Fic: ~The Wizard's Tale, A Continuation: Part 6~ NC-17
Title: The Wizard’s Tale: A Continuation
Part 6 contains chapters 25-29


Chapter 25: Lean on Me

Lillith sat staring at the floor. What had she done? All she wanted was to take the man she loved and hide away somewhere safe for the rest of her life. Problem was, there was nowhere safe. That was what all this was about. She gave a sigh that came all the way from her toes and looked up to find Snape watching her.

“Do you like it?” His voice was soft and when he nodded at her, she realized he was referring to the necklace.

“I do,” she swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’ll never take it off.”

He looked a bit smug. “You can’t.”

She grinned. “I imagine I could if I really wanted to.”

“Do you actually think,” he moved closer to her on the couch, “that you could break the spell of such a powerful wizard as myself?”

She smiled. “I can’t imagine ever wanting to.” Her voice faltered as he reached up to touch the crystal with a long finger.

He moved it this way and that, then frowned at her. “If you wanted to be rid of it, all you’d have to do is give it a tug. It will come off.” He hesitated. “If you wanted....”

She looked into his black eyes and saw concern but no insecurity.

“No.” It was a flat statement of fact.

He almost allowed himself to smile.

“Are you hungry?” He was still fingering the crystal.

She realized she hadn’t eaten since the night before.

“Not for food.” She whispered her reply just before his lips closed on hers.

Snape lifted her easily, carried her to his bed and stretched their lengths upon the covers without breaking the kiss.

Settling beside Lillith, his torso covering hers, Snape charmed away their clothes. He kissed her eyes, cheeks, and ears; trailed his tongue along her jawline. Her hands stroked his back. His mouth kissed, licked and nibbled its way from under her ear to the hollow at the base of her neck, then traced a wandering path to her breast. Gently he suckled one nipple while his fingers teased and twisted the other.

The heat of his mouth, the warmth and the gentleness of his strong hands combined to make Lillith moan his name. He left her breasts and one hand smoothed back her hair from her face then cradled her head as he kissed her. A deep, passionate kiss that probed and tasted the corners of her soul. His hand drifted down over her breasts and nestled between her legs. She opened herself willingly to his touch and he found her wet and ready for him. He stroked her gently only a few times before moving between her legs and sliding himself deep inside her. She wrapped her legs around him and pulled him close. Slowly, gently, mindful of the pain she had recently suffered, he stroked in and out of her. With his weight on his hands and his elbows locked, he watched her face closely.

Lillith kept her eyes locked on his, though as he rocked his hips from side to side he saw her focus slip. Using her face as a guide, he moved his pelvis against her clit and stroked his cock gently in and out of her warm, wet center. Her hands gripped his upper arms and she seemed to barely breathe. He smiled to himself and pushed her orgasm over the edge. She gasped a huge breath and held it as her body arched and went rigid. He barely moved, giving her just enough stimulation. For long seconds she lay unmoving. The strength with which her muscles were gripping his cock was starting to make him light-headed when, with an inarticulate cry, her body convulsed. He drove into her hard for several strokes and came with a cry of his own.

She was still shuddering with the last of her prolonged orgasm and Snape rocked his hips against her slowly; watching her face once more. Usually, it dissolved into a gentle smile at times like this, but now it seemed to fold in on itself. A huge sob welled up from inside her as she covered her face with her hands and tried to roll away. He moved beside her and wrapped her in his arms.

Lillith, exhausted, utterly spent, her thoughts in turmoil, was suddenly overwhelmed. Sobs racked her and she buried her face in her lover’s chest and cried. All the strength, all the resolve, all the courage were gone. She was terrified. Terrified of the future, terrified of the pain that may be still to come, terrified of losing the man she loved. She sobbed uncontrollably, her hands balled into fists against him. He neither tried to soothe her nor to stop her tears; just held her gently, cradling her head against him, his cheek against the top of her head. The storm of weeping was intense but didn’t last over long. Murmuring a charm he produced a box of tissues and passed a couple into her hand. She wiped her face and his chest and blew her nose. He left her side briefly and returned with a cool, damp, washcloth with which he bathed her face. He then folded it and lay it over her eyes. She felt his hands cup her face with his thumbs lying gently on her eyes and his long fingers splayed over her temples and the sides of her head. Her headache melted away. He held her a few moments longer then removed the cloth and lay at her side once more.

“I’m sorry.” It was barely more than a whisper.

“Don’t be.” The deep voice was soothing. “Were you afraid?”

“Yes,” she looked up at him in wonder.

“And are you still?”

She swallowed. “Yes.”

He smoothed the hair back from her face. “Can you carry on, now?”

She looked into the bottomless eyes and swallowed. “Yes.”

He ducked his head and kissed her. A kiss of infinite tenderness. Breaking the kiss, he wrapped her in his arms and held her gently again.

“It will end, sometime.” He spoke to the top of her head.

“Will we live to see it?” She started to tremble again.

“Husssh,” he whispered. “Use my strength now, as I used yours when I was with the Dark Lord. “

She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. Gradually, the slow steady beat of his heart calmed her and she drifted into a deep sleep.

When they awoke, they loved again, needing the assurance only the other could provide that what they were going through was all worthwhile.

~~

When they finally rose and showered, it was after five and they were both ravenous. They house elves promptly provided them with a substantial meal covering a wide range of tastes and treats.

“They really outdid themselves,” Lillith considered more of the truffle soufflé but decided against it.

Snape smiled but seemed a bit preoccupied.

“What is it?”

“I was just thinking; ‘If only....’” he looked apologetic.

She couldn’t help smiling as they rose from the table. “I never took you for an ‘If only...’ kinda guy, Severus Snape.”

His smile held a world of tenderness and sadness. “I’m not.”

Lillith held him so tightly her arms ached.

~~

Six o’clock saw them settling in Dumbledore’s office while he handed ‘round glasses of a particularly fine 1935 Port. The deep amber liquid seemed to glow with a light all its own. They sat by the fire and spent a few moments just relaxing and sipping the wine.

Dumbledore studied them without seeming to. They sat much closer together than they usually did and Lillith was looking rather fragile. He sighed to himself. These were two of the finest and strongest people he’d ever met, but he knew that even they had their limits. He was glad they seemed to be propping each other up.

“The Ministry has sent a group of Aurors to round up the rest of the Death Eaters that Severus gave us the names for. There’s no need to worry that Voldemort will suspect him of treason as the names could easily have come from the individuals that were captured.”

Lillith set her glass carefully on the table beside her. “Was Dori in the group?” She tried to keep the fear out of her voice.

“Yes, she was.” Dumbledore was watching her carefully.

Lillith smoothed her hair back with a trembling hand. “It’s all right, Albus. I know it’s her job – and she loves it. I just can’t help being an aunt.”

He smiled affectionately. “She was quite eager to go. She seems to have taken what happened to Severus rather personally.”

Snape frowned. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Ms. Tonks,” Dumbledore smiled, “is fiercely protective of her friends and once given, her loyalty cannot be swayed.”

“I,” Severus faltered, “don’t understand.”

Lillith couldn’t help a low laugh. “That’s you, Severus. She considers you a friend.”

Snape opened his mouth to deliver a cutting remark, but for the life of him, couldn’t think of one. He closed his jaw with a snap.

“Yes, well,” Dumbledore couldn’t hide a smile, “to continue.”

~~

They were discussing the possibilities of the potion when Lillith suddenly felt a frisson of fear course through her, making her sit bolt upright in her chair with a small cry.

“What is it?” Both Snape and Dumbledore were instantly on the alert though it was Snape who had spoken.

“I don’t know,” the feeling was gone, leaving Lillith confused and with a nagging sense of worry.

“What happened?” It was Snape’s no-nonsense tone that brought her back.

“It was…” she hunted for words, “just a sudden feeling of fear. It’s gone now.”

“Has this ever happened before?” Dumbledore looked puzzled.

“Yes,” Lillith shifted uncomfortably. “Dori and I seem to have a connection of some sort. When she was little, if she was in trouble, I would know.....” Her voice faded out and she twisted her hands together in her lap.

Snape and Dumbledore exchanged looks.

“She’s with the other Aurors, Lillith,” it was Dumbledore who spoke. “They are very good and will take care of each other.”

“I know. I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have interrupted.” She apologized quietly but she couldn’t stop trembling.

They were startled by Snape’s snort. “Of course you’re worried. Given Tonks’ questionable talents, it’s reasonable to think she’s gotten herself in some fix or other.”

Lillith surged to her feet in a rage. “How dare you! How dare you talk –“ She bit off her angry words. She had seen the trace of a smirk at the corner of Snape’s mouth. Giving him an angry glare she thumped back into her seat. Her dithery, unfocused sense of fear, she realized, was gone.

Dumbledore looked from one to the other and then quirked an eyebrow.

“Try to trust to your niece and the others, Lillith. I won’t tell you not to worry, as it wouldn’t do any good, but we need your attention here.”

“Yes,” she threw another angry glare at Snape and turned her attention back to the discussion in the room.

They continued their discussion of the potion. They also touched on the politics within the Ministry, the Order, and the school. Some things they alluded to but didn’t discuss and Lillith thought it might be because of her until she realized that Snape was kept purposely in the dark – with his full knowledge and consent – on a number of topics. What he didn’t know he could not reveal under torture. Her blood ran cold at the thought and she suddenly stood up.

“I think I need to go.” She felt ill.

Dumbledore was immediately on his feet, followed by Snape.

“Are you well, my dear?”

“Yes,” Lillith tried a smile. “Just tired.”

She could tell by Snape’s suspicious look that he didn’t completely believe her but he said nothing, just watched her closely.

“Will you be going home?” Coming from Snape it was a directive more than a question.

“If you think it wise.” She fought to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

“Headmaster?” He looked to Dumbledore for support.

“I believe it’s for the best. For now.” He sounded sad. “We will, of course, let you know as soon as we hear from Tonks.”

Lillith gave a shiver, then brief nod. “I’m off then.” She headed for the door.

“I’ll have Mr. Filch escort you outside the gates.” Dumbledore sounded unhappy.

“That won’t be necessary,” Lillith fumbled at the door, angry that tears were obscuring her vision.

A long hand reached past her and lifted the latch. “I’ll escort you myself.” Snape cast an accusing eye on Dumbledore. “I will return shortly.”

“Of course, Severus. Do take care, Lillith.”

In silence they walked through the school and across the grounds to the front gates. Lillith fought with herself and her tears. She felt like a small child being escorted to bed after having been caught eavesdropping on an adult conversation. She knew this was ridiculous, knew she was emotionally and physically exhausted from the last few days, but knowing this didn’t help. She was worried about Dori and angry at the world for being unfair.

Outside the gates, they stepped into the trees and the clearing that was usually used for Apparation. Snape turned to face her and she resolutely conquered her tears. For him, she could do it.

“If you need me, I will come.” His voice and face were emotionless, his eyes blank.

“I don’t think it will be necessary.” Even to her own ears, her words sounded stilted.

“Probably not. But if you do, I will come.” The words, uttered in a completely cold and offhand voice, tore at her heart.

“No! If I need help,” she choked, “If you feel I need help, send someone, but don’t come. It could be a trap.” Her heart was in her words.

He just looked at her. Her tears were flowing freely now and he could see the ache of longing in her eyes. He stood perfectly still and stony faced.

“If you need me,” he repeated slowly, carefully enunciating each word, “I will come.” He touched her with his wand and she was suddenly back in her own kitchen.

Through her tears, she marveled. She had never heard of anyone but Voldemort being able Apparate someone else.

****************************


*Sidebar: Tonks’ Adventure*

Tonks and the other Aurors Portkeyed to Austria and met with Jon and his fellow members of the Order. With the names supplied by Snape, the local men were able to get the addresses of those involved in the raid. They set to watching the Death Eaters and were pleased when, the first night, the men got together in one of their houses for a meeting. It was a small two story house on a country lane just outside the city limits. The yard was overgrown, the garden weedy and the back dooryard full of trash. A ramshackle fence enclosed the property and a narrow alley ran behind the houses parallel to the street.

Tonks was scouting the back of the house when she knocked over an old bucket. It didn’t make much noise but she froze in her tracks, waiting for discovery.

When nothing happened, she cautiously moved inside the back gate of the yard. Almost immediately she was hit with a binding spell that knocked her heavily to the ground. A blindfold was placed over her eyes before she was floated into the house and dumped on the floor of an upstairs room. She could not understand the hushed voices speaking in German but they didn’t sound as though they knew who she was or as if they were expecting anyone in particular to be watching them.

They searched rather roughly through her pockets, looking for any indication of who she was, but as was policy, she carried no ID. There seemed to be a brief disagreement among the men before they went off, leaving her blindfolded and bound on the floor.

She had been there almost an hour and was still trying to figure out what to do when her entire body was enveloped in what felt like a hot, prickly blanket. The discomfort was increasing to pain when it suddenly stopped. She flopped onto her face and felt something touch her right hand. Reflexively she closed her fingers and realized it was her wand. At the same time she realized she could move. She was on her feet pulling off the blindfold in an instant, her eyes searching the dark room. Seeing no one she listened at the door then moved like a shadow out of the room and down the stairs.

She checked the front room where the men were gathered. They were between her and the front door. She snuck into the kitchen but found the back door to be deadbolted and no key was in the lock. Making her way back to the front of the house she was trying to figure a way out past the men when a breeze brushed her cheek. Looking to the side, she spotted a window. The heavy shutter was open a crack and the glass was up. She slid out the window dropping noiselessly to the ground. Pausing briefly to get her bearings, she hurried out the back yard and down the alley. In minutes she was back with the others giving her report. She hadn’t even been gone long enough for them to become really alarmed.

They quickly formulated a plan to surround the house. Tonks was to lead three of the Aurors in the front door. They hoped that the surprise of seeing Tonks come in the front would give them a few extra seconds to command the situation.

They were correct. They men were taken completely off guard and surrendered without a fight.

It was after they had returned the prisoners to the Ministry and Tonks was reporting to Dumbledore at 12 Grimmauld Place that she wondered aloud about the prickling sensation and about how she had gotten out of the body bind.

Dumbledore smiled. “The only way to get out of a binding spell is for the person who cast it to release it or,” he paused and studied her, “for a more powerful wizard to negate it. The conflict of the spells was the hot, prickly sensation you experienced.”

Tonks was confused. “But there was no one else there.”

“Did you look for anyone?” His eyes were twinkling.

“Yes. Well, not really; I’d have heard anyone come in. And my wand, they had taken that. How did it get back in my hand?”

Dumbledore smiled. “Perhaps had you looked more closely in the shadows....”

“You!” Tonks beamed at the old man. “It was you who came to my rescue!”

“No, no,” Dumbledore held up his hands. “It’s kind of you to give me the credit, but I assure you, I never left the school.”

“Then who?” Tonks was at a total loss. “Aunt Lilly couldn’t have come that far that fast. Who else would have known and why didn’t they stay or show themselves?”

Dumbledore chuckled. “I wouldn’t worry yourself about it. Perhaps you simply have more powerful friends than you know.”

“But....”

Dumbledore removed his wand from his pocket. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to the school.”

With that, he was gone, leaving a still baffled Tonks to go home alone.

***********************


Chapter 26: Thin Line

It was more than a week since she had been sent home again and Lillith was down at the local, drinking cider and competing in a darts match as Lenny’s partner. She wasn’t very good at darts, but with Lenny for a partner, she didn’t have to be. They were winning but it was close as, essentially, Lenny was competing alone against two of the pub’s best. There was a lot of laughter and good natured bantering and she was having a good time.

There hadn’t been a lot of good times lately. Tonks had come to report the Aurors’ raid as a great success. There had been a slight hitch when Tonks had been discovered and captured but she had gotten away. She was puzzled over that – sure that someone had come to her aid, but with no idea who it could have been.

Altogether, fourteen of Voldemort’s followers were either dead or in Azkaban. Lilly and Tonks had celebrated at the pub. Tonks, even with her bright hair and -- by local standards -- odd clothes, fit in easily. She had the knack, not to mention that many of the older patrons had known her since she had first started following her ‘Aunt Lilly’ around as a child. Tonks had no news of Severus other than that he hadn’t yet had to return to Voldemort.

Lillith wasn’t thinking of any of this when she went to the bar to pick up another ale for Lenny. Jim, the bartender, beckoned her to lean in a bit.

“You know that fellow at the end of the bar, Lilly?”

Lillith glanced at the thickset man hunched over his pint at the end of the bar. She didn’t know him.

“He been watching you, not that I blame him.” Jim grinned. “But he’s been in here most nights for the last week or so; always watching you when you’re here.”

Lillith shrugged and returned to her darts match, occasionally glancing back to see if the man was there.

She was getting herself another cider after she and Lenny had just squeaked a win and Jim was shaking his head.

“You might want to tell your friend he shouldn’t win so much,” Jim made it a joke. “Some of the fellows are starting to think he has a magic touch.” He looked Lillith square in the eye on the last phrase.

“Oh! Yeah, sure.” Jim went back to his register and Lillith wondered. Jim wasn’t a wizard, but he was a keen observer of people and knew his clientele well.

She picked up her mug in her right hand and took a sip.

“Don’t forget your change.” Jim held out a hand. She was taking the change just as someone jostled her from behind. She dropped the coins and the man who bumped her picked them up and held them out to her. It was the stranger who had been watching her.

Lillith was suddenly aware that her only free hand was the one with the scar but had no choice but to hold it out to him. He dropped the coins into her palm and touched the twin S’s with a forefinger.

“Nasty scar.” His voice was soft.

Lillith yanked her hand away and muttering a quick “Thanks,” went back to the darts match.

She passed Jim’s comment on to Lenny with her guess that Jim knew he was a wizard.

Lenny grinned. “Canny fellow, Jim.” He drained the last of his ale. “Guess I’ll have to start missing once in a while. Maybe once a week or so.”

Things were winding down. Lillith and Lenny did not win the championship – Lenny just missed his last throw to the delight of the competition. Lillith caught a wink from Jim as Lenny groaned over his misfortune.

At closing, they were piling the empties on the bar as was their custom when Jim called her aside. “Lilly, I’m sending Sean to walk you home.”

She was surprised. Sean was the lad who helped in the kitchen. Very large, but not very bright.

“Whatever for, Jim? I always walk alone.”

“I know, but that bloke who was watching you – and I asked around and no one knows him – just left a few minutes ago. I’d feel a whole lot better if Sean walked you home, that’s all.”

Lenny had come up to them and listened.

“I noticed him, Lilly. He’s had an eye for you. Maybe Collin and I will come along, too. It’s right on our way.”

Collin, Lenny’s cousin, lived north of town. Lenny lived west of town. Lillith’s home was east of town.

“Right Lenny. It wouldn’t be on your way if you’d had three times as much to drink.”

“No problem. I fancy a walk. Oy, Collin!” He strolled over to his cousin to tell him the plan.

Lillith was pleased but flustered. “I really don’t need an escort,” she protested as the three men waited for her by the door.

“Come on, Lilly. You know how many lasses’d kill to be escorted home by the likes of us?” Collin teased.

“No,” she looked them over with a wry grin. “But I might guess.”

She walked home between Lenny and Collin, Sean a pace behind. Though they laughed and joked, she noticed that Lenny and Collin had their hands in their jacket pockets, most likely wrapped loosely around their wands. Their concern made her edgy and she was grateful, when, at the gate, Lenny invited himself and Collin in for a cup of tea. They sent Sean back to the pub and as soon as he was out of sight, pulled their wands out.

“We’ll just have a bit of a look inside before we head home, “ Lenny told her.

“Come on guys,” Lillith realized she had her own wand in her hand though she didn’t remember drawing it. “Is this necessary?”

“Probably not,” Collin was nonchalant. “But Lenny here will use any excuse to get in a ladies’ bedroom.” He winked broadly. “He has a thing for frillies!”

Lenny moved her to one side then nodded for her to push the door open. It swung open slowly and the lights came on. The men checked the downstairs then Collin went out to take a look in the yard while Lenny took a quick look upstairs. A few minutes later they were back in the front hall pocketing their wands.

“Looks clear,” Lenny leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Night, luv.”

She waved the two down the walk and closed the door with a smile.

Waving the light out, she went up to her room. Putting the bedside lamp on low, she skinned out of her jeans and tee shirt. She had just dropped her bra on the chair when one long, strong arm came around her waist capturing both her arms at her sides. The other arm came up and a hand was clamped over her mouth, pulling her back against the solid wall of a chest. She froze in terror.

Her attacker didn’t move; his breathing was slow and even.

She suddenly kicked back against his shins and jack-knifed her upper body away. Her bare feet made little impression and her efforts to free her arms failed completely. Struggling, she tried to bite the hand over her mouth. All that happened was that he shifted his grip slightly, covering her nose as well and shutting off her air. She fought desperately but was soon getting light-headed. She stopped fighting before she passed out. Immediately, he moved his hand away from her nose so she could breath again and loosened the grip of his other arm as well.

She was trembling uncontrollably when a silky baritone purred her ear.

“It’s me.”

She whirled around and shoved him in the chest with both hands.

“Don’t DO that! You scared the bejeezes out of me!” Tears of relief and anger dampened her cheeks.

He seemed to be oblivious to the fact that all she wore was a pair of rather brief panties.

“I wouldn’t have if your would-be knights errant were any good at searching a house.” He snorted. “A blind man could have found me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing they didn’t; you’d have probably blasted them.”

Snape shrugged. “Who are they?”

Lillith was caught off balance for a second. “Who? Lenny and Collin? Friends.” She wasn’t feeling very generous at the moment. Her heart still hadn’t slowed to normal. She wiped the tears from her cheek.

“Good friends?” The silky voice had an edge to it.

“Yes! Good friends!”

His scowl deepened. “How good?”

She tired of the game. “Oh, for Merlin’s sake, Severus. I used to baby-sit them.”

He stepped close and ran a finger from under her ear, over her collar bone, down over the gentle swell of her breast and circled her nipple. She shivered and her nipples were instantly hard.

“Well, I guess I can let it go, this time.” His hands cupped her breasts. “But I don’t like to share.”

“Excuse me?!?” Lillith couldn’t believe her ears.

“I said,” he leaned over her and nibbled her ear so that her knees almost gave way. “I don’t like to share what’s mine.”

“Yours!?” Lillith choked. She could barely think with what his hands and lips were doing to her. Her hands tangled in his hair as he ducked his head and kissed his way down to her breast.

He suckled gently at her nipple and his free hand slipped down between her legs and rubbed her gently.

“That’s right,” he transferred his lips to her other breast. “Mine.”

She clung to him for balance.

He lifted her easily and laid her on the bed. His clothes disappeared with a wave and he stretched out beside her, one hand behind her head and the other rubbing gentle circles on her belly.

He bent to lick and nibble her other breast and his hand slid beneath her panties. His long fingers gently spread her lips and finding her wet, slipped inside her while his thumb circled her clit. She arched against his hand and cried out for him. His lips left her breast only to be replaced by his hand. Warm, gentle fingers that kneaded her breast and pinched and tugged at her nipple. His lips trailed fire down over her belly to her thatch of brown curls. A quick tug dispensed with her panties and he positioned himself comfortably between her legs. His tongue licked and probed. He drew her clit into his mouth and sucked gently, circling the sensitive nub with his tongue. She cried out and wound her hands in his hair, pressing his face into her, begging for more. Over and over he brought her close to release but always backed off. She whimpered and begged for him and finally, he moved up to stretch his length over her. She tried to maneuver him inside of her aching slit, but he held himself away. Slowly he kissed her ears, neck and throat. Lowering his hips onto hers, he pressed his hard, hot erection against her.

“What do you want, Lillith?” He worked to keep his voice casual.

“Please, oh, please!” She tried to pull him into a kiss, but he backed away.

“Please, what?”

“Please fuck me, Severus! I need your cock inside of me, please!”

He shivered but still held off.

“Do you belong to me?” He sounded as though he were asking about the weather.

Lillith bit her lip. “Please, Severus. I need you!”

“You do?”

“Yes!”

He slipped his cock all the way into her in one smooth motion. Her legs came up around his waist and she pulled him against her. But he lay still, causing her to whimper in frustration.

“Do you belong to me?”

Lillith moaned and squeezed her eyes shut.

“Do you belong to me, Lillith?” He started to stroke in and out of her slowly and gently.

“Yes!” The cry was torn from her. He responded by increasing the force and speed of his strokes. She made an animal-like cry and dug her nails into his back.

After a few seconds, he slowed his rhythm, then stopped all together. Lillith gasped and pleaded for more.

“You are my property, aren’t you?”

“No,” she flung her head from side to side in protest.

“Yes you are, Lillith.” His kisses seared across her nipples; his voice was hypnotic. “You’re my property.”

“Nonono!” Her protest was a whisper.

He stroked his cock into her a few more times and stopped again.

“You are my property, aren’t you?” He moved his hips against her. “You are my property the same as though you were a chair or a table.”

“No, Severus, please!” Tears trickled down Lillith’s cheeks.

He drove into her hard, once, and she cried out.

“You are my property and I can sell you or trade you or give you away.” He drove into her every few words for emphasis, then stopped again. “Aren’t you, Lillith?”

She bit her lip.

“Aren’t you?” He pressed his hips forward pushing himself as far into her as he could. He waited.

“Please, Severus. Please. I want you so,” she was beside herself with longing.

He waited. When she said nothing more, he twisted his hips, rubbing against her clit. She fought to keep from pleading and he kept up the gentle rhythm, all the while pressed into her as far as he could.

“All right!” She sobbed against his chest. “I belong to you! I am your property!”

“And I can do anything I like with you.”

“Yes! You can do anything you like with me!” She clung to his neck. “Anything at all.”

He slipped his hands under her shoulders and held her while he drove into her again and again. She came crying his name and his release was right behind hers.

When he was barely done, he slid down and wrapping his lips around her clit sucked and licked her into another orgasm. And another. And another.

Finally he moved up beside her and gathered her moaning trembling body close. Tenderly he kissed her for the first time that evening. A long, gentle kiss.

She buried her face in his chest and tried not to cry.

She hated this man. She loved this man. She fell asleep.

*********************


Chapter 27: Leaving Home

Lillith awoke with a start. It was still night, though she had no idea of the time. Her bedside lamp was still on and she was alone.

Rolling on her side she drew her knees up to her chest and cried. She cried in anger and frustration and loneliness. It didn’t last long, though. She had never been one for self-pity. Having given herself a headache, she decided to get up and make a cup of tea. She put on a robe and slippers and tucking her wand in her pocket, she went to the kitchen. The light was on and the tea kettle was hot. There was tea brewing in the pot but the room was empty. Drawing her wand from her pocket, she went into the front hall.

“Severus?” She called quietly.

“Here, Lillith,” his voice came from the living room. He joined her in the hall and they went back to the kitchen.

“I thought I would have another look around. I checked the grounds before you came home last night, but I thought another look wouldn’t be amiss.”

Lillith looked at the kitchen clock and realized she had only been asleep about 20 minutes.

“Would you like some toast?” She moved to the cutting board and grabbed a loaf of her homemade bread and a knife.

“Thank you; that would be nice.” He watched her drooping head and slumped shoulders.

With a frown, he moved behind her and wrapped his arms gently around her. She stopped what she was doing but didn’t respond.

“Lillith, love, why are you sad?” He whispered in her ear.

“You don’t like me.” It wasn’t what she meant but it was the best she could do at the moment. Tears ran down her cheeks. He seemed to understand.

“Lillith, have I given you the slightest reason to believe I don’t have the utmost respect for you?” His voice was very near her ear.

“Tonight....” she couldn’t find the words for what she wanted to say.

“Mmmmm,” he moved his chin to the top of her head. His voice reverberated inside her skull in a not unpleasant way. “And since when have you become so mean-spirited that you would not allow a friend his little conceit?”

“What?!” She turned and stared, open mouthed.

He ran a finger down her cheek, wiping away the tears. “If I ever tried to treat you as my property, you would give me a tongue-lashing that would go down in history as the first to actually flay a man.” He grinned. “Unless I had my cock inside you at the time. Then you’d agree to anything, wouldn’t you, my love?”

She slapped his hand away. “You bastard!”

He laughed. A deep, genuine laugh. “Lillith, such language! I thought you were a lady.”

With a laughing cry, she reached for his shoulders to shake him but he caught her wrists, turning them behind her and pulling her close. “Except, of course, in bed.” She shot him a furious look and he nuzzled her neck. “Then you are everything and anything a man could ask for.”

The sudden intensity in his voice made her shiver and relax against him. She was just becoming content when something struck her. She couldn’t believe it hadn’t occurred to her before.

“What are you doing here?” It sounded more of an accusation then a question.

He looked mildly surprised.

“Visiting?”

“Not hardly.” She was suddenly apprehensive. “Is something going on?”

He poured the tea and made the toast with a wave of his wand, then sat at the kitchen table.

“First, tell me why three men felt it necessary to walk you home through this bucolic little burg and then search the premises before taking their leave?”

She told him about the stranger in the bar and how the men had picked up bad vibes from him. Then she told him about the stranger touching her scar and he nodded as though this confirmed something.

“Is that what brought you?” She asked. “His touching the scar?”

“I would say so.” Snape dusted crumbs off his fingers. “That would have been about the time I got the heat from my wand.”

“Heat?”

“Mmmm, it got very hot in my pocket. Must not have liked some man touching my property.”

“Don’t make light of this.” Lillith scowled at him. “Why did you come? What if it was a trap? You could have sent someone else…”

“You know why I came.” His voice was perfectly neutral. “As to there being a trap, I rather pride myself that I wouldn’t be that easy to catch.”

“Oh, Severus!” Lillith didn’t know whether to shout at him or hug him.

“I suppose,” he looked around at the fireplace, “that I should report to Dumbledore. He’s probably...”

There was a crack and Dumbledore appeared in the middle of the kitchen floor.

“...wondering what’s going on?” Dumbledore finished the sentence. “I was rather, Severus. What have you been up to all this time?”

Snape’s face was bland. “Just giving a thorough check of the property, Headmaster.”

Lillith choked on her toast and Snape calmly poured her more tea as she coughed and sputtered.

“Tea, Headmaster?” He beckoned another mug from the cabinet.

Dumbledore accepted and Lillith make more toast. They related the events of the evening – or some of them – to the Headmaster and they tossed around the question of whether the stranger at the bar was a spy for Voldemort or Malfoy. Either way, her connection to Severus was now known to the enemy, placing her in danger. After tea, the two men went outside and had a look around. When they returned, Lillith could tell they had come to some decision. One, she thought wryly, that involved but didn’t include her.

Dumbledore got the job of telling her about it.

He wanted her to come to Hogwarts to stay. She could bring all the things, finished and unfinished, from her workshop and continue with her preparations at Hogwarts. Dumbledore knew someone who would take care of the gardens, finishing the harvesting and putting them to bed for the winter. She could close up the house and move herself, her work and her library to Hogwarts.

“For how long?” She looked around her beloved kitchen.

“I don’t know, my dear.” Dumbledore looked sad.

Rebellion rose inside her. “And next week, will I be sent home again?”

Dumbledore, at least, had the grace to look guilty.

“If it’s necessary,” Snape obviously felt no such thing.

“But what will I do there? It’s a school, not a boarding house.”

“True.” Albus smiled. “Professor Sprout has been asking for a couple of years now for someone to help in the greenhouses, and,” he looked at Snape, “Severus and I thought it might not be a bad idea for there to be someone who can take over for him if,” he hesitated, “if he has to be away. Minerva has said she’d rather leave than take his first years again.”

She saw Snape smile at that.

“But I’m not a teacher! And your classes! Nobody takes over your classes.” She appealed to Severus.

His face suddenly looked old. “It may be necessary.”

“What do you know?” The question was ripped from her soul and she found herself on her feet.

He closed his eyes, but it was Dumbledore who spoke. “We don’t know anything, Lillith. It’s just that things are so.... uncertain.”

“Severus?” It was from him she demanded the truth.

He looked in her eyes. “I keep no secrets form you.”

Lillith sank into her chair and rested her arms on the table.

“Then I guess I move.” She looked around the kitchen once again then rose and went upstairs to pack.

************************


Chapter 28: The Ladies Take Charge

A week later, things were settling into a routine. Snape had made Lillith room in his lab for her to work on her business. There were still a lot of people who counted on the preparations she made and the ingredients she grew and she was kept busy. In her spare time, she helped Professor Sprout in the greenhouses, reveling in the lush growing atmosphere. Nothing more had been said about her taking some of Snape’s classes nor had he been summoned by Voldemort. He worked on the monk’s potion when Lillith wasn’t in the lab and while always courteous when they met, he avoided her company.

Lillith found that being in close proximity with him but not having the easy closeness that they had enjoyed before was almost worse than not seeing him at all. She lay awake at night aching for him, wondering if he were missing her even a little.

Dumbledore could have answered that. While he was well used to the prickly nature of his grumpy Potions Master he had rarely seen Severus in such a foul mood. Every class of first and second years saw at least two of its members reduced to tears each time class met. Professor Flitwick had complained that one of his Ravenclaw 5th years had refused to come out of her room for 8 hours after Severus had chastised her for laughing in the hallway between classes. The house elves were afraid to go anywhere near his wing of the building and
even Peeves was giving him a wide berth.

~~

One gloriously fine afternoon Tonks was walking around one of the many outside corners of the school on her way to the greenhouses when she walked smack into Snape coming the other way.

“Yikes!” She let out a startled cry and backed up a step.

Snape drew himself up to his tallest, then stepping close to her, he leaned over her a bit and scowled down into her face. It was a tactic that had caused more than one first year to wet themselves. But Tonks was no first year.

“Hey, Snape!” she reached out and ran a hand down the lapel of his cloak. “You’re looking good today.”

His eyes narrowed even further. “You would be well advised, Ms Tonks, to look where you are going.” His voice was a menacing growl.

“Well, I was, ya know. I just don’t have the knack of seeing around corners.” She smiled up at him with utter nonchalance. “And apparently you don’t either or you wouldn’t have walked into me.”

His eyes widened a fraction in surprise before he whisked his cloak around and strode past her.

“Snape!” The work cracked in the air.

He froze, then turned very slowly, drawing breath to speak.

Tonks cut him off. “I was looking for you.”

“I find that highly unlikely. But if by some remote chance it is true, then you may continue on your way triumphant in the knowledge that you have succeeded in your quest.” He started to turn away again.

“I want to talk to you.”

He folded his arms over his chest and waited.

She strolled up to him until she was almost touching the front of his robes and looked up at his face.

“I like you Snape, I really do. I respect you, I trust you and there is no one I’d rather have at my back in a fight. I consider you my friend.” His eyes had widened a fraction in surprise but she went on before he could say anything. “My friends are important to me and I think of you as one of the best, but Aunt Lilly is another of those friends and she’s family to boot.” Tonks squinted at him. “What I’m saying is, friend or no, you hurt her and I’ll rip your heart out.”

His eyes narrowed in menace. “Do you have any idea who you are threatening?”

Tonks stood her ground without so much as a flicker of uncertainty or fear. “It’s not a threat, Snape. It’s a promise.”

Snape glared at her for several seconds. “What possible reason could you have for considering me your friend?”

Clearly, this was not what Tonks was expecting and she was caught off guard. “Don’t change the subject!”

“I am not changing the subject. I am merely exploring what appears to be a faulty line of reasoning. Answer the question.”

Tonks cocked her head to one side and looked into the glittering black eyes, considering her answer. “You helped me get into the Auror program. You’ve had the chance to really,” she faltered a bit, “really hurt me with, with things you could have said, and you didn’t. You saved Lilly’s life.” She paused in thought. “I trust you....”

“So,” he had a smirk on his face. “All one needs to do to be your friend is treat you with a modicum of courtesy? Not very discerning, are you?”

Tonks gasped as if slapped. “That is not what I meant!”

“As for saving your aunt’s life...” he shrugged, “That was an accident of circumstance.”

“You can just stop!” Tonks was furious. “You’re twisting things the way you always do. I know I’m not saying this well,” Snape smirked at her words, “but you know perfectly well what I’m talking about.”

“I am afraid, Tonks, that I haven’t the remotest idea.” He sounded smug.

“There are the friends that I hang out with, go drinking with, talk to.” She was trembling with anger. “But there are also the kind of friends that, while you might not even talk to them for months, you know that you can count on them. Friends that if you need them -- if you have your back to the wall -- you can call on them and they will come. They’ll be there for you no matter what. I’m don’t know why I know you’re that kind of friend, but I do know that you are.”

“That is an utterly ridiculous and totally Gryffindor-like remark.” Snape started to walk away.

Suddenly realization hit like a lightening bolt. “It was you!” Her voice was filled with wonder. “It was you who rescued me in that house!”

Snape froze but didn’t turn. Tonks stepped in front of him and glared up into his scowling face.

“Tell me!” Her voice trembled with emotion. “You look me in the eye and you tell me, Severus Snape, that you are not the man I think you are!”

They stood, toe to toe, and locked gazes. Silent seconds stretched into minutes. Tonks could see the muscles bunched along his jaw, but he didn’t answer.

Abruptly, she relaxed and stepped back a few inches. “That’s what I thought.” She couldn’t help smiling.

“Is it?” His voice dripped sarcasm. “If that were indeed what you thought, then what could possibly have prompted you believe that any part of the foregoing conversation was necessary?”

He stepped around her and was striding down the path in a swirl of black wool, while she stared after him with an open mouth. Leave it to Snape to deliver reassurance coupled with a slap in the face.

Lillith walked up and put a hand on Tonks’ arm.

“OK, luv?”

“Oh, yeah,” Tonks was sheepish. “We were just getting a few things straight.”

Lillith raised an eyebrow and looked her niece up and down.

“Well, at least you’re not bleeding.”

Tonks laughed and hooked her arm through her aunt’s as they strolled around the school.

“It was Snape,” Tonks said in wonder. “It was Snape who came and rescued me in Austria.”

Lillith nodded. “I thought it may have been.”

Tonks looked surprised.

“You’re not the only one who is fiercely loyal to your friends.” Lillith’s tone was dry.

“He considers me his friend?” Tonks couldn’t believe it.

“Well,” Lillith smiled, “he may not think of you exactly that way, but....” she hesitated looking for the right words. “That time, at Grimmauld Place, and later,” Lillith flushed slightly, “he made himself very vulnerable to you. You have never betrayed that trust with so much as a whisper. He values that.”

“He values me?” There was awe in Tonks voice.

Lillith couldn’t help laughing. “That shouldn’t surprise you so much! You know the kind of man he is. You knew that summer or you’d never have approached him.”

“But how did he know I was in trouble?” Tonks was having a hard time with this new picture of Snape.

“I was with him and Dumbledore when I got That Feeling. You know, like I used to when you were a child and in trouble. They noticed something wrong and asked about it.”

“You knew Snape would come?”

“No,” Lillith shook her head. “I have no idea how he found you – and so quickly!”

“He’s something....” Tonks shook her head in wonder as they continued their stroll in the warm sun.

Across the yard they saw Snape striding with long legged grace along the edge of the Forbidden Forest, his cloak flowing behind him and his long satin hair echoing the movement. They watched him as he turned and disappeared into the trees.

“Does that man have any idea how sexy he is?” Tonks sighed.

Lillith blushed and looked at the ground. “Oh, I think so....”

~~

They were parting in the Front Hall a few hours later in the day and Tonks gave her aunt a hug.

“Aunt Lilly,” she sounded a bit wistful. “You’re gonna have to do something about this ‘cause I don’t think he can.”

Lillith didn’t have to ask her what she meant.

“I think you’re right.”

Tonks looked worried and Lillith gripped her hand.

“Don’t worry, we can trust him.”

Tonks gave her a genuine smile. “I know.”

~~

Snape stalked into his rooms, slammed the door and threw his cloak on a chair.

The hours he had spent sweeping about the grounds terrorizing the students hadn’t made him feel any better.

What on earth had precipitated that ridiculous outburst from Tonks? He flung himself on the couch and stared moodily at the empty fireplace.

He knew exactly what had prompted Tonks’ threat: Lillith was hurting. If that hadn’t been clear to Tonks, she never would have said anything. He sat forward with his elbows on his knees and lowered his head to his arms.

His enemies knew of the connection between him and Lillith, putting her life in danger. The Dark Lord would be calling him soon. His life wasn’t worth a tenpenny bet. He had never cared before but he found, suddenly, that he did now. Somehow, with her even disposition and sunny nature, with her ability to see what was needed and then do it without fuss, Lillith had woven herself into the fabric of his soul. All outward composure and inner passion, she had given him everything. He realized he didn’t want to be without her, not even for a little while. He had not felt so out of control of his life since he was a child.

There was a soft knock on his door. He ignored it. He didn’t need house elves, students or Dumbledore at the moment. The latch clicked and he rose and turned, anger clear on his face. Lillith hesitated just inside the door.

“I’m sorry to disturb you,” her voice faltered for a moment, then continued with strength. “Severus, I can’t begin to understand everything that goes into making you who you are, but I want you to know that I don’t doubt you. I don’t doubt the man that you are -- your commitments. I don’t doubt the feelings that caused you to give me this token.” She touched the crystal at her throat. “I know,” her voice faltered and she swallowed, “that this is the worst possible time for you to consider involving yourself with anyone.” Tears started to run down her face but she held his eyes. “I just wanted to tell you that I will follow you through the gates of hell or wait for you until the sky falls, as you choose. I do belong to you, Severus, and I never want it any other way.”

He stalked to the window and looked out, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. She could see he was trembling.

“That’s very melodramatic but not very sensible,” his voice was cold. “I might very well be dead next week.”

“So might we all.” Her voice was low but there was no note of pleading.

“I could never ask either of those things of you.” His voice softened.

“I know. That’s why I’m offering.” She wanted to go to him, to beg him to let her stay with him, but she wouldn’t.

“It would be insanely dangerous for you to be with me.”

“They already know about me.”

“I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.” His voice shook.

“Nor I you. But it may anyway and we would have to go on.”

He laughed harshly and turned around. “Always practical. Are you ever impractical, Lillith?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I suppose some could argue that falling in love with you wasn’t very practical.”

A heat flashed behind his eyes. He walked to Lillith and took her face in his hands. She had stopped crying but the tears were still wet on her cheeks and he wiped them away with his thumbs.

“Will you stay with me, Lillith?” His voice was soft, his lips an inch from hers.

She put her arms around his waist and drew him close, reaching up for his kiss.

**********************************


Chapter 29: We’re All Family Now

Dumbledore had the empty two room suite next to Snape’s rooms redone and knocked into one generous living space. It was equipped with a full kitchen for both convenience and because Lillith needed a kitchen for her work. Their combined library was second only to the Headmaster’s in size. Snape’s private lab had also been enlarged so there was plenty of room for the two of them and windows had been added making it a sunny and pleasant place. Snape had groused about that a bit, claiming that he had an image to maintain. He remained a terror to his students but did not spend nearly as much time stalking the halls at night as he had previously.

One day, a visiting Tonks was seated in an easy chair in the bright kitchen having tea with Lillith when Snape came in. He paused in the doorway before giving her a brief nod and pulling a mug from a shelf. He was reaching for the teapot when Tonks spoke.

“How’s it going, Snape?”

“Tolerably well, thank you. You?” The silky baritone was cool.

“Finest kind.” Tonks pulled her feet up under her on the chair and sat cross-legged.

He finished pouring his tea and turned to face the room.

“Do you really think Leftpondian slang is an appropriate field of study for an Auror?” He sounded supercilious in the extreme.

“You never know what will come in handy, now do you?” She beamed a smile at him.

“Are you planning on leaving us, by any chance?” He raised an interested eyebrow.

She spread her hands innocently. “No plans.”

“Pity.” He sipped his tea.

Tonks cast a quick glance at Lillith.

“Soooo, now that we’re all family, can I call you Uncle Sevy?” Her voice was innocent.

Lillith choked on her tea.

In two long strides Snape had moved to Tonks’ chair slamming his hands down on the arms. Tonks squeaked in alarm and drew back but he moved forward until he and Tonks were almost touching noses.

“If you even think those words again,” he spoke very quickly, his voice barely above a whisper, “I will curse you. I will curse you in ways you have never thought imaginable. I will curse you in ways no one has ever thought imaginable. I will curse you so all your children are born with two heads, thirteen fingers and crossed eyes. I will curse you so your husband turns into a toad on your wedding night. I will curse you so that every time you open your mouth to speak, you hiccup six times before you can utter a word. I will curse you so you can only speak Ukrainian Dwarfish. I will curse you so you can only walk backwards hopping on one foot and I will curse you so you entire body breaks out in a painful rash every time you laugh. Do I make myself clear?” The menacing black eyes were inches from hers.

“Aunt Lilly?” She raised a quavering plea for help.

Lillith had both hands clamped over her mouth trying not to laugh out loud.

“Oh, no!” She managed to get out between giggles, waving her hands at Tonks. “You bait the man, you face the consequences on your own!”

Snape raised one eyebrow. “Do I make myself clear?” He repeated slowly, carefully enunciating each word.

Tonks choked back a laugh and looked into the glittering black eyes. “OK, sure. If you feel that way about it.”

Snape straightened up and glared down at the young woman now dissolved in a fit of giggles.

“I’m not joking!” He mustered all the indignation he could.

“Tell her I’ll do it!” He whirled on Lillith who was doubled over laughing.

“No!” She wiped tears from her cheek. “You two leave me out of this!”

With a snort, Snape picked up his mug of tea and swept out of the room.

What Lilly and Tonks didn’t see, being still blinded by their laughter, was the big grin on Snape’s face.

************************

To be continued in Part 7