Where the Heart Is

A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I greatly appreciate them. Also, I have another fanfic up \"Doubts and Desires\" on AFF.net. It\'s SS/HG. Please read and review both. Also, smut should be coming sometime within the next three chapters. *grins*


Chapter Nine: A Marked Woman


Cassandra woke up to the warm golden rays of sunshine. She passed her hand over her face and blinked the sleep from her eyes. Sitting up, she noticed that it was actually going to be a nice spring day, especially since the entire school was now on spring break.

She got up and began to rummage around her trunk for her favorite pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Coming across her family photo, she paused and looked at the picture. She still felt sad when she saw the picture, but the intense grief and loss was no longer crushing her spirit and sucking the life from her.

Truly, she was getting on in her life. She had the best friends in the world. Remus had been quite attentive and was always there for her. The biggest surprise was that Snape had been there to get her back on the right track. He had even allowed her to redo the potions that she had bungled. She rather enjoyed his company actually when he wasn’t being an insufferable git.

She placed the photo aside and found her t-shirt and jeans and got dressed. After braiding her long hair, she gathered up some parchment, a quill, ink, and her potions book, placing them in a bag. She slung the bag over her shoulder and went downstairs to the Great Hall. Of the few students that were still here for the week-long vacation, even fewer were at the Great Hall. She grabbed a couple of muffins and transfigured a cup of juice into an enclosed, leak-proof bottle. She then left and went outside.

The warm sunlight caressed her skin. She loved these unusually warm spring days that had come the last few days. She hoped that the cold of winter would be completely gone now. She found a nice spot by the lake and set up her things. Opening her potions book, she began to read while eating her muffin.

She enjoyed the quiet and peace of the scenery around her. She didn’t have much else to do otherwise though. Harry and Hermione were invited to stay with the Weasleys during the break. She was invited as well, but she opted out. She adored the Weasleys, but she knew that she had work that she needed to do. Plus, she was one of the few people that actually valued some alone time. Remus had been invited as well and only agreed when he knew that another adult at the Burrow would keep everyone even safer.

Voldemort and his Death Eaters had done some destructive raids after Christmas. The raids had stopped almost as soon as they had started. Little had been heard of Death Eater activities since then. Cassandra felt like it was the calm before the storm, actually. She had inquired to Snape about what was going on, but he told her that he actually did not know. She wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth or not.

So, she was staying at Hogwarts and, for the most part, was going to be alone this spring break. She needed to work on her N.E.W.T.s as it was. They were coming up in a couple of months, not that she really knew what she was going to do after graduation yet. There were several opportunities opened to her, but she also had to keep in mind that she had little finances to back up doing much until she got a job and more money.

After she finished her second muffin and drank a bit of the juice, she began to write up one of her potions essays that was due after break. She was so absorbed in her essay that she did not notice that she was being watched.

After breakfast, Severus decided to actually get out of the dungeons and seek out a spot to read by the lake. It was still relatively early, and he was certain that the few students that were around would be doing other activities. He picked up a book and walked out there, leaving his teaching robes behind in the dungeons since they were not neededthe the warm springtime morning air. He stopped when he noticed someone who had already beaten him to his normal spot. Quietly, he walked up behind her. “Nice to see that you are finding something useful to do with your time,” he commented smoothly.

Cassandra didn’t look up, recognizing the voice as Snape’s. “Yes, I thought I should get to work on those abhorrent potions essays. The potions professor is a real bastard to give SO much homework over the holidays.” She looked up at him finally and smirked.

Severus glared at her. “Oh, yes, but he should have given more if his students can find time to make such remarks. Care if I join you?”

She motioned to the spot beside of her. “It’s free. I’m not claiming all of the side of the lake.”

He sat down and leaned against the trunk of the tree. “I just hope that you are not planning to join the squid again.” he commented, remembering the last time the two of them had been together by the lake.

“I don’t plan on it.” She glanced over at him. “What brings you out of the Batcave without your Batcape on?”

“For one, Miss Black, it’s quite too warm for the full attire. Two, I wanted to get out of the castle a bit and read.” Severus stated. He was rather use to their little banter. “What brings you away from the safety of Gryffindor Tower?”

“Pretty much the same. Wanted to get out the castle and do some work.” Cassandra said. “What are you reading?”

“Edgar Allen Poe: The Complete Works.” Severus stated, motioning to the title of the book.

“Ah, nothing goes better than the macabre on such a nice warm day,” she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She looked at him in a studious glare. “Yes, you do look like one who would ponder ‘over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.’”

Severus actually smiled. She knew Poe. She smiled back at him, and the two of them lapsed in a comfortable silence as she worked on her potions essays and he read his book.

They sat like that for a while. “So, have you heard anything lately from Voldemort?” she asked without looking up.

“No, not that it is any of your business,” Severus stated rather honestly.

“Heard anything since you took me to him?” she persisted.

“Obviously the Dark Lord has had better things to do than call for me,” he stated. He had been very little help to the Order in the last few months. He hadn’t even been aware of the raids after Christmas. He couldn’t say that he was overly surprised though that the Dark Lord hadn’t called for him. He was in and out of the Dark Lord’s favor as well as was called less during school because of Dumbledore.

“Oh,” she said softly. She looked over at him. “Do you think that he has forgotten about me?”

Severus glanced up at her. “Honestly, no, he hasn’t forgotten you. But, don’t worry about it. You are not going back to him.” He said reassuringly.

“But…” she started to say.

“You’re not going back there.” he stated firmly. He was not going to take her back. Even he had figured that the Dark Lord would have requested her again, but his mark had not even had a twinge since early November until just a few days ago. Secretly, he hoped that the Dark Lord had forgotten about her, although he figured that was highly unlikely.

They ed ied into silence again and stayed like that until they both left and parted ways.

* * * * *

That evening after dinner, Severus’ mark burned fiercely. Quickly, he went to Dumbledore’s office. “I’ve been called, Sir.”

Albus looked up at him. “Go on. Report when you return.”

Severus nodded and left quickly, his robes flying out behind him. Once outside of the grounds, he put his Death Eater robes and mask on and apparated to the spot. Immediately, he was down on the ground before the Dark Lord. “Master,” he said, keeping his nose to the ground and not looking up.

“Rise, Severus.” Voldemort stated, watching his sniveling servant before him. Severus slowly stood up, keeping his head bowed in the utmost respect to the Dark Lord. He was not worthy enough to be more direct like Lucius Malfoy. “It is time, Severus. I have given the girl long enough. Bring her to me tomorrow night. She will join us then.” He lifted his hand, magically forcing Severus to look at him. “If you fail, it will be your end as my servant.” His red eyes searched the dark ones, letting Severus know the seriousness of this assignment. “If you pass, you will be considered one of my most valued. Now, leave my sight.”

Severus bowed and left, apparating just outside of Hogwarts’ grounds. He took off the mask and outer robes. He was rather solemn and knew that the Dark Lord was deadly serious. He walked slowly up to the castle, knowing that he had to tell the Headmaster. His thoughts flitted over to Cassandra. Was he truly willing to die for her? With a sigh, he knew that tonight would be his last night on earth. He had vowed not to take her back. It was a vow that was not going to be broken by him. He had made an oath that was not to be violated and broken. He was not a Gryffindor who could do this act with such self-sacrifice, but he was noble and honorable. He kept his oaths. He was a respectable Slytherin, despite how most of the others would consider those two words ‘respectable’ and ‘Slytherin’ as an oxymoron when placed together.

Eventually, he arrived at Dumbledore’s office and entered after he was called in. “He wants you to bring Cassandra agadoesdoesn’t he?” Albus inquired. Severus nodded. Albus studied him for a moment. “You’re not going to.” Severus nodded in agreement. “Now, Severus, you can’t go back to Tom then. It’s not worth it.” Albus stated, wanting to protect the man in front of him. Severus was his friend and almost like a…a son to him.

Severus’ dark eyes met Albus’ blue ones. “I’m sorry, Albus. I have no choice. If I don’t show up, the Dark Lord will send the Death Eaters to get me. He can use the Mark to make my life more of a living hell than it is. I have to go, but I’m not taking Miss Black with me.” He turned, unable to look at Albus. “You’re going to have to find a new Potions Master. We both knew that this day might come, Albus.” He looked back over his shoulder at the older wizard. “You’ve always been a friend to mMoreMore of a father-figure than my own was.” He then turned and left quickly as he pushed emotions that he did not want to explain down. He went down to his quarters and began to pace. He didn’t want to see anyone. He didn’t want to break his resolve. He couldn’t take her there, even though it meant his own life. She…she had actually become a friend to him. He didn’t want this, but it just happened. She was his friend, and gods, he cared. He wasn’t going to throw her life away by taking her there. He paused pacing for a moment and poured himself a glass of fire whiskey, downing it and then pouring another. He wondered if the selfless acts were easier for the Gryffindors because frankly they were driving him crazy.

* * * * *

Cassandra had fallen asleep late that night, waking up early that morning to strange dreams. She kept seeing a wizard with red eyes shooting a green light at a man dressed all in black. She shook the thoughts away and went about her morning. Deciding to stay in her rood red read, she fell asleep again. A dream appeared slowly and came into clearer focus.

“You didn’t bring her?” a cold, high-pitched voice stated. “No, Master, I did not. I’m unable to get her again.” the other male voice said. “I told you, Severus, what would happen if you failed.” “Yes, I know.” the male voice said in emotionless defeat. The wand was raised. “You won’t fail me again. Avada Kedavra!” The green light shot out and the other man fell back, spread-eagle onto the ground. She saw the man’s face.

She gasped and woke up abruptly. She was shaking from the nightmare. No, the vision. She put her hands to her face, feeling the dampness on her skin. She was crying. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. She couldn’t let anyone else die because of her. She couldn’t. She had to tell Professor Snape to take her to Voldemort again. He couldn’t die for her. She wiped the tears away and stood up. Her legs took her to her goal. She had hardly realized that she had left her room until she was pounding on Professor Snape’s door.

Severus woke up on the floor, not remembering exactly how he ended up on the floor until he noticed the half-empty bottle of fire whiskey. The pounding did not help his headache at all. “Go away,” he called out as he pulled himself up and got a hangover potion to help with the headache. He downed it, knowing that the effects would kick in soon. The banging had not stopped. He angrily opened the door. He looked down at her. She was the reason he had this blasted hangover. “I said go away.”

Cassandra looked at him. “You look horrible, Sir.” she stated sincerely. She caught the hint of alcohol around him. “Are you drunk?”

Severus glared at her. “Correction: I WAS drunk. I just have a hangover now, and I don’t need your presence making it worse.”

“I’m not leaving. I have to talk to you.” Cassandra stated firmly as she looked up at him.

“Well, I don’t want to talk to you,” Severus said, trying to close the door but found out that he was unable to as she held it opened and then slipped in. With the lack of resistance suddenly, the door slammed shut. He turned and looked at her, still leaning against the door. “What do you want?” he asked angrily.

She looked him straight in the eyes. “You are taking me to Voldemort.” she demanded.
’m n’m not going to do any such thing, Miss Black,” he said, moving to walk past her.

She grabbed his arm, making him look at her. “You’re going to die, if you don’t.”

His long fingers closed tightly around her wrist. “I know that, Miss Black, but that does not change the fact that I’m NOT taking you back to him.” He dragged her towards the door and opened it, tossing her out. “It’s not up for discussion. Stay out.” He then slammed the door and went back to pacing again.

She was tossed out and landed hard on the ground as she rubbed her wrist. She stood up and faced the door. “I’m not going to let you die for me,” she called out, not knowing exactly what to do now. She leaned against the wall and slowly sat down. She had to come up with a way to get there. She couldn’t let him die. She needed to find out where Voldemort and his followers would be. The idea suddenly clicked, knowing exactly who to talk to.

After waiting for a while and rubbing her hands together to keep them from freezing in the cool dungeon air, she finally saw who she was looking for and thankfully he was alone. She moved from her spot in the shadows and cornered him as she had his wand pointed directly at his chest. “Tell me where I can find Voldemort, Draco.” she demanded.

“Black,” Draco drawled, just barely able to keep his calm despite his complete surprise. He was slowly moving his hand to grab his own wand.

“Expelliarmus,” Cassandra said as Draco’s wand flew into her hand. “Now, Draco, I know that you have connections to Death Eaters. I need to know where Voldemort is going to be tonight.”

Draco looked at her, rather wide-eyed. “Why should I tell a halfblood like you?” he spat out suddenly.

An evil grin crossed Cassandra’s lips as she pointed her wand to Draco’s lower region. “I suggest that you tell me where he’ll be and swear that it is the truth. Otherwise, you will have to carry around your genitalia in a SMALL jar of brine.” She then gave his pants a slight nudge with the tip of her wand. “Understand?”

Draco paled slightly and swallowed back the lump in his throat. She was deadly serious about this. “I…I don’t know for certain, but I overheard a couple seventh years mentioning a meeting tonight at Dead’s End in Hogsmeade. Honest.” He rather liked his lower regions where they were.

“Good,” Cassandra stated, removing her wand from him for a second before pointing it back at his chest. “If I find out that you lied to me, then the offer still stands, Draco. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly clear.”

“Thank you for the information.” She tossed his wand aside and walked up, not wanting to face his anger now, which she had a feeling would be coming. This was way too important. Hurriedly, she went up to her rooms and began to prepare herself for tonight.

* * * * *

Cassandra was not completely certain where Dead’s End was, but she figured that it wouldn’t be too hard to find it in Hogsmeade. She dressed in black pants and a black sweater and put her black cloak around her as she stayed close to the shadows. She reached the area just outside Hogwarts immediate grounds and apparated to the area in Hogsmeade where she thought that the place was likely to be. She looked around, not knowing exactly where she was in the dark. She wished that she could have followed someone, but that was out of the question. She just hoped that she wasn’t going to be too late.

After walking a bit, she spotted two dark shadows walking toward the side where the caves were. She followed them silently, seeing them enter a cave. She crept closer, staying close to the ground. She could hear voices inside, although she could only pick out a few words here and there. Meeting. Dark Lord. Girl. She couldn’t distinguish much else. She heard a cold voice silence them. She moved closer until she was able to see the backs of the Death Eaters.

“Tonight we are going to either going to induct our newest member or destroy a traitor.” Voldemort said to his followers. They seemed quite excited about the prospect. “They should be arriving within minutes.” He had sent out the summons to Severus now, figuring that he would give him a few minutes to bring the girl.

Cassandra took a deep breath. She had to go in there before Professor Snape did. She took out her wand and apparated to the center of the room where she was facing Voldemort.

Voldemort eyed the girl who had appeared suddenly. “Where is your professor?”

“He sent me on ahead, Vol—my Dark Lord.” Cassandra stated, bowing her head. She didn’t know what she was doing, but she knew that she had little choice in what she was going to do. Voldemort would never let them leave alive if she didn’t do this. “He has brought me here to join you.”

Voldemort slowly smiled. “Wonderful. Kneel before me, my child.”
She slowly kneeled down in front of him. She was shaking slightly from fear.

Voldemort stopped right in front of her and spoke, “Hand me your wand.” She obliged and presented it to him. “Look at me, child.” When she looked up, he smirked and took her left arm, pushing up the sleeve.

Severus had felt the summons and took a few minutes to get up the courage to go forth. He walked to the edge of the grounds and apparated to the place. He was about to tell the Dark Lord that he did not have the girl and was not going to bring her when he saw her kneeling before him.

Her head snapped in Snape’s direction, and she looked at him. She sighed softly in resignation and looked back to Voldemort.

“Congratulations, Severus. You have passed.” Voldemort stated. He then returned his gaze to the young woman in front of him. “You will remain loyal to me and only me.”

“Yes, I will, my Lord. It’s all I desire.” Cassandra said as she stared back into those red eyes. She was inwardly trembling. This was the last thing she wanted to do, but it was getting done. “My Lord, may I make a private request? It will further secure my loyalty to you.”

Voldemort didn’t normally make requests, but she was a valuable prize. He leaned down slightly to hear her private request. “Speak.”

She was trembling more as he was closer. “I will do what you ask and be a good servant, my Lord, as long as my own person is my own person to be dispense at mine or your will. Also, I will be unable to be active as much as I would like until after my graduation. Please, my Lord.” She looked at him with pleading eyes.

He straightened up. It was an unusual request, but he decided that she was worth it. “Granted.” He raised his wand to her arm and cast the spell, marking her as his.

She winced in pain and felt an urge to risk her life for him. She bowed her head. “I’m at your disposal, my Dark Lord.”

“Rise up, my child.” After she had stood up, he raised her chin to look at him. “You are mine. You belong to me and will be loyal to me, won’t you?” She nodded fervently. He leaned down and sealed her loyalty to him with a kiss. He then turned her around to face the rest of his Death Eaters. “She is now one among our ranks. She will be respected. Her person is my person and only I will dispense of it as I wish.” He looked at Severus. “Take her back to Hogwarts. I will call for you both later on.”

She bowed lowly to him and then left with Severus, apparating just outside of Hogwarts.

Severus had bowed as well. He then turned on her and grabbed her by the shoulders once they got back to Hogwarts. “What the hell do you think you are doing? Do you have any idea what you just did!?” he said angrily at her as he slightly shook her.

She looked up at him. “I…I joined them. I couldn’t let you die.”

He had a firm grip on her arms. “You foolish girl! You should have just let me die. You have completely ruined your life now. Do you understand that?”

“Ruined my life? My life is already ruined. Do you know that it would have killed me to find out that you died because you wouldn’t take me back to him? Do you realize that? Do YOU understand? I did what I had to do. I couldn’t just stand by and watch someone else I care about die. I couldn’t.” she said, raising her voice until she was practically screaming at him. Her voice suddenly died away and went soft as she spoke, “I lost my father, my mother, and my little sister because I sat by and did nothing. I should have at least tried to warn them. I couldn’t do it again. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to join, but it’s done now. I have to live with my choice. It was MY choice. I couldn’t let you die though.”

Severus suddenly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. He didn’t realize that she had cared enough to do this for him. He was ready to die. He had all his things settled a long time ago when he knew that it was a possibility, but she had saved him. “You bloody Gryffindors and your bravery and good deeds,” he said, slightly chiding her as he still held her close. He looked down and tilted her chin up some to look at him. “I’m so sorry I have gotten you into this. Thank you for sa me me though.”

She looked up at him and smiled slowly. “You’re welcome. So, what do we do now? I’ve joined them. I want to make myself useful. I can be a spy like you.”

He slowly let go of her. “We need to tell Professor Dumbledore. We can let him decide.” He motioned for her to follow him, and they walked up to Dumbledore’s office. He knocked and was entered, noticing the look of relief that the headmaster had when he saw him. “Don’t look too happy yet, Albus. Miss Black decided to be a little hero to save me and ended up joining the Dark Lord.”

Albus had been thrilled to see Severus, but he gave a concern look to Cassandra when he heard what she did. “Where do your loyalties truly lay, Miss Black?” he asked as he motioned to a seat.

She went over and sat down. “My true loyalties lay with you and the Order, Sir. I only joined out of necessity. I am willing to be a spy.”

Albus stared into the girl’s eyes. He believed her. “I will discuss this with the Order. I suggest that you and Severus go and get some rest. I’m not thrilled with you joining them, Miss Black, but I am glad to have our Potions Master still.” He smiled at Severus. “If he calls either one of you, you will notify me before you leave and after you get back.” He then dismissed them.

She nodded and stood up. “Of course, Sir.” She walked out with Severus. She looked at him and gave a slight smile before walking off toffinffindor Tower. She was glad that he was alive too. He was her friend, and she couldn’t let him die. She would have done the same thing for the others. As she went back to her room, she sat on the bed and looked at the fading mark. She was worried about her decision, but she felt like she had made the right one. She took a deep breath as she wondered what life would bring now that she was marked by Lord Voldemort.


A/N: Now that you have read, please take a moment to review. I like to know how I\'m doing and getting feedback and such.