Disclaimer: I just borrowed them from J.K.Rowling and they'll probably be glad when I bring them back, because I'm a very sick person. Pairing: Severus/Sirius, Severus/Voldemort Rating: NC-17, for explicit m/m sex - seriously, I could only get more graphic in the Sirius/Severus scene by adding illustrations. Also very dark themes. If you are likely to be traumatised by a story containing torture with consequences, sexual spells and auto-aggression, don't read this. Note: There's a very small cross reference to George Orwell's 1984. Plot Summary: Severus and Sirius continue their relationship, but life can be a bitch. Devil's Pet Part V: Red Tears By Ratwoman ratwoman02@yahoo.de Severus Snape went through his morning mail. A letter by his house elf Basky - Severus shook his head, smiling. Basky was the perfect bureaucrat, sending him once a month a totally boring report stating that everything in his mansion was at the same place as when he had left it. Furthermore the Daily Prophet, a letter by his aunt Nancy crazy old woman - and a letter without sender, but Severus at once recognised the neat handwriting. Sirius. Severus unwrapped and read it. >>My adored beloved one<< Severus shook his head. Why did Sirius always have to be so over-enthusiastic about them? Of course, Severus enjoyed sleeping with Sirius, but nothing in the world would make him turn on the blarney. He expected as little from Sirius. >>I miss you.<< Severus rolled his eyes. The last time they had met was hardly a week ago, how could Sirius already talk of missing him? >>I want to pass my fingers through your raven hair again...<< How convenient, Sirius always forgot to mention that his hair had a tendency of being greasy. >>I want to kiss you and hold you, to feel you and to fuck you senseless.<< That was more the tone. >>But the reason I write you is: Aunt Helen has arrived. She's been spending five enjoyable days here before she departed.<< Which meant translated that they had succeeded to put stones in Voldemort's way with the help of the information he had passed to them, that the dark wizard planned an attack on Mundungus Fletcher and his sister. Since "Aunt Helen" had already departed, the people concerned were hidden and out of danger. >>Yours forever, S.B. P.S.: Moony says hi.<< On his way to the Great Hall Severus did something he rarely did: he was smiling. He caught himself in time before entering the Hall, but obviously he did not look as sour as usually, because during breakfast Albus said: "You look almost cheerful today, Severus?" "That's because my cousin sent me an owl, the one who has a wolf as a familiar." Severus replied. "A wolf? That's unusual." the new Dada teacher, a naive young man who was a kind of blend between Quirrel and Lockhart, threw in. Severus ignored him and added, looking at Albus: "Aunt Helen has visited him, and she departed safely to her big journey." "Oh really?" Albus answered cheerfully while the new Dada teacher looked slightly puzzled. "I got post from my old friend Frederick today." Albus replied. Severus waited for Albus to refer what Mad Eye Moody had written. "He's been trying a new spell to keep gnomes out of his garden." "Did it work?" Minerva asked casually. "Yes, they are all gone." So the Death Eaters Moody has been after had escaped. Bad news. "Excellent." Severus said. The new Dada teacher started telling them the best ways to permanently get rid of gnomes. Minerva and Albus even had the patience to fake interest. It had been one and a half year now since Voldemort's return. Not even Fudge could ignore the spreading of terror anymore. Not that Fudge and the Ministry of Magic were of much help though, but thanks to the information Severus could gather, Dumbledore and his trusted had been able to prevent the worst. There was a high price to his mission. Voldemort did not only expect Severus to take over the same role as 16 years ago, he also had put the same old binding spells on him, forcing his body to crave the Lord's touch even when his mind loathed him. Well, at least it made his part easier to play. *** A few days later. "You've got post." Sirius said. Remus gazed at the owl sitting at the windowsill, opened the window and let it in. "For you." he said when receiving the letter. "Ah, it's from Sev!" Sirius said excitedly and tore open the envelope. He read it with a frown. "What's he writing?" Remus asked. "He's asking me to stop writing like a fifteen year old romantic school girl." Remus laughed out loudly. "I'm sure that's some sort of code." Sirius said grinning. "Weird, cause I thought he could hardly become any clearer." Remus replied. "He's also writing that Frederick got rid of all the gnomes in his garden." "Damn!" Remus swore. "And Aunt Augusta - alias Albus Dumbledore - is inviting us for Easter. Frederick is also coming." Sirius said. He smiled happily: "Did I mention that I simply adore Aunt Augusta?" Remus smirked, knowing that Sirius was just looking forward to share Severus's bed at Easter. It had been interesting to watch how Sirius and Severus had turned from best enemies to secret lovers during the last one and a half years. And it had been fun to listen to Sirius going into raptures about Snape as passionately as he in older times had been talking ill of him. However, it had not been fun to listen to Sirius moaning about how seldom he and Severus could meet; that was rather unnerving. *** Severus was not surprised to hear the Sixth Year Gryffindors and Slytherins shouting at each other before he entered the classroom, he was just surprised that Neville Longbottom of all people was challenging Draco Malfoy with the words: "Just try it, Malfoy, just try it!" Was the boy suicidal? Snape decided not to let them know that he was here and watched silently through the open door. Draco was pointing his wand at Neville and shouted: "Algor ulcus!", but Neville quickly cast a protective spell before him. Draco's curse bounced off like from a mirror and hit Vincent Crabbe instead. Severus blinked, then remembered than in year six they were learning in Defence Against the Dark Arts how to cast protective walls around them. Either the new Dada teacher was a genius to teach near squib Longbottom something so well that he could defend himself against Draco Malfoy, or Neville Longbottom had found his one talent. The students noticed him standing in the door now. "Professor!" Draco called, "Vincent has been attacked by Neville!" "Infirmary!" Snape ordered and Vincent Crabbe ran off whining. "That's so not true!" Harry Potter shouted, "Vincent has not been attacked, the hex Draco has been trying to throw on Neville has bounced off and hit him!" Though he was certainly afraid that Snape would not believe them, Neville Longbottom was smiling proudly all over his round face. "I know." Snape just said, "sit down, lesson starts!" Actually, he was quite relieved about what he had just seen; maybe Neville Longbottom had a chance to survive the following couple of years. *** "Snape really should have taken points off Slytherin, that biased bastard!" Harry said when they sat in the common room in the evening. "Because Malfoy attacked me?" Neville asked. "I challenged him." he said pointedly. "Yes, but Malfoy knows that you're no match for him." Ron threw in. "Ouch!" he screamed when Hermione elbowed him. Neville just grinned and spend the rest of the evening practising casting circles around him, until he was caught in his own protective spells. Neville banged his fists against the invisible wall around him, looking slightly worried. "Hey, I don't get out anymore!" "Hm," Hermione made, then pointed her wand at him: "Exhubo protectio!" she called. Blue light flashed out of the tip of her wand, flew around the circle around Neville and faded away. Neville knocked against the invisible wall. "No, still there." he said. Hermione started looking worried. Again she pointed her wand at him and called: "Discuto Protectio!" It was a much stronger spell, but it only bounced off the wall, met an empty chair and burst it to pieces. "Oops!" Hermione said, then turning to Ron and Harry: "Any ideas?" "Err," Ron said, "no." Harry shook his head. "Anyone else?" Hermione asked the other Gryffindors who were sitting in the common room and watching with surprise. All of them shook their heads. "Harry, Ron, go and fetch Professor McGonagall!" Hermione ordered. *** "The sleeping draught you asked for, Minerva." Severus said when he entered McGonagall's office. "Thank you, Severus." she said smiling. Then she sighed and said, "I can hardly sleep wondering when you-know-who will strike next - and how many of my students will survive." "I think I have something to cheer you up." Severus said, "Today your Neville Longbottom successfully defeated my Draco Malfoy." Minerva's eyes lightened up. "How?" she asked. "Seems like he has a natural talent for protective spells. Draco's curse just bounced off." At that moment someone knocked on the door. "Come in!" Professor McGonagall called. Ron Weasley and Harry Potter entered. As Snape noticed the boys looked very suspiciously at him, before turning to Minerva: "Professor," Harry said, "Neville, he, um, is in trouble." "Tell me something new." Snape murmured. In his relief he had almost forgotten that trouble followed the Longbottom boy on the heel. "What happened?" Minerva asked. "Err," Harry was looking nervously at Snape, as if expecting him to turn into a huge snake any second, "He has been practising casting protective walls around him all evening. Now he doesn't get out of them anymore." Severus in vain tried to suppress a smile. Minerva was more successful, but he could see her eyes sparkling with humour. Raising to her feet she said: "Severus, would you like to come along?" "Certainly, " he answered, ignoring the terrified looks on the boys' faces. *** Neville was leaning against the invisible wall of the circle he had cast, scolding himself for being such an idiot. The one time he had thought he was good at something he had become cocky, and now, here he was, caught in his own protection spells. Maybe he should stick with herbology, it was at least not dangerous. Finally Harry and Ron came back, with Professor McGonagall and, oh dammit, Professor Snape! Neville closed his eyes and sighed. It never rained, but it poured. "Professors," Hermione said, "I tried an exhubio and a discutio, but none of it worked." Snape just ignored her and walked towards Neville. Neville swallowed. His most feared teacher saw him in this embarrassing situation. Potions would be hell, Snape definitively was going to make fun of him all the time. Snape mockingly raised an eye-brow and knocked on the invisible wall, then pointed his wand and said: "Demonstra infirmitates!" The "wall" started to glow in a greenish light. McGonagall joined Snape and pointed at a point which was of a lighter green. "Here, there's a weak spot." Snape nodded and both teachers pointed their wands at the spot, shouting: "Discuto Protectio!" The wall shattered with an explosion that knocked Neville over. "Are you alright, Dear?" Professor McGonagall asked with worry. Neville hurriedly got to his feet. "I'm fine, thank you!" Then, to his horrors, Professor Snape took a step closer, looking very seriously. "Your protective spells are really strong for a sixteen year old." he said quietly so that no one except Neville and McGonagall could hear him. "But you also should practise how to lift off your own spells." With these words, Snape turned on his heels and walked out of the Gryffindor common room. Neville stared after him in disbelief. Had Professor Snape really just praised his abilities? *** When the Easter break started, Snape was glad to see the students leaving. Hogwarts would be much quieter the following two weeks. Of course, Harry Potter was going to spend the holidays here. Snape still did not like the boy; he made it much too difficult for everyone to watch over his safety. But, since his relationship with Remus and Sirius had changed into a more friendly one, his detest for Potter had diminished. No need to keep to old grudges. He was actually looking forward to meeting Sirius again; it would keep his mind off his unwilling craving for Voldemort. It was so disgusting, yearning for a man who had used and raped him. But one day he would pay him back. Having a relationship with a man whom he had hated at school only seemed a minor universal joke in comparison. *** Remus and Sirius arrived a few days later. After saying hi to Harry and meeting with Dumbledore (Alastor Moody was only going to arrive two days later), Sirius went straight to the potions masters quarters. Severus was not in, so he curled up in front of the door and waited. After a while he heard familiar footsteps nearing and raised his head. Coming around the corner, Snape noticed him and stopped short. "Fang?" he asked jokingly. Sirius tried hard to look offended. Severus came nearer and Sirius raised to all four, wagging his tail. Smirking, Severus unlocked the door and let the animagus in, following shortly. "Where did you leave your werewolf?" Severus asked when Sirius turned to his human form. "I did not think we'd need him here, but if you want a threesome I can go and ask him." Sirius offered innocently. "No thanks." Severus replied. Sirius stepped nearer. "I missed you." he whispered. He could see that Severus tried to look indifferent, but the glowing in his obsidian eyes betrayed him. They were inches apart, not touching, but Sirius could feel the heat radiating from Snape's body. Sirius reached out and cupped Severus cheek. He really had missed him, so much that it hurt. It was scary to feel so much for someone, but whenever he was alone with Snape, he knew it was worth it. Sirius moved his fingers to cup Severus's neck and pulled him close for a kiss. Severus yielded to the kiss, their tongues battling while Sirius pulled Severus lithe body nearer. He could stay like this forever; he wished this moment would never stop. After a while Severus broke the kiss, gasping for breath. Sirius scattered kisses on Severus jawline and throat - who needed to breathe when holding Severus? Sirius greedily started unfastening Severus's robes, moving his hands under the material to feel smooth skin. They stripped each other down within seconds, then Sirius found himself grabbed by the wrist and pulled into the bedroom. Sirius knew Snape's big, black-sheeted bed quite well by now from his occasional secret visits. Severus sat down on the bed and picked up a black velvet scarf. "Tie me." he whispered huskily. Sirius felt blood rushing to his groin at that prospect: Severus trusted him enough to deliver himself to his mercy. Sirius straddled the other wizard's hips and kissed him deeply, while raising his hands over his head and tying them together. Then he pushed him flat onto the mattress and fastened the ends of the scarf to the brass rails inserted at the head of the bed. * Severus wanted to know whether he could enjoy bondage with Sirius, or whether only the Dark Lord's spells forced him to like it. Severus was nervous about it, what if he'd get claustrophobic? What if he'd hate it? But he had to know. Severus watched Sirius's face when he was tying him to the bed. His silky black hair was falling into his face and his eyes were shining. When finished, Sirius sat straddling his hips, looking down at him for a moment, then moving his hands slowly over his chest, gazing at Severus with what looked pretty much like reverence. Then Sirius leant down and kissed him, while passing his fingers through his hair. Sirius then proceeded in kissing each inch of his face. Severus closed his eyes as Sirius lips travelled over his face, then moved to his throat, biting down from time to time. Severus felt him shifting his body so that he covered him completely, rubbing skin on skin with sensual movements. As always, Sirius was much different to Voldemort, wilder, completely uncontrolled, and much more affectionate. Severus gave himself completely over to the sensations, moaning shamelessly when he felt Sirius's hard cock pressing against his stomach. Sirius slowly travelled down, licked along his breastbone until he moved to the side and flicked his tongue over Severus's left nipple, then took it between his teeth and pulled. Severus arched off the bed in pain and lust. That seemed to turn Sirius on, who moved further down, biting down on his skin without restraint. Sirius knelled between Severus's knees, moving his hands underneath Severus's bottom to knead the muscle, while he licked and nipped his flat abdomen. Severus moaned and writhed, his erection throbbing, while Sirius spent an eternity lapping his navel. Finally he moved further down, tugging with his teeth at his pubic hair. Severus dimly noticed that his moans got louder each second while he parted his legs widely to give Sirius better access. His hands still kneading Severus's buttocks he licked and nibbled the sensitive skin of his inner thighs, inches away of his hungry cock. Severus whimpered in frustration when Sirius tormented him with his skilful tongue. Finally Sirius ran his tongue along the underside of his cock, making him scream. Sirius moved his tongue in quick licks over his prick driving Snape crazy. He was arching off the bed towards Sirius, arms stretching, the scarf cutting into his wrists. With one hand Sirius was gathering up the precum leaking from Severus's shaft, using it as lubricate, the fingers of one hand slowly pushing in and out his anus while he was still licking his cock. After a while Sirius withdrew and sat up, taking a few seconds time to catch his breath, or maybe keeping himself from pushing right in. Severus looked up; Sirius's eyes were closed, his chest was heaving from heavy gasps. How could anyone look so beautiful? Sirius opened his eyes and Severus almost came from the look of utter lust Sirius gave him. Then Sirius raised Severus legs so that they rested on his shoulders, parted his buttocks and smashed in. Severus screamed in a mixture of pleasure and pain. He watched Sirius throwing back his head, his black mane flying. Again, Severus wondered how a human being could look so beautiful. Sirius started moving in and out, hitting Severus prostrate with each powerful thrust. His universe was reduced to that single moment, nothing more was important now. Severus came the moment when Sirius started to stroke his cock in combination to his thrusts. The contraction of muscles drove Sirius over the edge and he came, too, spilling out his semen. Sirius withdrew and collapsed next to Severus. After a few minutes rest, he remembered to undo the ties, kissing his lover while doing so. *** Sirius strolled through the castle, in dog form of course. The last two days, or rather the nights, had been incredible. Severus and he had been fucking like bunnies whenever possible. Of course, they had to make up for the weeks they had not seen each other, and the weeks to come. Which reminded him, Remus and he would leave in only two days. Sirius smiled inwardly when his increased dog senses noticed a familiar smell. Turning quickly around a corner, he faced the object of his desire. Snape nodded at him in recognition and was about to walk past him but Sirius resumed his human shape. "Are you out of your mind?" Snape hissed. "What if someone sees you?" "Everyone is on holiday, Severus." Sirius replied, with one quick step closing the distance between them. With a frown Snape tried to get by, but Sirius grabbed his shoulders and pressed him against the next wall, trying to kiss him. When Snape turned his head, Sirius moved his lips along his elegant throat instead. "Sirius," Snape moaned, "I don't have time for that!" "Just take the time." Sirius begged, tonguing Severus's earlobe. "Yeah, I'm sure he-who-must-not-be-named will understand if I let him wait because I had to shag you first." Snape snarled bitterly. Damn! Sirius loosened his grip and let his head rest on Snape's shoulder in disappointment. "What's the meeting about?" Sirius asked. "Well, let's say, he wants the same from me as you." Not quite the same. Sirius looked up and gazed worriedly at Snape's face. "I'll be fine." Snape tried to assure him, but Sirius noticed that there was a haunted look in his opaque eyes. Sirius took a step back. He must have looked very subdued, because Severus cupped his cheek with his palm and gave him one of his rare smiles. Seconds later their lips met in a gentle kiss. Just as their kiss deepened, Sirius heard someone behind them gasp. Swearing he turned around and saw his own godson staring at them in shock. Damn, he had not heard the Harry coming. The boy turned around and ran off into the opposite direction. "Dammit!" Sirius said, turning to Severus, who only smirked mockingly. "Maybe I should follow him and explain." he said. While turning into a dog, he wondered how on earth he could explain Harry why he snogged his behated potions master. *** That Sirius was gay was not really a shock to Harry - the Dursleys were very afraid of homosexuals, and Harry found everything good that scared his relatives. But, Sirius and Snape?!? Harry felt dizzy, the castle walls suddenly seemed to move in on him. Harry noticed that he was standing right at the statue of the hunchbacked witch, which hid a secret tunnel to Hogsmeade. Well, why not make a quick trip to Hogsmeade, maybe he would be able to think clear when he left the castle for a while? Only an hour or so. *** Sirius followed Harry's trace until the smell ended at the statue of the hunchbacked witch. Damn, the boy had gone to Hogsmeade. Suddenly he understood why Snape was always so upset about Harry's irresponsibility. *** Peter Pettigrew flinched when Snape apparated in front of his desk. Behind his back, he would call Snape the Lord's fuck toy or the Lord's pet, like all the other Death Eaters did, but Severus Snape also scared the hell out of him. All in all, that was not unusual, everyone else feared him as well, especially after what he had done to Macnair. "The Lord is waiting for you." Peter said with slightly shaking voice. Snape just nodded once and went past Peter through the door to Voldemort's quarters. Peter sighed and went through the papers on his desk. He was glad that he had earned a position as the Lord's personal secretary, that kind of job was at least not dangerous. Which did not change that he was waken by terrible dreams each night. Maybe that was the price for the choices he had made. *** Harry soon noticed the black dog following him around in Hogsmeade. Scolding himself for behaving like a child, Harry went into a small side alley where Sirius could turn human without being seen. "Harry, let me explain..." Sirius started. "There's no need to explain." Harry interrupted. "Just give me a bit of time to get used to it." "But..." Sirius said. "Stop, Sirius." Harry said. "You're gay, that's ok. You like someone I can't stand, that's ok. Just give me a few hours to think about it. It's fine, really." Harry noticed with annoyance the hysteric edge to his voice. Really, he shouldn't react like that just because his godfather had some kind of relationship with someone he did not like. Harry turned around and left the alley, Sirius looking worriedly after him. Unnoticed to them, someone was watching. * Lucius Malfoy had been in Hogsmeade to meet some contacts when he saw Harry Potter walking through the streets followed by a dog. "Non vide me." he murmured and followed them. This spell did not really make him invisible, it just made sure that no one looked at him. Lucius Malfoy grinned when he saw Harry Potter turn into a side alley. What would Voldemort say if he brought him the-boy-who-lived? Hiding in the shadows, he saw the dog turning into his old school mate Sirius Black. Sirius Black an animagus? Lucius was impressed. Harry and Sirius were arguing about something. If Lucius understood them right, Sirius was gay and Harry had found him with someone he did not like at all. Then Harry ran away, leaving Sirius behind. Lucius changed his plans on catching the-boy-who-lived and decided to have a try on Sirius Black instead. It was less risky, yet it would guarantee him the Lord's favour. Still concealed by the charm and the shadows, Lucius pointed his wand at Sirius Black and called "Stupefy!" Sirius Black was hit by a flash of blinding red light, thrown against the wall and crumbled unconsciously to the floor. Lucius Malfoy smirked, left the shadows and pulled the limp body up, throwing him over his shoulder. It was difficult and dangerous to apparate while carrying another person, but he was sure he could manage that. *** Peter was amazed about the high number of visitors today when someone else apparated in his office. It was Lucius Malfoy, carrying someone. Lucius let the limp body slip to the floor, seemingly a bit exhausted. Without even looking at Peter he went to the door leading to the Lord's private quarters. "You can't go in there now!" Peter called. "Shut up." Malfoy answered condescendingly. "The Lord is busy." Peter said, stepping in Malfoy's way. But Lucius Malfoy just grabbed him by the collar and pushed him aside, then entered the rooms. Swearing, Peter followed him. As expected, the luxurious living room was empty, and Peter begged Malfoy not to go any further. Of course, it was futile, Malfoy just opened the next door and went in - to stop dead after two steps. Peter peeked over Malfoy's shoulder, seeing Snape chained to the bedroom's wall and Voldemort standing behind him, naked and looking very annoyed at Lucius Malfoy. "I tried to hold him back!" Peter called, panicking. "I hope you have a very good reason to disturb me, Lucius!" Voldemort hissed. Lucius Malfoy cleared his throat and said nervously: "I... I have a gift for you, one that you will like immensely." Voldemort slipped into a bathrobe and superfluously ordered Snape: "Don't move!", before he followed them to Peter's office. Malfoy turned the limp body on the floor around so that he lay face up. Peter gasped. It was Padfoot! "Sirius Black." Lucius Malfoy said. "He was Dumbledore's favourite at school. I'm sure he still is one of his trusted." Voldemort smiled. "Excellent, Lucius." Peter could see Malfoy relaxing in relief. "We need to know what Dumbledore plans next, what he knows about our plans, everything. Can you get that information?" "Of course." Malfoy said. He prided himself of getting any information out of his victims. Peter felt slightly sick. "Also, find out if our Severus is a traitor," Voldemort added. If Lucius Malfoy was surprised it didn't show on his face. With a content smile Voldemort returned to his bedroom. Lucius Malfoy picked up Sirius and said to Peter: "When the Lord is through playing with his pet tell him that he can find me in room 101." Peter watched them disappear, feeling slightly sad. Sirius Black once had been his friend, he had protected him from the stronger kids at school. But Peter had changed his loyalties long ago; he had no choice but sticking to the strongest if he was to survive. Even if it meant losing everyone. *** Sirius Black slowly awoke, looking around in confusion. He had no clue were he was or what had happened. He was lying on the floor of a spartanic room without windows, that was empty except of a fire place, a table and an armchair, on which Lucius Malfoy was sitting, pointing his wand at him. Damn! It began to dawn on Sirius that the Death Eaters had caught him. "Hello Sirius! Did you sleep well?" Lucius asked mockingly. Sirius sat up but refused to answer. "You're working with Dumbledore?" Lucius asked. "No." Sirius replied. "Liar!" Malfoy hissed. "You will tell me everything you know about his plans to stop My Lord." "Never." Sirius said with a foreboding of what would come next. "I so hoped you would say that." Lucius Malfoy said with an insane smile. "Crucio!" Sirius's world shattered in pain. *** Severus was lying exhaustedly on the bed while the Dark Lord was taking a shower. Voldemort had been very enthusiastic today. Severus wondered whether that was because of the good news Lucius had brought, whatever they were. Coming back into the bedroom, Voldemort had barely taken off his bathrobe and fucked him into the wall. He had taken off the chains, only to tie him to the bed and take him again. And again. And again. It must have been hours. Severus could only guess why Voldemort did not choose someone prettier, like Lucius Malfoy, as his fuck toy. Maybe he knew; knew that Severus was betraying him, or maybe he guessed that he was not quite enthusiastic about being a Death Eater. Maybe Voldemort was taking perverted delight in breaking him that way. Voldemort came out of the bathroom, wearing his usual black robes. Without even looking at Severus he left the bedroom in the direction of Wormtail's office. Severus got up and lurched into the bathroom for a shower. Snape enjoyed the feeling of cooling water splashing on his skin, washing off the sweat and the heat. Maybe he could persuade Sirius to just hold him this evening; he did not feel fit for another round of sex, but he felt so at peace with Sirius. He remembered that Lucius had said something about having a gift for the Lord. Maybe he should find out what exactly it was before taking his leave. Severus returned to the bedroom, took on his robes and walked to the office. Wormtail was sitting at his desk, looking miserable. "Where is the Lord? And Lucius?" Severus asked, not taking the time for politeness. Not for that rat. Wormtail looked up, his eyes were bloodshot. "Room 101." he answered. Severus frowned. They didn't really have 101 rooms in the house Lucius had bought as a main quarter, but Voldemort had named the torture room 101 in reference to a piece of Muggle literature. Whom were they torturing? Certainly not any Muggle, or else Lucius would not have talked about a gift. Severus walked through the corridors to the said room. It was quiet inside, he just heard the Lord talking, sounding rather upset. Severus opened the door. Voldemort and Lucius were barring his view on the body lying on the ground. "How long did you use the Cruciatus on him?" Voldemort asked in an annoyed voice. "I don't really know." Lucius answered nervously. "Since your arrival?" Voldemort said impatiently. "I gave him breaks in between!" Lucius answered defensively. "I couldn't know that he would crack that easily, I mean, he survived Azkaban without losing his mind, I thought he can take a lot." Azkaban? Severus quickly went by the two and crouched down next to the person lying on the floor. The prisoner's face was hidden by long, black, velvet hair. "Sirius?" Severus asked, trying to keep his voice neutral. The prisoner raised his head, looking at him through the curtain of his hair. The expression on his face resembled that of a frightened five-year-old. "Don't let them hurt me, Sev!" he suddenly called, gripping his arm and clinging to him like a scared kid. "What an irony." Voldemort said. "As long as his mind was intact he could not stand the sight of you, Darkling." Severus felt cold rage flooding his veins, but he knew he had to keep control if he wanted to bring Sirius out of here alive. Though maybe, death was the better option. "Did he tell you anything useful before his mind cracked, Lucius?" Voldemort asked. "Um..." Lucius made, avoiding to look at Voldemort. "Nothing, huh?" the Dark Lord hissed. "Stay were you are!" he ordered before he left, slamming the door shut behind him. Drawing his wand, Severus watched Malfoy staring white- faced at the door. "I'm really in trouble now, Severus, ain't I?" Lucius said with a shaking voice. "You are!" Severus snarled, cold rage roughening his voice. Lucius looked at him, his eyes widening as he saw his enraged face, his wand pointing at him. "Avada Kedavra!" Severus called. A green flash left Severus's wand, hit Lucius in the chest and killed him in the same instant. Severus stood up, pulling Sirius up, who was still clinging to his arm. He looked once more at Lucius's corpse, at the expression of utter surprise on his rigid face. Then Severus trudged to the fire place, threw floo powder in and stepped into the green flames, pulling Sirius along with him. *** They stepped out at an extra room at the Three Broomsticks. Unfortunately Madam Rosmerta was here, preparing the room for some event. "Severus?" she called in surprise. Then she recognised whom he was leading by the arm and shrieked back in fear. "Isn't that...?" Snape lazily pointed his wand at her and said: "Oblivate!" He had chosen the Three Broomsticks because Filch had once told him that there was a secret tunnel leading to Hogwarts from the storeroom on. "Come, Sirius." he said and led him to the storeroom. Behind a cask of butterbeer he found the trapdoor he was looking for. "Um, I will need my arm, can you let go off me for a moment?" he asked. Sirius did not react to his words. Severus sighed and shook Sirius's grip off. Sirius whimpered like a child. Severus bit back the sudden tears dwelling in his eyes. First he had to bring Sirius safely back to Hogwarts, then he could let his emotions take over, but no second earlier. *** The way to Hogwarts seemed to stretch out eternally. Sirius was all the while clinging to Snape's arm, as if afraid of the dark. Severus tried to avoid thinking about what had happened, and what they should do with Sirius now. He had seen the Longbottoms, once, briefly after Voldemort's downfall. They had been reduced to blabbering lunatics, and as far as he knew their condition had not improved in 16 years. Finally they reached the end of the tunnel and Severus opened the door. It was hidden behind an especially big armour. They were greeted with a loud "Meow!" as Mrs Norris was standing near the armour, staring at them with her huge eyes. Where the cat was Filch was never far away. He came round the corner a second later, stopped and stared at them: "Professor Snape, you caught Black!" Sirius dug his nails into Severus's arm and whined: "That's Filch, now we're gonna get detention!" Filch stared at Sirius in incomprehension. "Argus, go up to Dumbledore's office and tell him to go to the infirmary immediately!" Snape ordered. "And don't tell anyone except Dumbledore that you've seen Sirius Black in the castle!" Filch nodded his head, though looking confused. "Yes, Professor, of course, Professor!" with these words he left. *** Somehow they got into the infirmary without being seen. Mrs Pomfrey, who had been informed at an earlier date that Sirius Black was on their side, was visibly shocked at his condition. "What happened?" she asked Snape when she sat Sirius down on a bed. Snape buried his head in his hands. "I will tell when the headmaster is here." he said, not wanting to repeat the painful events twice. Dumbledore soon entered the infirmary, together with a curious looking Filch, Minerva and Mad Eye Moody, who had arrived for a visit today. The last two had probably been in Dumbledore's office when Filch had called him to the infirmary. Albus walked straight to the huddled figure on the bed, with a look of deep worry on his face. "Sirius?" he asked. "Do you know who I am?" Sirius looked up. "Professor Dumbledore." he said, but the naive look on his face seemed totally foreign to the Sirius Black they all knew. "What happened?" Albus asked looking at Severus. "Lucius Malfoy." Snape said. "He tortured him with the Cruciatus. For hours, as far as I know." It seemed as if every word hurt. Minerva sat down crying. "And you could not save him earlier?" Moody threw in. Sirius just now saw Mad Eye Moody and started screaming in panic. "All right," Moody said in a bitter voice and took a few steps back. "I know I scare Death Eaters and little children." Snape felt weak and sick, mostly because of Moody's question. "I've been sleeping with Voldemort while Lucius tortured him." He noticed that he had said it aloud when everyone was staring at him, Filch and Poppy shocked, Moody with surprise, Albus and Minerva with pity. "Do they know that it was you who freed Sirius?" Albus asked. Snape nodded his head. "I killed Lucius when I was alone with him, then fled with Sirius. They know it can only be me. If you excuse me now, I have to cut some binding spells." Albus sadly nodded his head. *** Snape quickly went downstairs to his rooms, got his athame, cast a circle around him and, sitting cross- legged on the floor, got into a trance. He switched his mind onto the astral plane and soon 'saw' the binding spells Voldemort had put on him. They formed a leash of greenish light around his neck, also some small threads like a spider web. Severus raised his athame and cut the leash through. He felt a wave of relief when the greenish robe vanished. Then Severus proceeded in cutting the threads until he was free. Severus willed himself back from the astral plane to the normal world and opened his eyes. It was finished. He was free from Voldemort's spells. His spy career was over, too. Out of Voldemort's influence, he felt self-disgust hitting him with full force. HE HAD BEEN SLEEPING WITH VOLDEMORT WHILE LUCIUS HAD TORTURED SIRIUS! He had been having sex while Sirius had lost his sanity. Oh God, Sirius! Why could he not cry about him? Sirius Black was reduced to a five-year old, and he had not saved him in time, yet he was sitting here with dry eyes. Severus looked at the athame in his hand. It was sharp, smooth and shining. Without really thinking, he rolled back the left sleeve of his robes and held the cool metal against his heated skin. It felt good and he pressed harder. He observed the skin splitting and moved the blade further. A rivulet of red slowly ran over his white skin. It looked beautiful, like red tears. Little red tears crying for him. Severus added another cut on his forearm, parallel to the first one. It cried little red tears, too. Severus proceeded in releasing red tears. It hurt, but the pain was so much easier to bear than the pain he felt deep within. It seemed to help against the other pain, it took his mind off it. He had created a row of cuts on his forearm when his gaze fell to the Dark Mark. He had forgotten to break that binding spell. Severus cut deeply into the black lines. He would cut it out now, then he really would be free. *** Alastor Moody did not trust Snape. His guess was, Snape had never changed his loyalties, he still was working for Voldemort. Now they had broken Sirius Black and, to make Dumbledore believe that Snape was really on their side, they had decided that Snape would "save" Sirius Black and bring him here. Albus was sometimes such a fool, believing in the good in everyone. He suspected that Snape was not really breaking some spells Voldemort had put on him, but was reporting back to him. Well, he could find out easily. Moody quietly left the infirmary. He was not needed there anyway. To his surprise Snape's door was not spell-locked; maybe he had forgotten it in his haste to report back to Voldemort. Moody opened the door without knocking; after all he wanted to surprise Snape. Alastor gasped in disbelief. What he saw was not what he had expected, not at all. Snape was squatting on the floor, cutting the flesh of his own arm with what looked like a ritual dagger. Moody's first impulse was to use the Summoning Charm to rid Snape of his dagger, but his magic eye told him that Snape had cast a strong protective circle around him. He would neither be able to cross it with magic nor physically. Moody cleared his throat and stepped closer. "Severus!" he called. Snape looked up through the curtain of his black hair, staring at him with an insane grin, then proceeded in cutting out stripes of his skin. Moody felt sick and strangely helpless. He knew how to interrogate Death Eaters, but he had never known how to deal with their paralysed victims. With a few quick steps he limped to the fire place and threw a handful of the powder into the flames. "Albus!" he called into the green fire. "Your tame Death Eater is going insane!" Dumbledore quickly reacted and came through the floo system. He cast one glance at Snape, an expression of great sadness on his face. "Oh Severus!" he said quietly. Minerva followed right after Albus. Her eyes were red from crying and she gasped, raising her hand to her lips when she saw Snape. "I can't get through to him." Alastor said. "He has cast a circle around himself." "Demonstra Infirmitates!" Minerva called, pointing her wand at the circle. It was glowing in a green light now. The three wizards walked around the circle, searching for weak spots. Snape did not seem to notice them. "Here's one." Albus said. With combined powers they succeeded in shattering the circle. Snape just briefly looked up, then proceeded cutting his own flesh. Albus crouched down opposite him and caught his wrist. "Stop this, Severus." he said calmly. "I need to cut it out." Snape whispered, eyes glowing in an insane light. "I need to cry." Albus wrested the dagger from him. "It's enough." he answered. "Come." he pulled Snape to his feet and let him to the fire place. *** Albus felt incredibly old and tired. He sat with Alastor in the anteroom of the infirmary, unable stand the sight any longer. How should he tomorrow explain Harry Potter what had happened to his godfather? It did not help that he kept telling himself that it could be worse. Sirius was not quite as badly hit as the Longbottoms, at least he still recognised people. Remus Lupin had been informed; currently he was in the infirmary sitting at his bedside. The werewolf showed enormous strength by concealing his pain from Sirius and talking to him as if ... as if Sirius really was a five year old child. Poppy had bandaged Severus's arm and given him a strong sleeping draught. He shouldn't have left Severus alone in that situation; he was a very passionate man, and though he was most of the time taking great efforts to conceal his emotions, Albus knew that he sometimes just lost it, when everything became to much to bear. If Alastor had not been so suspicious... Would Snape have stopped before bleeding to death? After a short while Remus and Minerva left the infirmary. "They are both asleep now." Minerva said in a flat, tired voice. Remus sat down, burying his head in his hands. "If Snape had not already killed Malfoy..." he murmured. "I don't understand, why did Snape do that?" Alastor said. "What, kill Malfoy?" Remus asked. "No, why did he hurt himself." Moody said. Albus sighed. How explain someone as self-assured as Alastor that some people were just prone to maladies like auto-aggression? "He's in love with Sirius." Remus replied. Albus was not really surprised, he already had suspected that much. Mad-Eye slowly nodded his head. "So he feels guilty because he has not saved the one he loves, because he was literally sleeping with the enemy." Remus looked up, a strange look of suppressed rage in his usually so gentle eyes. "He had no choice, Alastor." Dumbledore said. "I know." the veteran answered. Remus stood up and slammed a fist into the next wall. "I'm going to rip out Voldemort's throat with my teeth if I ever meet him face to face!" he hissed. An awkward silence followed his outbreak. "Maybe we should better go to bed." Minerva said. "It was a hard day." *** Remus found Severus in an empty, forgotten room in the North tower, staring out of the window at the setting sun. "So, here you are." he said. It was not a question; he had been searching Snape for a while. The potions master had hardly been seen by anyone during the last couple of days, skipping meals, taking walks in the forbidden forest most of the time. Often no one had a clue were he was. At some point he must have been brewing potions, because one morning Remus had found a few bottles of Wolfsbane in front of the door of his guest room. Dumbledore was very worried about Snape. Remus sat down on a chair near Severus. "How is your arm?" he asked. "I'll live." Severus replied. Without looking at Remus, he asked: "What is going to happen to Sirius now?" "I'll take care of him." Remus replied. "He still knows how to turn into a dog; I told him that it is a kind of game that he has to be a dog whenever we're in public." Severus still stared out of the window, but Remus could see the muscles in his face cramping as if trying to hide his despair. "Sirius is asking for you all the time." Remus said softly. "Why don't you come and see him?" "I can't." Severus whispered. "It kills me!" "It kills him that you won't see him." Remus replied carefully. "He's constantly asking whether he has done something to make you angry." Nowadays everyone was feeling guilty. Dumbledore for leaving Snape alone in an unstable moment, Snape for not saving Sirius in time, Remus himself for not being able to help, even Mad-Eye Moody seemed to regret that he had suspected Snape. And not to forget Harry. Harry was giving himself the blame for what had happened, repeating that Sirius had been probably been caught in Hogsmeade after an argument with Harry. Harry was visiting Sirius in the infrimary every day. It was heart-rendering to watch the boy trying hard not to cry while he was talking to his godfather, who called him James all the time. No wonder, Harry looked exactly like his father had looked with sixteen years. "We're leaving tomorrow at 11 a.m." Remus said. "If you want to see Sirius before, he is usually up after 8." Severus did not reply, just stared out a the setting sun that was bathing the scenery in crimson red light. Remus quietly left the room. *** Harry Potter was sitting at the side of Sirius's bed when Severus entered the infirmary at ten o'clock the next day. Sirius was sitting cross-legged on the sheets, looking almost cheerful. His face brightened further when he saw Snape entering. "Severus!" he called, jumped off the bed and run towards him to hug him impulsively. Severus hugged him back clumsily and led him to the bed. He sat down with him, not quite knowing what to say. "Why have you not been visiting me?" Sirius asked. "I had potions to brew." Snape lied. At the moment one could almost think Sirius was normal, if not the look on his face were so childlike. "Remus told me you can turn into a dog?" Snape asked. Sirius nodded proudly and changed form. "I bet you won't manage to do that every time Remus and you are with other people." Snape said. Harry was frowning for a second, but then it seemed to dawn at him what Snape was up to. Sirius resumed his human form and said obstinately. "I will!" Severus hoped he would not tire from that "game". After an hour Remus came to pick up Sirius. Severus and Harry accompanied the werewolf and his dog to the Great Hall and watched them leaving. Harry Potter started crying as soon as they were far away enough not to see it. Severus noticed that he almost liked the boy, now that they both cared about the same person. Misery made strange alleys. *** To be finished in Devil's Pet VI: Ragnaroek Note: I really like Severus Snape and Sirius Black. I only treat fictional characters I like that badly.