a non-designated area.

The wizard pulled out his ticket pad, and took down her information, his blue eyes focused on her attentively as she gave her name, address and place of employ. Aurors were trained to notice subtle reactions that indicated untruths. He pulled off the piece of parchment and handed it to Hermione. She read his name. Justice Forall.

Her mouth quirked.

Justice noticed it and scowled a bit.

“You know, apparating the way you did could have seriously injured someone. There’s a reason we have public apparition points,” he chided her. “Now, you can either pay the ten galleon fine, or appear in court to challenge it. It’s up to you, Miss…”

He looked at his pad again.

“Granger,” he concluded, narrowing his eyes.

If she did challenge it, he’d be in court to say he witnessed the illegal apparition first hand, which would result in an even larger fine if she were found guilty.

“I understand,” Hermione said, her mouth still quirked at the ridiculous name, “I’ll pay the fine.”

”See that you do,” Justice said bad-naturedly, hating his American father’s sense of patriotism once again. He stalked off, Hermione looking after him, smiling despite her ticket.

“Justice Forall. Oh gods, that’s funny,” she said to herself as she walked toward Rosier’s shop, shaking her head, “Americans.”

She walked up to the shop door, took a deep breath, opened it and walked in. There was no one behind the counter. Suddenly a door behind the counter opened and Rosier walked in.

“Good morning. May I help you?” he asked Hermione, his eyes washing over her. She didn’t look rich. One had to be rich to shop here.

Hermione blinked up at him, her eyes shifting to the slightly cracked door behind him.

“I’d like to look at a charm, for my bracelet,” she said.

Severus, who had just given Rosier the elixir, stiffened as he heard Hermione’s voice. What was the witch doing here? Was she mad? If Rosier got a look at that bracelet…

“Do you have the bracelet with you?” he asked.

“No. I don’t…but I know what I want. A golden lion, snarling,” Hermione said.

A golden lion?

“Possibly, if you describe the bracelet to me, I’d have a better idea of what I will be working with,” he said a bit suspiciously now. Did the bracelet have silver snakes as well?

Severus glided to the door, pulled it open a bit and scowled at Hermione, shaking his head.

“It’s gold link with lions all around it…about seven of them. I just want to add another one,” she said.

Rosier relaxed. It wasn’t the same bracelet he’d given Snape. Severus disappeared back into the office.

“Well, Miss…a charm would have to be specially designed. We don’t keep them in a box,” he said a bit disdainfully, “In order to have one designed you would have to leave a non-refundable deposit of five hundred galleons.”

Hermione looked at him incredulously.

“Five hundred galleons?” she repeated with a squeak.

“Yes. Then I will design a charm for you. After a satisfactory design is completed, the other five hundred is to be paid upon delivery,” he said to her, looking bored. The witch couldn’t afford this…she was wasting her time.

“Might I suggest Heggly Jeweler’s down the road? His prices are modest compared to mine, though as far as quality, you get what you pay for,” he said.

“Er…yes. Maybe I will try them. Thank you,” Hermione said, glancing at the open door for a quick moment. Hopefully Severus would come out and meet her outside. “Have a good morning.”

She exited the shop, walked down the street a ways then waited on the corner, hoping the wizard would come. He didn’t look too pleased to see her.

Severus wasn’t. He more than likely could have found a way to explain Hermione having the bracelet. He could have told Rosier she was his slave, and he found ways to feed his libido other than intercourse. Oh, she would have loved that. But then, most likely Rosier would expect him to bind and whip women at the revel. Well, in any case the witch hadn’t blown his cover, thank the gods. Why was she here?

Rosier stalked back into the office, scowling.

“The moment I saw that mudblood I knew she was in the wrong shop,” he said, frowning. “Really, I wish I didn’t have to serve them. They leave a bad taste in my mouth.”

For some reason, pureblood witches and wizards could identify muggle-born wizards and witches almost immediately, though there was no discernable difference or sign hovering over their heads that said “Born of Muggles.” This ability was first brought to Hermione’s attention by Draco Malfoy at the Quidditch World Cup back in their fourth year. He told Hermione that the Death Eaters would know she was a muggle-born and target her if they saw her.

Severus didn’t say anything, though inwardly he was scowling. That was his witch Rosier was insulting. One would think he’d be desensitized to such comments since he’d heard them all of his life, but it rankled him anyway.

“Now, Severus, we’ve decide that no Unforgivables will be allowed to be used during the competition. Firstly, because there is no defense against the Killing curse and the quickest would be declared the winner when it could be luck and not skill. We want battles after all,” Rosier said.

“We have a total of twenty-six competitors, nineteen wizards and seven witches. They will be taking an oath to lock themselves into the competition, so no one can bow out at the last minute. The initial pairing off will be done at random, thirteen contestants drawing names from a hat, and having two days to prepare to meet with their opponent. We have decided to have the competition at Pumblebrook’s manor. The revel room will be rearranged to be suitable. There will be no revels during the competition since we want everyone focused,” Rosier said, “When we have a winner, you will administer the elixir.”

“When will the first competition begin?” Severus asked the wizard.

“In two weeks,” Rosier said, “Eight o’clock, Friday evening. The drawing will be Wednesday night. The survivors will be assigned their next opponents and meet with them the following week. The survivors of that meeting will meet again the following week. The final competition will be the week after. A winner will be chosen and a week later you will administer the elixir.”

Severus nodded.

Rosier gave him a smile.

“There is to be a revel at my manor tonight…plenty of food and special entertainment,” the wizard said, swelling a bit, “I’ve acquired a pair of muggle lions, and have been starving them. Muggles are on the main menu. I haven’t decided whether or not I will give them weapons yet. In either case, I’d be delighted if you would stay a few days, Severus. You haven’t been about in a while and I know you have an assistant at Hogwarts.”

”I’d be delighted to stay, Rosier. I could use a break,” Severus replied.

“Excellent. Now, would you like a bit of wine or a firewhiskey?” Rosier offered.

“No. Too early for me, Rosier. I do need to take care of a bit of business before tonight however,” the wizard said, rising.

Rosier stood too and shook Severus’ hand firmly, then picked up the bottle of elixir on his desk.

“Thank you Severus. I am sure whoever becomes the Dark Lord will place you in a position of power because of your help,” the jeweler said.

“I look forward to that,” Severus lied. “I will be at your manor around seven.”

”Until then,” Rosier said, walking Severus through the door and watching him leave the shop. He looked at the bottle in his hand. So much power beneath the stopper. And the possibility of death as well. A braver wizard might have been tempted to drink the elixir himself, the hell with the competition. But Rosier wasn’t that brave.

He walked back into his office, opened a panel in the wall and placed the bottle inside, closing the panel back and warding it securely.

It wouldn’t be long now.

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Severus strode down the sidewalk and saw Hermione immediately. She turned toward him but he acted as if he didn’t see her.

“Meet me in the back room at the Hogs Head Inn in fifteen minutes,” he hissed as he strode by her to the public apparition point and disapparated.

Hermione hovered about for another ten minutes before she too disapparated.

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Aberforth Dumbledore was cleaning a glass with a disgusting bar rag behind the bar when the door opened and a disillusion person entered. Not surprised by this, the brother of Albus Dumbledore watched the shimmer approach him. Three galleons appeared on the bar.

“I need the use of your back room,” Severus said. “I am expecting a guest.”

“Go ahead,” Aberforth replied, taking the coins and depositing them in his robes pocket.

Still disillusioned, Severus walked to the back room, opened the door and entered. There were only one or two patrons in the inn, and no one paid attention to the door opening and closing. It was best to mind your own business at the Hogs Head.

Severus entered the room which was furnished with a table, two chairs, an armchair, a dresser, a bathroom and a beaten up twin sized bed. Aberforth kept clean sheets on it however. The back room often doubled as a meeting place for lovers. It was here that Albus interviewed Sybil Trelawney and first saw the Prophecy. It was also here that Severus overheard the first half of the Prophecy and reported it to Voldemort.

He regretted his decision from that day to this. His information resulted in the death of Lily Potter. Severus had been horrified to learn about her death and it was the one time Lord Voldemort tried to apologize to the dark wizard. He tried to give Lily a choice because he knew Severus had feelings for her. But the witch wouldn’t give up her son, so the Dark Lord killed her. Severus’ anger and guilt about Lily’s death was the true turning point of his allegiance. He never forgave the Dark Lord for killing her and became bent upon his destruction. This was another reason he hated to even see Harry. Every time he came near him, it was as if he were looking into Lily’s eyes. It was a constant reminder to the Potions Master how he had caused his mother’s death. If Severus Snape had ever loved anyone other than Hermione Granger, it was Lily Potter, despite her choice of James Potter. Severus had never approached her. His was a quiet, obsessive love.

But that part of his life was dry bones and dust now. He had avenged Lily as best he could, and life was for the living. Hermione had his heart now, as aggravating as she was, and it was Hermione he waited for now, sitting down at the table, his dark eyes focused on the door expectantly. What the hell had she been thinking?

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Malina was sitting on a park bench, reading the want ad and circling possibilities with the tip of her wand. Suddenly she had the feeling she wasn’t alone. She leapt up and spun, pulling her wand and pointing it directly between Draco’s gray eyes, which crossed.

Malina sighed and lowered her wand.

“Draco, I hate when you sneak up on me,” she said, bending to pick up the scattered Prophet then sitting down on the bench again, Draco walking around it to join her. He sat down. Malina got the paper back in proper order then looked up at him, her eyes narrowed.

“Draco, are you having me followed or something? If you are, I don’t appreciate it. It’s creepy,” she said to him.

“No, I’m not having you followed,” he said, “If I were, those goons would have never taken you last night.”

Malina thought about that. He was right. If Draco had someone watching her, most likely they would have protected her from Wooten and Fredrick. But something was going on.

“How did you find me here? The truth, Draco…or I swear I will disappear,” she said evenly.

Draco fought back a smirk. As long as she wore that ring she wouldn’t be disappearing anyplace he couldn’t find her…if it wasn’t warded that is. He glanced down at the paper in her hands, reading what she had circled.

“Wanted: Waitress. Apply at Hog Head Inn. Report to Aberforth Dumbledore. Wear Something Short.”

“What?” Draco spluttered as Malina looked at him with cool eyes, “A waitress at the Hogs Head? Malina…you can’t be serious. You’d leave that place with handprints all over your ass and thighs every single night!”

He pulled the paper out of her hands, scowling as he read a few of the other jobs she had circled.

“Stock Girl Wanted. Cedric’s Sex Emporium. Must not be allergic to Latex.”

“Leech Collector. No experience necessary. Must be in excellent health, love water and have good blood flow.”

Other ads were circled, all equally as horrible.

“Malina, are you insane? You can’t work in any of these places!” Draco seethed, his face contorted. “A stock girl at a sex shop? Collecting leeches with your bare legs in a swamp? And ESCORT??? Malina, you will be doing more than escorting wizards, believe me. You don’t make three hundred galleons a night clutching a wizard’s arm!”

Draco had on occasion used the “A Witch in Time Escort Service” and knew what he was talking about. The witches were beautiful but extremely accommodating.

“Draco, I just circled them. It didn’t mean I was actually going to try and get a job with any of them. They were just possibles,” she said.

Draco tore the want ad section into little itty-bitty pieces.

“Now they’re impossibles,” he said to the witch.

Malina shook her head.

“Draco, I have to get a job. I don’t do enough backup singing to pay for my flat,” she said.

“I’ll pay for it. I’m rich, remember?” he said, “Hell, I’ll pay for anything you need Malina. You don’t have to work.”

Malina eyed him.

“Oh…so I could be your ‘kept’ woman, eh Draco? You could just ‘drop by’ any time for a quickie, and I’d be obligated to service you,” she said disparagingly.

Draco frowned at her.

“Malina, you know me better than that,” he said, hurt, “I’m only trying to offer you a solution.”

Malina sighed. She knew Draco was just trying to be helpful. In his world, galleons were the answer to everything. But not in hers. Working and being self-sufficient was important to Malina, and made her feel secure and not in anyone’s debt.

Malina was an artist. Instead of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she attended a school for the Performing Arts. Learning magical spells was part of the curriculum, but the focus was on the arts rather than academics. There had to be some artists in the world after all. But not everyone was meant to be a star. Not everyone had the temperament for it.

Yet, Malina could be a star if she wanted to, but the witch was socially introverted, the polar opposite of her lover. She liked peace and spending time alone with herself, writing. She could be a songwriter as well, if she didn’t take everything she wrote so personally, unwilling to hand her work over to others to change and…well…abuse.

She also rebelled against what was considered common conventions in the wizarding world or even the muggle world. It was not unusual for a rich pureblood to cover his or her lover’s bills…in fact much of the time it was expected. A rich wizard keeping one or more mistresses was acceptable in fact. But Malina was more than a mistress to Draco. She was the only witch he was involved with. Before her, he went through witches like water. He really did just want to help her.

To Malina, it would mean he controlled her and would actually make her dependent on him. The witch didn’t want to have to depend on anyone in that manner. She did have another option though. She hadn’t told Draco about it, because she hadn’t really considered doing it, until now. Maybe she should give it some thought.

“Draco,” she said softly, “I’m sorry. I know you’re only trying to be helpful. But I need to feel I’m making my own way through the world, not being supported by someone else.”

”But I’m here to support you Malina, in all ways. You’re in a rough place right now. I just want to be here for you,” the wizard said earnestly, his gray eyes sincere.

The witch gave him a soft smile.

“You’re always here for me Draco,” she replied, “But it’s important to me that I make it on my own. A lot of artists are like that.”

”Most successful artists I know have patrons,” Draco said, “People who put up money so they are free to pursue their art. Malina, you have a marvelous voice. You could be as big as ‘Dirty Magic,’” he told her. “I’d gladly be your patron.”

Malina took his hand and looked at him soberly.

“It’s funny you mentioned ‘Dirty Magic’ Draco,” she said softly, “Miles came to me a couple of weeks ago and asked me to go on tour with them and be their opening act. I said no, because I was working and relatively stable. It would pay well…”

”For how long?” Draco asked her, a cold feeling in his belly.

“Sixteen weeks. Four months,” she replied her dark eyes resting on his face, “I think…I think I should go. The pay is very good and I’ll have a few galleons in my pockets when I come back. Plus, I am a singer, Draco. I spent most of my life studying my art and I’ve been doing very little with it.”

”Sixteen weeks,” Draco repeated, “That sounds like forever, Malina.”

He wasn’t going to discourage her, though he really didn’t want the witch to leave him for that long.

“It’s not, Draco. It really isn’t,” she said.

Draco scowled.

“With my luck, you’ll probably fall in love with the drummer or something,” he groused.

“Ewww! Are you crazy? Have you seen the drummer? No. No one has…because he’s covered in hair!” Malina said, her nose wrinkling.

“Well, the lead singer then,” Draco said jealously.

“Who? Miles? No chance of that happening Draco…I’ve known him for years. We went to school together. He’s not my type,” she said to the wizard.

“I wasn’t your type either,” Draco said glumly.

“Draco, I’m not interested in anyone other than you. You should know that by now,” she said to the wizard softly, “I’ll still feel that way when I come back.”

Draco frowned, thinking about all the wild parties musicians engaged in. All the alcohol and wizarding drugs passed around. Someone could slip Malina something.

“I’m not trying to discourage you Malina, but if you go…I’ll miss you,” he said, meaning it. Malina was the most real person in his life.

Yes, he had associates, but no one like her. It was more than being sexually involved with the witch, he connected with her. They could talk about more than the usual social fluff he was subjected to. They could talk about life, or not even speak at all, finding comfort and companionship just being with each other. He would miss that. It grounded him.

“I’ll miss you too, Draco,” she said softly, “I’ll take a magic mirror with me so we can talk while I’m traveling from gig to gig. Would that help?”

Draco nodded. Yes, being able to stay in contact with her would help. He felt lonely already. Very lonely. Suddenly, he wanted to bring Malina to the Manor and spend as much time as he could with her until she left.

“Malina…if you go, would you stay with me at the Manor until you actually leave? You’re going to move out of your flat I imagine. I could keep your things in storage for you,” he said to her, “Plus it would give us time…I want to memorize every part of you before you leave me.”

Malina stared at him for several moments. She could see the sadness in his eyes and appreciated him not trying to stop her from touring. She would miss him too.

“I guess I could do that, Draco,” she said. “They aren’t leaving for a week.”

Draco took her hands in his and kissed the back of each gently.

“Thank you, Malina,” he said to her, his eyes grateful. He stood up, pulling her to her feet, his eyes washing over her, already in memory mode.

“Draco?” Malina said softly.

”Yes, Malina?” he responded, just as softly.

“I’m not moving one damn inch until you tell me how the hell you keep finding me!” she snapped, snatching her hands away from him and placing them on her hips.

“Shit,” Draco thought, preparing himself for her wrath.

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A/N: Another chappie of Song completed. It might be a good thing Malina is gone for a while. Things are going to get pretty wild concerning the Death Eaters, and Draco might be spending quite a bit of time in their midst. With Malina gone, he won’t have to worry about her so much. Ooh, what’s Severus going to say when Hermione shows up? He could have been discovered. Now, on another note…I’ve been sick with this cold and have some brandy here. A reader suggested brandy and tea. I was wondering, do I add the brandy after the tea’s been brewed and sweetened, or do I brew it with the brandy in the water already? Any response is appreciated. Oh, and thanks for reading.