Six

Dangerous Game

An owl hooted in the distance as Severus walked briskly up the wide driveway towards Malfoy Manor.

He was accompanied by Yaxley, whose late arrival had been an unwanted surprise. Severus had intended to arrive last, to give the impression of importance and avoid any unnecessary conversation with fellow Death Eaters.

So far Severus had managed to avoid speaking too much with Yaxley. The biting chill of the night air pressed against his face as he controlled the anxiety rising in his stomach. It was imperative he gave a convincing performance tonight, and he didn't need Yaxley's distraction whilst he prepared himself.

They entered together through the grandiose front door into the opulent hallway. Pausing for a moment outside the drawing room, Severus methodically shut down his fear and disquiet. He had to be cool, calm and emotionless when he walked through the door to the meeting. Detachment was vital for success.

Severus reached out for the bronze door handle and stepped confidently into the room.

The drawing room's usual furniture had been replaced by a long ornate table, and its polished surface flickered in the half-light of the fire. Death Eaters were sitting around the length of the table with two seats vacant: one in the middle and one at the Dark Lord's right hand.

Everyone in the room turned to see the new arrivals. Severus could make out the silhouette of the Dark Lord against the firelight, beckoning them forward. Above the fireplace, Severus could see a large gilded mirror on the mantelpiece, and his eyes were drawn to the reflection of a body, suspended upside down above the table.

He noticed Draco Malfoy seated immediately below the figure, glancing up at it fearfully.

Before Severus had chance to identify the person hanging above Draco, the Dark Lord spoke.

"Yaxley. Snape. You are very nearly late."*

Severus approached the head of the table, not daring to look upwards again.

"Severus, here,"* said the Dark Lord as he pointed to the empty seat at his right.

The significance of this was not lost on Severus, and he took his seat at the Dark Lord's right side, maintaining his smooth mask-like composure.

"Yaxley – beside Dolohov,"* the Dark Lord hissed.

As Severus surveyed the scene, it seemed all eyes were upon him.

"So?"* the Dark Lord asked him, without preamble.

"My Lord,"* Severus replied steadily, "the Order of the Phoenix intends to move Harry Potter from his current place of safety on Saturday next at nightfall."* The confidence in his voice was genuine, despite the flutter of uneasiness he felt inside.

"Saturday... at nightfall."* The Dark Lord's eyes locked onto Severus's.

Severus forced himself to remain calm, knowing the truth of his words would not betray him.

The Dark Lord considered him for a few seconds, and then his lipless mouth curled into a snake-like smile.

"Good. Very good. And this information comes –"*

"From the source we discussed," Severus interjected, determined to keep Contessa's identity hidden from the other Death Eaters. He allowed the memory of Contessa telling him the date to float to the front of his mind, should the Dark Lord deem it necessary to look.

"My Lord,"* Yaxley interrupted from the middle of the table, and all eyes in the room turned to face him.

"My Lord, I have heard differently."* Yaxley hesitated. "Dawlish, the Auror, let slip that Potter will not be moved until the thirtieth, the night before the boy turns seventeen."*

Severus silently thanked Contessa, and smiled at Yaxley knowingly. "My source told me that there are plans to lay a false trail; this must be it. No doubt a Confundus Charm has been placed upon Dawlish. It is not the first time, he is known to be susceptible."*

"I assure you, my Lord, Dawlish seemed quite certain,"* said Yaxley, clearly manoeuvring to appear knowledgeable and useful.

Severus could not allow Yaxley to convince the Dark Lord; there was too much at stake.

"If he has been Confunded, naturally he is certain,"* Snape interposed. "I assure you, Yaxley, the Auror Office will play no further part in the protection of Harry Potter. The Order believes that we have infiltrated the Ministry."*

"The Order's got one thing right, then, eh?"* Selwyn said, with a wheezy giggle.

"My Lord,"* Yaxley continued, undeterred, "Dawlish believes an entire party of Aurors will be used to transfer the boy –"*

At that, the Dark Lord seemed to decide upon the credentials of the information and raised his hand at Yaxley. The Death Eater ceased his exposition and turned to watch Severus resentfully.

The Dark Lord locked eyes with Severus once again. "Where are they going to hide the boy next?"*

Severus replied immediately. "At the home of one of the Order. The place, according to the source, has been given every protection that the Order and the Ministry could provide. I think that there is little chance of taking him once he is there, my Lord, unless, of course, the Ministry has fallen before next Saturday, which might give us the opportunity to discover and undo enough of the enchantments to break through the rest."*

Severus's gambit seemed to have worked; the Dark Lord's attention was switched to Yaxley again, distracting him from the fact that Severus had not been able to supply the location of the safe house.

"Well, Yaxley. Will the Ministry have fallen by next Saturday?"* the Dark Lord asked pointedly.

Severus felt a flurry of nerves as he listened to Yaxley inform the room that he had placed the Imperius Curse upon Pius Thicknesse. Thankfully, by the sounds of it, the Ministry would remain safe for the time being. The knot in Severus's stomach loosened.

A sudden wail of misery sounded from below the table, and the Dark Lord sent Wormtail to quieten the prisoner.

Severus caught Draco's eye for a second, and the boy gulped and lowered his head. Life was obviously getting more difficult for the Malfoy family. As the discussions continued, Draco seemed twitchy and unsettled as he glanced up at the inverted figure hanging above him.

Severus did not look up for fear of what he might see.

After the Dark Lord procured Lucius's wand, Nagini slithered under the table beneath Severus's feet. The sensation sent a cold chill up his spine, and he watched the great snake coil itself around the Dark Lord's shoulders.

Bellatrix rose to her feet to defend the Malfoy family's reputation, but the mention of her niece's marriage to Lupin sent her heavily-lidded face reeling. The fact that Severus had supplied this information to the Dark Lord gave him a sense of grim satisfaction. It amused him to hear Bellatrix jeered at by the table and taken down a notch or two. He'd never liked the woman. Severus sat quietly, relishing the ugly red flush on her face.

His enjoyment, however, was short-lived. After the Dark Lord commanded the room into silence, he manipulated Bellatrix into agreeing to kill her niece, Nymphadora Tonks. Severus was hit by a sobering wave of nausea as he became increasingly aware of the dangerous game he was playing.

The Dark Lord raised Lucius's wand, pointing it upwards at the slowly revolving body. Severus heard the groan of a female and sensed her struggling above the table. His insides turned to an icy numbness in anticipation.

"Do you recognise our guest, Severus?"* the Dark Lord asked him.

Now that he had permission, Severus looked up at the figure dangling upside down. The woman rotated slowly to face him, and Severus felt a wave of horror engulf him as he recognised her terrified face.

"Severus! Help me!"* Charity Burbage exclaimed the moment she saw him.

Severus met her eyes unflinchingly, willing himself not to alter his outward composure. He struggled to keep a lid on his emotions as his former colleague looked down at him imploringly.

As her body turned away from him, Severus felt safe enough to speak.

"Ah, yes,"* he said in a neutral voice, remaining impassive.

"And you, Draco?"* asked the Dark Lord.

Severus was grateful for the moment's distraction whilst the Dark Lord explained the identity of the captive to the rest of the room. "Yes... Professor Burbage taught the children of witches and wizards all about Muggles... how they are not so different from us,"* he said contemptuously.

Charity revolved to face Severus once more, and one of the Death Eaters spat on the floor. She found Severus's eyes again.

"Severus... please... please..."* she begged him.

Severus felt anger and guilt accost him as he heard Charity utter what had been Dumbledore's final words. Severus forced himself to stay calm and not show the myriad of emotions threatening to take over. He was in no position to help.

His eyes followed hers as she rotated away.

"Silence,"* said the Dark Lord. With a flick of his wand, Charity was gagged.

Severus watched the unfolding scene in abject horror, impotent to intervene, fervently wishing that the woman would receive a swift and painless end.

The Dark Lord reeled off his twisted version of Charity's last article in the Daily Prophet with pure contempt. The tone of his voice held the room in rapt attention.

Severus's wand hand twitched uselessly at his side as Charity Burbage turned to face him one more time. Tears streamed from her eyes and into her hair as she pleaded silently for his help.

Severus felt a lump the size of a bezoar in his throat. Outwardly he maintained his emotionless and impassive composure despite his instinct to look away from the fate which was about to unfurl before his eyes.

He hoped it would be quick, for Charity's sake, as well as his.

"Avada Kedavra."*

The green light from the Dark Lord's wand lit up the entire room. Severus felt his throat tighten and his stomach lurch.

Charity's body fell with a thud onto the polished surface of the table, her arms and legs askew.

Death Eaters around the table leapt out of the way. Draco fell out of his chair, hitting the floor hard.

Severus sat rigidly as the Dark Lord summoned Nagini to dinner.

---

Open Doors

"How can you see

Into my eyes

Like open doors

Leading you down

Into my core

Where I've become so numb"

'Bring Me To Life', Evanescence

Contessa awoke in the early hours of the morning to the sound of a wind chime, signalling Severus's arrival back from the Death Eaters' meeting.

She rolled out of bed groggily and dressed quickly before padding downstairs into the dark living room. There was no sign of her house guest.

Dumbledore was leaning at the edge of his portrait, his eyes focused on the window.

"Where is he?" Contessa asked drowsily, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Outside," replied Dumbledore, straining to get a better view.

Contessa walked to the window and looked out into the darkness of the garden. It was a still, black night, and the sky was lit by a large waning gibbous moon.

She could make out Severus's robed figure pacing anxiously around the garden. Contessa watched him for a while, wondering if she should go out to him. Eventually, Severus sat down on the wooden bench, holding his head in his hands.

It was hard to make out in the darkness, but he appeared to be rocking slightly, back and forth, pulling at his hair.

Something inside Contessa spurred her into action. She quickly lit an oil lamp, threw on a travelling cloak, and opened the front door.

Leaving the cottage, she made her way cautiously by the flickering light of the lamp to the bench at the end of the garden.

When she reached Severus he was sitting immobile, still wearing his Death Eater robes. His mask lay in the grass by his feet. He was leaning forward with his hair pulled back from his face; the dark curtains held tightly in his fists. He did not acknowledge Contessa in any way.

She placed the oil lamp on the ground and sat down next to him silently.

Severus did not speak for a long time.

The chill of the night air surrounded them as they sat side by side, staring into the darkness. A barn owl screeched overhead and, somewhere in the distance, a nightingale sang.

When Severus spoke, his voice was starkly cold and repressive. "Charity Burbage is dead."

The news hit Contessa in a sickening wave.

She sat, momentarily paralysed, as the information sank in and the repercussions played out in her mind.

Eventually, she asked, "What happened?"

Severus paused as if to prepare himself. "The Dark Lord murdered her as part of the evening's entertainment," he answered bitterly. "We were forced to watch... The snake..." His voice drifted away, unable to continue.

Contessa felt a swirl of nausea spread through her abdomen, silencing her thoughts and stopping her from responding. She knew she was experiencing a mere fraction of what Severus must be feeling.

Acting upon instinct, she reached out and placed her hand lightly upon Severus's shoulder.

His reaction was instantaneous. Severus shrugged her hand away and stood up abruptly. Purposefully, he walked away and resumed his pacing around the garden.

Contessa's hand dropped to the bench and felt the warmth of the wood upon which he had been sitting.

"It's not your fault, Severus," she called out to him gently.

Upon hearing her words, Severus stopped in his stride and gave her a sidelong glance. His face contorted with anger and he turned on his heel, stalking towards her with his Death Eater robes billowing out behind him.

Contessa felt frightened and intimidated as he bore down upon her, his arms either side of her, gripping the bench and preventing her escape.

His face was a matter of inches away from hers as he hissed, "It was my responsibility!"

Contessa sat back in the seat, lengthening the distance between them to get a better look at his face. His eyes seemed to cloud over and he ran out of steam.

With a forceful groan, he pushed himself upwards and turned away, moving out of her reach.

"It's always my responsibility," he murmured into the night.

Contessa allowed herself to breathe and took some time to understand the meaning in his words.

"You feel responsible for Charity's death," she said to his back.

Severus exhaled audibly.

Contessa paused, wondering if she should continue.

"And this feeling is not new," she said tentatively. "It's happened to you before."

Severus swept towards her, horror consuming his features. His expression changed as he calculated something in his mind, and a look of indignation appeared on his face.

"No!" he growled aggressively, causing Contessa to jump in her seat.

Severus strode away from her, towards the cottage, forcing the front door open and slamming it behind him. Contessa could hear the muffled sounds of shouting from inside the house.

She followed the path back to the cottage, able to discern some of Severus's angry ranting through the window. He was shouting at Dumbledore's portrait.

"You told her!" he screamed accusingly. "You gave me your word!"

Contessa opened the front door warily and stepped inside the room. Fawkes was flying around the room, screeching at the top of his voice. Dumbledore's portrait appeared thoroughly confused. Severus was striding around the confined space of the living room with his hands on his hips, rage burning on his face.

"Told me what?" she asked ingenuously, trying to make herself heard over the phoenix's racket.

Severus ceased his pacing and looked directly at her, his dark eyes boring into hers. Contessa met his gaze without flinching, feeling at a complete loss to explain his behaviour.

In studying her, Severus seemed to find some sort of answer, and began to regain a measure of self-control. Then Severus turned back to Dumbledore's portrait, looking for some kind of confirmation.

Contessa noticed something unspoken pass between the two men. Severus seemed to calm a little, and Dumbledore had a distinct look of vindication.

Contessa had no idea what had provoked Severus's outburst, but it seemed to have been based on some sort of misunderstanding.

Fawkes landed on the back of the sofa and looked Severus up and down. The phoenix seemed to decide it was now safe, and flew onto Contessa's shoulder, issuing a mellifluous trill into her ear.

Severus slumped onto the sofa.

Contessa waited for a moment, unsure if Severus needed space, but Dumbledore ushered her over to the armchair. She sat down quietly.

Fawkes flew onto Severus's lap and warbled softly. Severus seemed to salvage some of his composure as he looked down at the scarlet and gold bird singing soothingly to him.

Slowly, Severus looked up at Contessa, his features diffident, and addressed Dumbledore quietly.

"The meeting went well; the Dark Lord is satisfied that Potter will be moved on Saturday next."

Contessa was startled by the change in direction. It was almost as if the Severus she had seen moments before had been an illusion.

"Excellent work," said Dumbledore in a cheerful tone.

Contessa was finding it hard to go with the flow of this new conversation, and she looked at Dumbledore in surprise. He appeared not to notice.

"The next step is to Confund Mundungus Fletcher," Dumbledore reminded Severus in a matter-of-fact manner, and Dumbledore turned to look at Contessa enquiringly.

Contessa swallowed back her instinct to intervene; both men seemed to want to sweep the previous events under the carpet. She rolled her eyes at Dumbledore and then turned to Severus.

Her voice was reassuringly tender as she said, "I've set up a meeting for you tomorrow."

Severus nodded stiffly and placed his hand underneath the phoenix's plumage. Fawkes hopped gently onto his fingers.

Severus stood slowly and carried the bird to its perch in the corner. He left for the guest room without another word.

---

Fly in the Ointment

During the course of the following week, Severus began to feel the benefits of the relationship that Dumbledore had thrust upon him. Contessa engineered Severus's meeting with Mundungus Fletcher and accompanied him to the remote tavern, where he had met the smelly sneak-thief and cast the Confundus Charm.

Likewise, the information Severus provided from his Death Eater meetings was being utilised to good effect, with Contessa being able to warn the Order of the Phoenix that Pius Thicknesse was now under the Imperius Curse.

So far, Contessa had found a good balance between feeding intelligence to the Order and not becoming overly involved in the planning of Harry Potter's removal from Little Whinging. As such, Severus's accommodation at Squirrel's Leap had been a safe haven, providing him with a comforting refuge whilst the Ministry of Magic continued to search for his whereabouts.

The symbiotic relationship with Contessa also helped Severus feel useful to the Order without any of its members actually knowing of his involvement. Each small contribution towards keeping Lily's son safe was good for his conscience, assuaging some of the guilt he felt about Charity Burbage's death.

The only thing not going well was his attempt to help Contessa, to repay her for her assistance with Dumbledore's funeral. He was going to have to speak to Dolohov himself at this rate, but he had yet to think of a suitable pretext for the conversation.

As the twenty-seventh of July fast approached, Contessa spent more and more time away from Squirrel's Leap, working hard at the Ministry to gather enough intelligence before leaving the Ludicrous Patents Office. She was also attending regular Order meetings along with the other Ministry insiders.

Severus, on the other hand, was at the beck and call of the Dark Lord. He was feeding the Dark Lord a regular supply of information without revealing too much detail. The fact that Contessa was not personally involved in the plans to relocate Potter had been advantageous; it was easier for Severus to withhold information when he was simply not party to it.

However, that all changed the day before Potter was to be moved from Privet Drive.

Contessa arrived home late from the final Order meeting prior to the move. Severus heard the wind chime sound, but it took a long time for Contessa to come in through the front door.

He looked out through the window and saw Contessa pacing nervously around the garden, muttering to herself and stopping occasionally to stare into open space. Severus thought better of going out to her and waited calmly by the front door.

Eventually, the handle turned and Contessa walked through the doorway with an apprehensive smile curling her lips. When her eyes met his she seemed to change her mind, but then her smile grew more convincing.

"Severus, I'm so glad you're here," she said, an attempt at playfulness in her voice.

Severus shot her a quizzical look but she walked towards him, undeterred.

Contessa moved in closer and placed her hand suggestively on his chest. Severus felt its steady progress towards his collarbone. Wondering what had come over her, he started to speak, but Contessa held her thumb to his lips and rubbed past them gently. Her eyes beseeched him to stay silent.

"I have news," she said, as she teasingly removed her thumb and swept past him into the living room.

Severus watched her remove her cloak and sling it over the back of the armchair. He had no idea what she was trying to accomplish; nevertheless, he felt compelled to play along.

"The Order will move as planned tomorrow at nightfall. Harry Potter will be escorted by six members of the Order, including Moody and Tonks, by broomstick." Contessa seemed to falter before saying sadly, "I still don't know the location of the safe house, however."

She moved towards Severus and reached out for his arm, running her fingers down it until she found his hand and slipped it gently into hers.

"Let me make it up to you," she said coyly, gently pulling at his arm, urging him to follow.

Severus was completely bewildered as he followed her towards the stairway. His curiosity was piqued as he climbed the stairs.

"Contessa?" he asked uncertainly.

At this, Contessa seemed to come to her senses and she stopped suddenly on the stairs, causing him to bump into her. Severus took a couple of steps back and she let go of his hand, dropping to a sitting position halfway up the stairs.

Severus stood watching her holding her head in her hands and not daring to speak.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"I'm so sorry," she said hopelessly.

"Sorry for what?" he asked with growing impatience.

Contessa looked him in the eye before saying resignedly, "You're going to need that memory."

She arose from her sitting position and pushed past him on her way back down the stairs. Sinking into the armchair opposite Dumbledore's portrait, she looked tired and upset, and possibly a little guilty.

Severus walked back into the room feeling utterly perplexed. He stood next to the portrait waiting for Contessa to speak.

"Would you care to explain?" Severus said testily into the silence.

Contessa raised her head dolefully. "I'm afraid I got a bit over excited at the Order meeting," she began timidly. "Five people volunteered for the decoy Potters. I came up with an idea... A brilliant idea." She flinched. "I suggested we needed another volunteer to make the total number seven, which would be much more magically significant..." Her voice trailed off.

Severus was impressed with her reasoning, but he could not see the fly in the ointment. He raised his eyebrows.

Contessa swallowed. "In the end, Mundungus was persuaded to be the sixth decoy. But then Remus suggested we needed another safe house." Contessa looked at Dumbledore's portrait imploringly, before meeting Severus's eyes. "Remus asked me to offer Squirrel's Leap to the Order for tomorrow night!"

Severus's stomach swooped as the implications of Contessa's slip up hit him surprisingly hard.

"What was your answer?" Severus asked urgently.

"Yes, of course. How could I refuse? From the Order's point of view, there is no reason why I should say no!" Contessa's head hung in defeat.

Severus ignored the sickening sensation rising in his abdomen and immediately started to plan his next move. He had not anticipated the need for another place to hide from the Ministry.

"Remus is coming here tomorrow morning to help me set up the necessary protective charms." She looked up at Severus again, searching his eyes in hope of clemency. "I am so sorry," she said quietly.

Severus felt a sweeping sensation of loss, suddenly realising how much he had become accustomed to the certainty of his safe lodgings. His preference for self-sufficiency meant he was not usually dependent upon another person's reliability or loyalty, but that didn't stop him from feeling a brief sting of injury at Contessa's hands.

He was about to respond when Dumbledore cut in.

"What's done is done, Tess, there's no use crying over spilt milk. We'll simply have to work around it," Dumbledore said calmly. "Severus will make himself scarce after sunrise, and not return until the protective charms are lifted. It's not the end of the world."

Contessa looked at the portrait and nodded in acceptance, but she did not appear to feel exonerated by this exchange.

"Severus, I..." she began.

He cut her off with a wave of his hand. "Your apologies are not necessary, Contessa."

"But I..."

"Save it," Severus said dangerously as he swept towards the stairs.

From behind he heard Contessa speak quietly but clearly.

"I'm sorry I let you down."

Severus paused briefly at the bottom of the stairs.

Her earnest apology had not been requested or needed. Yet, on a new-found level, he accepted her remorse as genuine. This unfamiliar intrusion soothed away the ache of the newly inflicted wound.

Severus felt an ephemeral sense of contact, an awareness that another person was there for him.

Turning back to Contessa, he searched her features for corroboration. With unexpected surprise, he found what he was looking for.

Severus lowered his head in acknowledgement and quietly ascended the stairs.

---

Shadow of Doubt

Severus had left Squirrel's Leap by the time Contessa arose on the Saturday morning. The cottage seemed strangely empty in his absence.

Fawkes, now the size of a small pheasant, was dozing on the Transfigured perch as Contessa entered the living room. She wandered over to the young phoenix and softly whispered good morning. The bird stirred and looked up sleepily at Contessa. Fawkes let out a muffled squeep as he stretched his wings, ruffled his feathers and shook himself awake.

"You'll have to make yourself scarce when Remus arrives," she said sadly, stroking the phoenix under its beak. Fawkes cooed appreciatively.

Dumbledore awoke in his portrait as the phoenix flew out of the window in search of breakfast.

Contessa stood awkwardly in front of the picture frame before looking at the Headmaster reluctantly. "And what am I going to do with you?" she said wryly.

"Ah, I shall make a swift exit when the Doorbell Charm rings," Dumbledore replied agreeably. "Do not worry."

Contessa sighed, dropping her head and swinging her arms out slightly at her sides. "I've made such a mess of things," she said despondently.

"It is retrievable, however," Dumbledore said kindly.

"Yes, but Severus might not trust me anymore," she said heavily, staring at the floor.

Dumbledore didn't answer immediately. Eventually Contessa looked up at him uncertainly. His gaze was sympathetic.

"You are doing well; better than I had hoped. I'm confident that Severus will return."

Contessa smiled ruefully. "I never thought I'd see the day when I would want to see him out of choice."

Dumbledore smiled in return. "As I said, you're doing well."

Contessa laughed mirthlessly. "It doesn't feel like it at the moment."

A mighty gong heralded the arrival of Remus Lupin, Apparating on the borders of the garden. Looking outside, Contessa saw a flash of scarlet and gold as Fawkes buried himself in the undergrowth of the herb garden.

Turning back to the living room, she noticed Dumbledore had already gone. Contessa Transfigured the phoenix perch back into a plant stand and Summoned the pot plant from the window sill.

With a brisk rap, Remus knocked on the front door. He was smiling broadly as he entered the cottage, and looked a little less shabby than usual. Married life was obviously treating him well.

"Good morning, Tess," he said cheerfully. "You're looking well."

Contessa smiled in greeting and welcomed him with a warm hug. "So are you. Can I make you a drink?"

"No, no, I won't be staying long. Three more houses to do after this one. Dora might pop along if there's time. Thanks, anyway."

Contessa nodded.

"Looks like you've made a good start, though," Remus said gratefully.

Contessa looked at him enquiringly.

"Excellent Disillusionment Charm on the cottage – very convincing. And I'm sure I heard a Doorbell Charm too." Remus smiled.

"Oh, that." Contessa shrugged it away. "I got started on the charms when I arrived home last night," she lied.

"Well, that'll make it quicker for us this morning. Let's start inside the cottage shall we?"

Contessa's stomach filled with a leaden weight. "Inside?"

"We need to be thorough; I'm not taking any chances." Remus grinned. "The Order decided that George Weasley and I will be using your safe house tonight."

Contessa gulped and tried to appear nonchalant. "No problem, it'll be my pleasure."

Remus smiled warmly. "Where shall we begin?"

"I'll do upstairs, if you like." Contessa's offer was more a command than a request.

"Certainly, I'll cover downstairs and I'll meet you outside when you've finished?"

Contessa nodded and let out an audible breath of relief as she climbed the stairs.

She opened the door to the guest room; it was the first time Contessa had been inside the room since Severus had arrived.

She was shocked to see the room in quite a state of disarray. The trunk retrieved from Hogwarts lay open, its contents strewn across the floor. Clothing was heaped in a pile in the corner of the room and Severus's books were stacked in a teetering tower beside his bed. It was a sight to behold.

Unthinking, Contessa raised her wand, about to perform a charm to tidy everything away, but she caught herself just in time. It occurred to her that Severus would know immediately of her interference. Clenching her hands at her sides, she forced herself to leave things as she found them.

Dumbledore had said she was doing well with the vow. Cleaning up Severus's mess was not the way to show him her unconditional acceptance.

Closing her eyes, she began the complicated incantations to protect the first floor of her home.

When Contessa joined Remus in the garden, he had already erected the defence against those bearing the Dark Mark. Severus could not return now, even if he wanted to.

As she approached Remus, the resounding snap of a second Apparition made her jump, and within moments she was wrapped in a bear hug with Nymphadora Tonks.

"Hiya Tess! How's hubby here treating you?" Dora smiled widely then kissed Remus on the lips.

"Ah, he's doing well enough." Contessa laughed conspiratorially.

Remus smiled at the two women, before resuming his spell-casting.

"When do you leave the Ministry?" Dora asked.

"It was my last day yesterday," Contessa replied, the sadness in her voice marking the end of an era.

"I'm going to miss you at work. The place won't be the same without you." Dora reached out for Contessa's hand, and accidentally stepped on her foot.

Contessa laughed heartily. "I'll miss you too. It'll be strange not having my co-conspirator around. I'll see you at Order meetings, though."

Dora smiled. The two women got to work and soon the protective charms were completed. Remus selected an old terracotta plant pot which was broken at the base, and turned it into a Portkey.

With a fond farewell, Contessa left Remus and Dora at the garden gate as they passed into the space where they could Disapparate.

"Thanks, Tess," Remus said gratefully, "I'll see you tonight."

Contessa smiled and waved. "Good luck!"

Dora beamed back as she took hold of Remus's hand, and the pair of them Disapparated with a reverberating crack.

---

The night was clear and still as Contessa waited at Squirrel's Leap. Remus and George were running behind schedule, and the longer they took, the more agitated and worried she became.

She was concerned about the welfare of the two delayed Order members, as well as the rest of the rescue party. And Severus.

He was out there tonight alongside the other Death Eaters, risking his life to protect Harry Potter and trying not to blow his cover.

Contessa felt sick with nerves as she waited alone inside the cottage.

Finally Remus flew through the enchanted barrier, with George flailing helplessly on the broomstick. He was covered in blood.

Contessa ran out of the house to help them, but was met by the tip of Remus's wand pressed into her chest. She backed away until she was forced against the stone wall of the cottage.

Remus's face looked slightly deranged as the moonlight reflected on his features.

Confusion tore through Contessa's mind as she stood restrained, her eyes flickering towards George lying groaning on the ground. He was losing a lot of blood from a head wound.

"Remus, what has come over you – let me help him!" she said urgently.

"Someone has betrayed us!" Remus hissed at her. "We flew straight into a trap!"

Contessa faltered for a moment, realising Remus had good reason to suspect her. After all, she was the one ultimately responsible for the leak. She quickly composed herself ready to face Remus's inquisition.

"Answer me this: what was the gemstone on Dora's engagement ring?" Remus barked at her.

"Remus, what are you talking about?"

"Answer me!" His eyes had a wolfish glint in them as he moved in closer, pushing his wand into her neck.

"You didn't buy Dora an engagement ring, Remus," Contessa answered steadily.

Remus's wand dropped to his side and he stepped back. "Sorry. I had to be sure you weren't an impostor."

Contessa sighed and pushed her way past him. "What happened to George?"

"Snape," Remus replied acrimoniously.

Contessa's insides turned to ice. "Snape?" she asked suspiciously.

"Yes, you know; the one who killed Dumbledore?" Remus answered bitterly. "His mask slipped before he could finish us off completely."

Contessa swallowed back the nausea creeping up her throat and she knelt down next to George. His injury was bleeding heavily, and he appeared to have lost his ear. There was no stemming the blood flow; the wound had been made with Dark Magic.

The caster of this particular spell had meant to cause serious damage. It could have killed George had he not been able to stay balanced on the broomstick.

Contessa felt a rush of anger and disbelief, and queasiness at the thought of Severus using the Dark Arts against the Order of the Phoenix. It seemed he was not the man she thought he was. She wondered fleetingly if his actions were something to do with his grudge against the werewolf.

Contessa realised she knew very little of Severus's motivations, but all the things she thought she knew came crashing down around her.

Suddenly, Remus was crouched down next to her, holding the broken terracotta pot. He placed it on the ground and picked up George, heaving his bloody mass over his shoulder.

Contessa picked up the plant pot and handed it to Remus. Within moments the Portkey flashed with a blue-white light and Remus and George vanished.

---

Through the Barricades

Severus lingered in the darkness outside Malfoy Manor, somewhat relieved that he had not been blamed for the failure of the mission to capture Potter.

He had left the Dark Lord's side before Ollivander's interrogation had begun, but could hear the wandmaker's screams from the driveway. Severus knew there was nothing he could do for the man.

Now he was away from the Dark Lord's presence, the events of the chase flooded his senses. Severus was consumed by the thought that he may have killed one of the Order of the Phoenix.

The Order had paid heavily that evening with the loss of Alastor Moody, and Severus hoped that he had not inadvertently added to the death count. The Order would need every one of its members in the coming weeks. Severus was no longer able to protect Potter; now the Order would have to keep the boy safe.

The last thing Severus had seen was Lupin speeding away with a wounded decoy flopping precariously on the broomstick. Severus didn't know whom he had wounded with his Sectumsempra Curse or what had become of them.

Nor did Severus know if Potter had escaped unscathed, but at least he knew that Lily's son was still alive.

The dismal inevitability of Severus's actions gnawed at him. He still felt guilty and responsible, regardless of his intentions. It was the depressingly familiar dichotomy of his status as double agent.

Now the price on his head could be even higher if another member of the Order of the Phoenix had been killed by his hand.

Severus Apparated outside Squirrel's Leap, his heart pumping with anticipation. His arrival set off a veritable firecracker of alarms, and he caught a glimpse of Contessa hurrying out of the cottage by wandlight. She approached him with caution, her wand aimed directly at his chest.

He felt his insides flip in confusion as he walked towards the gate. However, he found himself rebounded by an invisible wall, the force of which pushed him backwards. Severus remained standing, just.

As he approached the enchanted barrier slowly, Severus held up his hand, cautiously testing for the extent of the shield.

"Contessa!" he called urgently.

The aim of her wand did not stray from his torso. Standing a matter of feet away, her eyes assessed him suspiciously.

"Don't move," she growled.

Severus froze with his hand held out towards her; he realised instantly that something had changed. Severus's concern for the decoy grew in intensity, causing a sickening sensation in the pit of his stomach. He felt disorientated as he watched his ally looking at him with barely concealed hatred.

"What's going on?" he asked, trying to sound commanding, without truly feeling in control.

Contessa scoffed. "You don't know?"

Severus felt thoroughly perplexed as he wondered what had happened to cause Contessa to doubt him. Had she not vowed to trust him, no matter how disloyal he might appear?

He fought back his chagrin; his need for information was overwhelming.

"Did Lupin and his decoy make it back safely? Have you had confirmation?" Severus asked, desperation seeping into his voice.

Contessa's eyebrows rose in response, but she did not reply.

"Please tell me!" Severus felt his anger rising. "I accidentally wounded his decoy, trying to save Lupin from Macnair's Killing Curse. My mask slipped and I couldn't ensure their safe escape. I almost blew my cover."

Severus held both hands up now, pressing them into the barricades, forcefully. His arms shook as the enchantments repelled him, but he didn't care. He needed to know the answer.

"Tell me they're alright!" he shouted at her in frustration.

Contessa backed away with a look of uncertainty in her features. Severus removed his hands from the protective barrier in defeat and his head slumped.

"Remus and George are fine," she said in a clipped voice.

Severus looked up again, relief spreading through him. "What about Potter?" he asked breathlessly.

"Harry is safe and in one piece," Contessa said, scanning his features for his reaction.

Severus let out a perceptible sigh, and he met Contessa's gaze gratefully.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Contessa did not respond and continued to watch him closely. Abruptly, she seemed to decide something and lowered her wand, walking nearer to the boundary of the invisible wall.

"Alastor didn't make it," she said quietly.

"I know," Severus replied. "There was nothing I could do to protect him. Death Eaters have his body."

Contessa nodded sadly.

They stood looking at each other from either side of the enchanted barrier, and Severus had a sense of the ground feeling firmer beneath his feet. Contessa held up her hand, palm facing towards him. In turn, Severus reached out towards her until the only thing separating them was the protective barrier keeping him out of the cottage.

"I'm glad you came back," Contessa said, her voice faint but audible in the moonlight.

Severus found himself surprised at her notion that he might not return. It had not occurred to him to go anywhere else.

His thoughts were interrupted by a flash of scarlet and gold which flew past Contessa, through the barricades. Fawkes landed on Severus's shoulder and brushed his head softly against his cheek. The bird started to nibble affectionately on his earlobe.

Contessa gave a forlorn smile and turned away, walking back down the garden path into the cottage.

Severus stood alone with Fawkes, wondering if he should stay or leave. He wouldn't be able to cross through the gate until the defences expired, and he knew not when that would be. Severus was filled with an urge to be safely inside the cottage, so that he could lick his wounds in private. Out here, bathed in the cold and oppressive night air, he felt exposed and vulnerable.

Feeling unsure if he should stay, and not knowing where he should Disapparate to if he were to go, Severus's heart sank a little lower. As he turned to leave, Fawkes issued a reassuring whirp in his ear.

The sound of footsteps on the pathway caused him to turn to face the cottage again, a flurry of hope rising in his chest.

Contessa was walking towards the gate by the light of her wand, with a bottle of Firewhisky in her other hand. Following behind her was her levitated telescope, which she guided carefully over the stone wall.

Contessa opened the garden gate and crossed through the barrier as though it wasn't there. With a flick of her wand she Summoned the garden bench towards them. Without a word, she poured two glasses of Firewhisky and offered one to Severus.

He accepted the drink appreciatively and downed the warming liquid in one mouthful. Contessa handed him the rest of the bottle and started to set up her telescope.

Severus sat down on the bench and Fawkes hopped onto the wooden seat, humming a low and calming song. Severus felt the soothing after-effects of the phoenix's song, and he relaxed a little as he watched Contessa working on her telescope in silence.

When the equipment was perfectly aligned, Contessa turned to face Severus and looked him in the eye for the first time since returning from inside the cottage.

Fawkes seemed to take this as his cue to leave, and he departed with a flutter of wings, heading back indoors.

"It seems a shame to waste such a beautiful night sky." Contessa's voice was tense and suggested unspoken regret.

Severus knew her gesture to be conciliatory, and he accepted her apology wordlessly.

For the next few hours they sat together under the starlight, using the telescope to while away the dark hours, without the need to speak.

Severus allowed himself space to experience his feelings of guilt, frustration and powerlessness in the presence of a woman who appeared to accept him despite his vulnerabilities.

Contessa did not offer him a single word of reassurance.

Severus did not need to hear any.

Eventually, in the early hours of the morning, the enchanted barrier faded away.

---

An Unexpected Guest

In the days following the death of Alastor Moody, Contessa spent time at Squirrel's Leap with Severus. She had signed her new contract of employment and was enjoying having some free time in between jobs.

Severus appeared to have finally settled in her home, although he still spent a large portion of his time alone, brewing potions in the out-house or reading in his room.

Contessa felt their relationship had a firmer basis, and the trust they shared seemed genuine; it was no longer reliant upon the recommendation of Albus Dumbledore.

Although the Dark Lord's plan to infiltrate the Ministry was gathering in pace, Severus had not been overly involved in the strategy. He was still a wanted man and therefore of little use to the Dark Lord at present.

On the afternoon of the wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, Contessa dressed in her pale blue dress robes, and bade Severus and Fawkes farewell.

She arrived at the ceremony early, sitting behind Remus and Dora in the marquee. Dora was chatting excitedly and showing off her wedding ring. However, Remus looked miserable and subdued; Contessa couldn't work out what was troubling him.

After the wedding ceremony had taken place, Contessa spent the afternoon mingling with guests, feeling strangely detached from the surroundings. She thought about Severus from time to time and started to wish she had brought the Tiger's Eye ring with her.

She sat down at an empty table with a sigh and wondered if she might leave early and slip out unnoticed.

Almost on cue, Dora appeared at her side, holding two glasses of pink champagne. She giggled a little as she sat down next to Contessa, with newly blonde curls bouncing around her face.

Contessa accepted the proffered drink. Together they raised their glasses in a toast then settled back in their chairs to watch the throng on the dance floor.

"What's the matter with Remus today?" asked Contessa. "It can't be that time of the month." Her eyebrows rose mischievously.

Dora blinked then covered her composure with an amused smile. "Oh, it's nothing. He'll get over it."

Contessa realised she had hit a nerve, but Dora appeared not to want to talk about it. Contessa said nothing in response.

Dora gave a little hiccup and looked at Contessa guiltily.

"I must be careful; I'm not allowed too many of these," Dora said, looking down at the glass of champagne in her hand.

When her eyes met Contessa's, they were twinkling. Contessa searched Dora's features for confirmation.

"You're kidding me! Already?" she asked excitedly.

Dora's hand subconsciously massaged her stomach. "I found out yesterday," she said happily.

Contessa let out a small squeal of delight. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," Dora replied.

Contessa reached out for Dora's hand and squeezed it tight. "Congratulations!"

Dora beamed. "Thanks."

"I'm sure you'll make wonderful parents," Contessa said warmly.

Dora's face faltered for a moment, and she looked back towards the dance floor to see Remus talking gravely with Arthur Weasley. Her face held a trace of sadness for a moment, until she turned to face Contessa again, a smile returning to her face. "I hope so."

There was a slight pause in the conversation.

"I believe you've signed the contract of employment?" Dora asked, changing the subject.

Contessa smiled conspiratorially. "Yes, but it's not common knowledge just yet."

"Slughorn's going to be really pleased," Dora said knowingly.

Contessa let out a breath. "So they keep telling me," she said. "It'll be strange to go back after all this time..."

At that moment a large silvery lynx landed in the centre of the dance floor. Dora and Contessa sprang to their feet, wands at the ready.

Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus opened its large gleaming mouth and began to speak in his deep, booming voice.

"The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."*

Dora ran towards Remus. Black cloaked and hooded figures Apparated into the screaming crowd.

Contessa, along with several other members of the Order of the Phoenix, cried, "Protego!" Their shields combined to protect the frightened witches and wizards who were running from the marquee and Disapparating to safety.

Within seconds the entire wedding party had escaped, except the Weasley family and various Order members. Death Eaters swarmed around them, and Contessa was thrown back by a Stunning Spell.

She hit the ground hard and knocked her head.

Contessa felt the sensation of blood dripping down her forehead before her vision clouded and everything went black.

---

When Contessa regained consciousness, she found herself lying on a cold stone floor. She could feel dried blood cracking on her temple as she opened her eyes. Tentatively, Contessa reached up and felt for the head wound and found it in the hairline above her left eye.

Looking around, she appeared to be in the living room of The Burrow. The room was empty but she could hear muffled conversation coming from the adjoining rooms and from the bedrooms upstairs.

Rising to a sitting position, she became aware of a multitude of aches and pains. Contessa looked down at herself and saw numerous cuts and grazes underneath her badly torn dress robes. It seemed she had been dragged unceremoniously from the marquee, across the ground, and dumped on the floor.

Contessa fumbled inside her tattered robes, futilely searching for her wand. She did not expect to find it.

One of the doors upstairs snapped open, and within moments she was sitting in the shadow of a tall, dark haired Death Eater with a pale, twisted face.

"Looking for this?" sneered Dolohov.

Contessa watched him produce her wand from inside his robes. She groaned slightly and her head dropped.

Dolohov's booted foot nudged her chin. He flicked her head back casually.

"Show a little respect, Marchbanks," he snarled, enjoying his power over her. "Get up on your feet."

Contessa obeyed shakily.

Behind Dolohov, Dora tripped through the open door with Selwyn at her back. She caught Contessa's eye and flashed a look confirming she was alright.

Contessa swallowed in anticipation.

Dolohov gripped Contessa's forearm and dragged her around in front of him, facing Selwyn. She felt Dolohov's wand pressed into her neck. Contessa dared not breathe.

"Selwyn, I'll take Marchbanks and search her home. I know where she lives," Dolohov said. The foreboding keenness in his voice sent a chill down Contessa's spine.

Selwyn nodded his assent. "I'll hold the fort here; the others should be finished soon. All the homes of the Order will be searched by sunset."

Dolohov ran his wand down the curve of Contessa's neck. "Let's see how much fun we can have together, shall we?"

With an ear-splitting crack, Contessa felt her body compress as she squeezed through space and time in a forced Side-Along Apparition.

A rush of air filled her lungs as she opened her eyes to see the artificially derelict Squirrel's Leap in front of her. She heard the wind chime drowned out by the boom of the gong, heralding the arrival of the unexpected guest.

As Dolohov hauled her roughly through the gate and down the path to her front door, Contessa fretfully hoped that Severus was still in the cottage.

Contessa was pushed into her living room and she glanced anxiously around; the phoenix perch was vacant, and the Headmaster's portrait was empty. There was no sign of Severus. Contessa felt a wave of panic hit her hard in the stomach.

Dolohov flung her into a seat next to the small dining table, and she found herself bound tightly to the back of the chair with a silvery serpentine rope.

The Death Eater licked his thin lips in anticipation. "Always good to have the pair." He grinned sadistically.

The air around Dolohov seemed to crackle maliciously as he surveyed his hostage.

A calloused hand nudged Contessa's head upwards, but she refused to meet his eyes. Despite the surge of adrenaline pumping through her body, Contessa was determined not to let him get the better of her.

Without warning, Dolohov hit her hard in the face with the back of his hand. The noise of the impact echoed around the room and Contessa saw stars forming in her vision.

She felt blood dripping once again from the re-opened wound on her temple. It ran down her face, and splashed on her torn blue robes. Fear gripped her as she realised that this was not going to be a clean interrogation.

Then she heard footsteps coming slowly down the stairs.

Contessa's heart leapt as she realised that Severus was still at home. She turned to see him walking nonchalantly across the room, wearing his Death Eater robes, without the mask.

Severus's boots clicked ominously on the floor as he approached. He regarded her as if she were merely an interesting diversion on an otherwise dull and ordinary day, showing no concern for her predicament or her injuries.

Severus walked past her constrained body with a smirk, and shook hands cordially with Dolohov.

Contessa's mouth turned instantly dry.

---

An Unexpected Lead

"Good afternoon," Severus said smoothly as he shook Dolohov's hand.

"Snape." Dolohov nodded uncertainly, his eyes flickering towards Contessa and back to Severus again. "What are you doing here?"

Severus paused to consider his response, and turned to get a better look at Contessa. She was tightly bound to the chair and bleeding from her temple, but she did not appear to be badly injured.

Her eyes caught his, fearfully. Severus hoped she would remain quiet whilst he dealt with the unforeseen situation.

"I'm here at the Dark Lord's behest," Severus answered him sleekly.

Severus's eyes followed the contours of Contessa's torn dress robes, taking in the cuts and bruises on her exposed skin. His outward appearance was of a man devouring the captive's appearance and savouring the moment.

Contessa noticed this attention and shifted uneasily in her restraints.

"I was not informed," Dolohov said suspiciously.

Severus turned to look at Dolohov, straightening himself up to give an air of superiority.

"Yes, well, this matter was on a need to know basis," Severus said silkily. "You didn't need to know."

Dolohov's eyebrows arched, and he looked like he was about to argue.

"I take it the Ministry has now fallen to the Dark Lord?" said Severus.

Dolohov nodded. "Just over an hour ago."

"Excellent news, although not before time." Severus smirked. "Why have you brought Marchbanks back here?"

"She is working for the Order of the Phoenix. I was about to begin her interrogation and search her home," said Dolohov testily.

"Indeed she is working for the Order," said Severus. "However, I believe I should be the one to interrogate her."

Dolohov took a step back and looked at Severus disapprovingly. "Why should I hand her over to you?" he asked dubiously.

Severus looked at Dolohov with unblinking eyes. "Because, this woman is my informant in the Order," he began lazily. "She has been feeding me news on their activities ever since I left Hogwarts. You could say she has been my, ah, summer project."

The words dripped from Severus's tongue lasciviously, as if he had enjoyed every minute of his time with Contessa.

Severus noticed Contessa's eyes expand and her pupils dilate but, mercifully, she stayed silent.

"Well, your source has not been very well-behaved this afternoon. It looked to me like she was on their side, not ours," Dolohov said doubtfully.

"Really?" Severus said. "Well, we shall soon see about that."

Severus raised his wand and pointed it directly at Contessa. She looked back at him in amazement.

"Legilimens!"

Severus had taken Contessa completely off guard and gained immediate access to her thoughts.

He saw flashes of Dumbledore's funeral, Contessa signing a piece of parchment under the watchful gaze of Professor McGonagall, and Tonks grinning as she rubbed her stomach, about to speak. Then Contessa, walking through the dappled shade of a woodland in the summer, arm in arm with a man he did not recognise. With a jolt, Severus realised it must have been her fiancé, Alex.

Quickly, Contessa seemed to regain some control and Severus felt her memories shift in another direction.

Suddenly, Severus saw a vision of himself, fifteen years younger, handing the young Marchbanks a roll of parchment with a large, spidery 'A' scrawled in the top right hand corner.

His younger self was smirking nastily as Contessa protested, "I spent the whole weekend on this. It's worth more than an Acceptable!"

Severus watched himself lean towards her, his nose only a few intimidating inches from hers.

"You'll need to do much more than that to exceed my expectations, Miss Marchbanks." The hiss in his voice carried across the classroom, for all the students to hear.

Contessa returned his gaze with a look of purest loathing.

The scene shifted and Severus found himself in her memory of Dumbledore's office. A fully grown Fawkes was sitting on his perch behind Dumbledore's desk, as Contessa confronted the Headmaster.

"But, Sir! Professor Snape is monstrously unfair!" she pleaded.

Severus watched Dumbledore sitting back in his chair, listening patiently to Contessa, who was going redder in the face with each passing second.

"He's partisan; he isn't giving everyone the chance they deserve!" Contessa blurted out, unable to contain her frustration and dislike.

Dumbledore looked back at Contessa mildly, and was about to reply, when Contessa forced Severus out of her mind with an empowered shove.

Contessa scowled at Severus from her seat in the living room of Squirrel's Leap with a look of defiance. Her expression reminded Severus of the frequent looks she had given him in the classroom at Hogwarts. Back then, he had admired her feistiness and tenacity, and he realised he still appreciated it now. It was good to know she hadn't lost the fire in her belly.

"Well?" said Dolohov impatiently.

Severus did not respond. Instead, he walked over to stand in front of Contessa, raising his left hand and running his fingers through her hair, careful to avoid the bleeding area of her hairline.

He leaned in towards her and breathed a dangerous whisper into her ear. "Behave yourself."

Severus straightened up and moved to stand at Contessa's side, gathering her long brown hair at the nape of her neck. With a sudden yank, he pulled down on the handful of hair, causing her head to jerk backwards.

Contessa gasped in pain as she met Severus's eyes with surprise and indignation. She was on the verge of speech when Severus shook his head almost imperceptibly. Contessa faltered.

Severus let go of her hair with a look of disdain, grasped her jaw in his hand, and callously flicked her head to one side.

He turned to Dolohov and, with a brusque hand movement, gestured him outside. Dolohov followed him reluctantly into the garden, and they closed the door to the cottage behind them.

"I shall take it from here. She appears to be hiding something; it could take a while to extract," Severus said coolly.

"I can help you," Dolohov offered, clearly not wanting to let the opportunity pass by. "I have a place you can use for interrogation, nice and isolated." Dolohov grinned evilly. "I took Marchbanks' fiancé there over a year ago."

With a rush of anticipation, Severus realised he had finally found an unexpected lead.

"That probably won't be necessary; I have certain ways of extracting information from her," said Severus.

"I could show you where it is," Dolohov suggested. "Bring her to me if she proves resistant."

After a moment's thought, Severus nodded his acceptance.

"That could be useful," Severus said, calculating his next move. "Take me there now. I shall contact you again if I need your assistance."

At last, Severus had a place to begin in his quest to help Contessa.

Dolohov grinned in anticipation and grasped hold of Severus's arm. A loud pop sounded as the pair Disapparated from the garden.

---

Elephant in the Room

Severus had been gone for several minutes, and Contessa was starting to panic.

Left alone in the cottage, bound to the chair, dozens of scenarios ran through her mind.

She was determined not to let Severus's actions in front of Dolohov shake her new-found trust in him, but the longer she was left to her own devices, the more concerned she became.

Since Severus had played his part so convincingly, she was starting to misinterpret his intentions. Contessa was deeply troubled by the way he had appeared to relish his dominance over her.

And, now that the Ministry of Magic had fallen, Severus was a free man. She wondered vaguely if he had decided to up sticks and leave straight away.

Chastising herself for doubting Severus, she looked around the room in the hope that Dumbledore had returned to his portrait. However, the canvas remained empty in its frame. Fawkes was also absent, no doubt staying away in case Dolohov or other Death Eaters returned to the cottage.

Contessa didn't know how Severus would react to the memories she had shown him. She knew that his casting of Legilimens had saved her from painful questioning, and she was already regretting goading him when he was trying to help her.

Outside, the pop of Apparition sounded and the wind chime rang. Severus had returned alone.

However, he didn't come back into the cottage immediately, and Contessa felt a dark sense of trepidation.

Suddenly the front door flung open and Severus marched in, still wearing his Death Eater robes. In his hands he carried two small bottles of potion, which he placed down carefully on the table at her side. He flung his hooded cloak onto the armchair, and rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt.

Contessa watched him suspiciously. Severus had not instantaneously released her from her bindings, and this caused her to experience an uncontrollable flare of anger and alarm.

"What in Merlin's name were you playing at?" she shot at him, with more venom than she intended.

Severus moved towards her, twitching with irritation. "Hold still and be quiet," he said impatiently.

He picked up the larger, amber-coloured glass bottle, and opened the seal of the container.

"Let me out of these restraints first," Contessa challenged him.

Severus's eyes glinted at her like the deep, dark sea under moonlight.

"Not until I'm convinced you won't do something foolish," he said coolly.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Severus did not respond.

The censure caused Contessa some consternation, but she realised her belligerent behaviour was not instilling any confidence in Severus. She slumped subserviently in her seat.

Severus stood before her and reached out his hand, softly nudging her head upwards until Contessa was looking directly into his eyes. He focused on her bloody temple and gently dropped essence of dittany onto the wound.

As the potion made contact with her head, the skin responded with a stinging tingle, and the pain ebbed slowly away.

Contessa felt her aggression fade as Severus continued to apply the dittany to her remaining cuts and bruises.

After a short time, Severus stood back to get a better look at her. His expression held a trace of tenderness and concern.

Contessa felt tears forming in her eyes and she quickly looked away.

Severus drew his wand and released the snake-like bindings with a non-verbal spell. The silvery ropes slithered loose, evaporating on contact with the floor.

Now that Contessa was free, she found herself unable to move. A sense of relief flooded through her, along with the horror of the interrogation she had narrowly escaped.

She looked up at Severus and found his dark, unblinking eyes.

"That was him, wasn't it?" she asked him. "The one who murdered Alex?"

Severus's head tilted fractionally, but his composure did not alter.

"Yes," he replied in a low voice.

Contessa tried to contain a sob, failing to control the mixture of grief and relief rising through her.

Severus winced slightly, but offered his hand out to her.

Contessa accepted it, and rose tentatively to her feet, reaching out for Severus's other arm to steady her.

She didn't dare to meet his eyes as she finally lost control and began to weep silently. Her hand clasped his tightly, in an attempt to brace herself from the onslaught of emotions.

Severus's body was rigid and tense, but he raised his other arm and placed his hand gently on her shoulder.

After a few moments of contact, Contessa sobered and began to regain her self-control. She pulled away from him, letting go of his hand and wiping the tears from her face. She dried her hands on her ruined dress robes, and sighed morosely.

"I can mend those for you," Severus offered, taking out his wand.

"No," Contessa replied. "I'd rather change."

Severus nodded silently. He picked up his Death Eater robes and removed a second wand, which he offered to her.

Contessa took her wand from him gratefully and hurried upstairs.

She showered and changed into fresh robes, not wishing to expose any more skin than was necessary. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror she saw no outward sign of injury, but she still felt vulnerable and exposed.

Dolohov knew where she lived.

When Contessa walked slowly down the stairs into the living room, Severus was sitting on the sofa, staring at the empty Headmaster's portrait.

Upon seeing Contessa, he made a space for her on the seat next to him and motioned her over. He held out the remaining bottle of potion.

"Drink it," he said calmly.

Contessa obeyed without thinking and swallowed the contents of the bottle in one gulp. The potion was syrupy and tasted faintly of lemons. She felt warmth and relaxation spread downwards from her throat and into her abdomen. The tension in her body seemed to drain away.

"Thank you," she whispered, as she leaned back into the cushions on the sofa.

They sat together in silence for a long while, and with each passing minute the inevitable conversation loomed like an elephant in the room.

Eventually, Severus acquiesced.

"I should leave now the Ministry has fallen." His voice was scratchy and he stared dead ahead into the fireplace.

Contessa turned around in an attempt to meet his eyes, but his steadfast gaze remained unbroken.

She waited for the space of a few anxious heartbeats.

"Stay," she said quietly.

Severus's brow furrowed as he looked around at her, silently questioning.

"Stay," Contessa said with more confidence. "Just for tonight, in case Dolohov returns."

Severus was about to offer her some reassuring words, but upon seeing her expression he appeared to change his mind.

He watched her with dark, unfathomable eyes.

"I shall leave tomorrow morning."

Contessa nodded, closing her eyes in relief.

---

Potions Assistant

By the time the morning arrived, the weather had broken and large thunderclouds loomed in the distance. Rain pelted on the windows of Squirrel's Leap as Severus and Contessa ate breakfast together.

A flash of lightning followed by a low rumble of thunder brought Contessa out of her reverie. She met Severus's eyes with a sad smile, and he felt a brief pang of sorrow in response.

He would soon leave for Spinner's End, and the thought was thoroughly depressing. Severus tried to spend the smallest amount of time possible at his childhood home; the place held so many unhappy memories for him.

Severus had lived in his dungeon quarters at Hogwarts for the last sixteen years and, such was his preference for them, he always spent Christmas and Easter holidays at the school.

It was only during the summer, when Hogwarts castle was closed, that he used his home at Spinner's End.

The month spent at Contessa's cottage in the rolling green hills of the countryside had taken him out of his comfort zone. However, he had appreciated the contact it had afforded him. Severus had been able to protect Harry through his connection with Dumbledore's portrait, and his acquaintance with Contessa had secured his link to the Order of the Phoenix.

Severus knew that Contessa had been very useful and valuable, and he also had to admit she'd been better company than he'd expected. She was respectful enough to leave him on his own when that was what he needed, but was always there in the background, a steady and consistent presence.

Whilst Severus understood the Unbreakable Vow had bought her trust and loyalty, he was still grateful for the kindness and respect she had shown him.

The stormy weather seemed to match Severus's mood as he contemplated leaving his sanctuary, realising only now what an oasis it had been.

"Are you packed up?" Contessa asked, after a loud clap of thunder bounced him out of his thoughts.

"I am," Severus replied, his voice formal in an attempt to hide his discomfort.

Contessa nodded, and started to clear away the breakfast table. Fawkes ruffled his feathers and shook himself, sending a couple of sparks across the room. He looked at Severus and warbled a doleful lament.

The last thing Severus needed was the phoenix adding to his darkening mood.

Dumbledore strode into his portrait and greeted the room with an incongruously cheerful good morning. Severus walked over to the portrait and gave Dumbledore a brisk nod in response. Within moments, Contessa was at his side, welcoming the former Headmaster.

"I take it you're ready to head off for Spinner's End?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, I'll be leaving shortly," Severus replied scratchily.

Fawkes chunnered sadly in the corner, and Severus rolled his eyes.

"I think he wants to go with you," Contessa commented dryly.

Severus shot her a withering look, and she chuckled in return.

The phoenix contemplated the pair seriously and this served to subdue them at once.

Severus knew it was time to leave Squirrel's Leap now he was a free man, no longer on the run from the Ministry.

The Dark Lord would be choosing two new teachers for Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts, and appointing a new Headteacher. Severus needed to take his place at the Dark Lord's side and ensure he was highly regarded, if he was to return to the school as one of its complement of staff.

"How am I to keep in touch with you?" Severus asked Dumbledore.

"This portrait is not going anywhere for the time being. Take Tess along with you today so she knows where to find you."

Severus nodded. "I shall visit Squirrel's Leap often enough to maintain the illusion that Contessa is still under the Imperius Curse, and therefore does not require a Death Eater to tail her."

Dumbledore smiled in agreement. "That should work well; continue to use Tess as your contact in the Order. She will also be a useful lever in your next task."

"I shall confer with the Dark Lord immediately on recruitment for the posts at Hogwarts and put myself forward," Severus said brusquely, not completely sure how Contessa could help him to secure a position.

"I expect you to be the next Headmaster of Hogwarts, Severus," Dumbledore said pointedly.

"The Headmaster?" Severus asked in surprise.

"Yes, it's the ideal position. You will be able to do more to protect the students and help Harry when the need arises."

Severus was momentarily lost for words; he hadn't considered the Headmastership. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about being Dumbledore's successor; it had been inappropriate to imagine Dumbledore being permanently replaced, let alone being succeeded by him.

After all, it had been he who had killed the Headmaster all those weeks ago.

He returned Dumbledore's gaze with an air of diffidence.

"How can Contessa help me win the Headmastership?" he asked.

Dumbledore turned to Contessa, with a look of mild astonishment. "You haven't told him yet?" he asked.

"Told me what?" Severus asked Contessa.

She hesitated, fidgeting uneasily on the spot. Contessa seemed unsure about how he was going to react. Severus braced himself for the worst.

"I'm coming with you to Hogwarts," she replied sheepishly.

Severus almost laughed out loud. His expression must have given him away, as Contessa looked at him quizzically.

The temptation was too much for Severus. "You can't possibly be joining the teaching staff," he said sarcastically. "Hogwarts would never cope."

Contessa shot him a look of indignation, but Severus caught a glimmer of underlying humour in her eyes. A small smile played out on Severus's lips.

"No, I'm not going to teach," she said, as if explaining to a small child. "I'm going to assist Horace Slughorn in his teaching of Potions."

Severus raised his eyebrows in response. "The Potions master has never needed an assistant."

Contessa opened her mouth to speak, but Dumbledore's portrait cut in.

"The Potions master has never been past retirement age, that is until Horace returned to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said evenly. "Last year was a struggle for him, and now he's Head of Slytherin too. I needed to make sure Horace was able to stay on for another year, to prevent the Dark Lord replacing him with a Death Eater."

Severus could see the validity of Dumbledore's reasoning. "What will the new role require?"

"Tess will be the new Potions Assistant. She will help Horace to prepare the potions he uses for his lessons, maintain the school stores of ingredients, and help to mark some of the homework. It will remove some of the more onerous responsibilities and allow Horace to concentrate on his Slytherin students and teaching."

Contessa continued to fidget as Dumbledore explained her new job.

Severus realised the precedent had already been set when Dumbledore had allowed Sybill Trelawney to teach Divination alongside Firenze. He supposed it was a practical enough tool to help Slughorn stay at Hogwarts.

Having Contessa around would prove useful, if he were to win the Headmastership. She could continue to inform him of the activities of other teachers, and possibly the students, by acting as a double agent.

There was also the fact that Contessa had spent a large amount of time in the dungeons, mostly in detention, and knew them like the back of her hand. Severus had instructed her to clean every nook and cranny of the potions storage cupboards, classroom and office, at some point in her final year. Contessa had broken the record for the Ravenclaw spending the most time in detention, and that was just during his first term as Potions master.

Severus knew she would make a perfectly adequate Potions Assistant; she had been an adept student and had been the only person in her year to achieve an Outstanding Potions NEWT. He also realised there was some further value in having her around, given she was the only living person who knew of his true loyalties.

"I'm sure I can convince the Dark Lord of the benefits to the plan," Severus said smoothly.

Contessa relaxed a little and seemed to stand straighter. Severus had the impression that his opinion of her suitability had carried great weight. He caught himself feeling flattered.

"Excellent," Dumbledore said emphatically. "I look forward to seeing you in the Headteacher's office at Hogwarts."

Severus nodded curtly. Contessa smiled in return, her features full of relief.

---

Half-Blood

A muffled pop sounded in the pouring rain as Contessa and Severus Apparated onto the cobbled street known as Spinner's End.

Contessa felt shocked that Severus had used Apparition to take her to his home; it was broad daylight, and they were clearly in a Muggle mill town.

Looking around the terraced street, Contessa realised that all the houses were empty with their windows broken or boarded up. Such was the air of neglect; it seemed the place had been deserted by its residents over a decade ago.

A large chimney loomed ominously behind the row of terraces as Contessa followed Severus up the street to the last house on the left.

Severus drew his wand and demonstrated how to unlock the enchantments to allow them to enter through the front door. Contessa noticed that Severus's home was the only house with its windows intact, although the glass was very grimy and couldn't be letting much light through.

She stepped inside the front door and found herself in a tiny sitting room, filled floor to ceiling with wall to wall leather-bound books. The daylight seemed to be absorbed by the library walls, giving the room a gloomy feel. The air was stale with the smell of old parchment.

Contessa realised there were no visible doors in the room, and a sense of claustrophobia welled up inside her.

Severus lit the candle-filled lamp hanging from the ceiling, and the flickering light warmed the room slightly.

Contessa dried her robes with a non-verbal spell. As she looked around her anxiety increased; she felt as though the padded walls were pressing in on her. Contessa walked towards the window and opened the curtains fully, wiping the window with her hand to get a better look outside.

"I didn't think places like this existed anymore."

"They don't," replied Severus, his voice clipped.

Contessa turned to face him and watched as he dried and removed his cloak. Severus opened two concealed doorways to allow the air to circulate. He nodded towards the window and Contessa attempted to open it. She had to resort to using magic to free the old, corroded window frame.

"How come it's still standing?" she asked.

"The town planners wanted to demolish the houses at this end of town to make way for an apartment block. I Confunded all the necessary personnel, and the council have conveniently forgotten about their derelict street."

Contessa was impressed with Severus's audacity but couldn't help but wonder why he would go to so much trouble for such a grubby hidey-hole.

"How long have you lived here?"

Severus looked at Contessa for a long moment, appearing to debate whether or not this was a conversation he was willing to entertain.

"All my life," he replied reticently. "I was born here."

Contessa felt a jolt of surprise. "This was your parents' home?"

Dark eyes bored into hers as he contemplated his answer. "Yes," he said in a low voice. "I... inherited it."

The meaning seemed clear, but Contessa couldn't stop herself from asking, "Your parents are dead?"

Severus paused, seeming reluctant to reveal more. Contessa admonished herself for being so inquisitive towards such a private man. Her first glimpse into Severus's childhood wasn't what she had expected.

"My mother is dead," Severus replied with an ounce of bitterness. "My father is... missing. He won't be coming back."

From his tone, Contessa knew that was the end of the conversation. She turned to look out at the dismal street, finding it hard to believe that pure-bloods would choose to live in a Muggle hell-hole.

When she turned back to face Severus, he had already left the room. Contessa remained at the window, watching the downpour of rain running like a river down the cobbled street.

She couldn't imagine the imposing Potions master hailing from such an austere working class background, nor could she understand why he would choose to return to it.

Severus walked back into the sitting room and placed two mugs of tea on the rickety table. Contessa felt him watching her closely as she sat down, wrapping her fingers around the warm cup.

"This is not what you expected," Severus said perceptively.

Contessa smiled uneasily. "I never thought a Slytherin pure-blood would live in Muggle suburbia."

Severus looked down and took a sip of his tea, then placed the mug on the table and walked over to the window. Looking out at the rain, he said quietly, "I'm not pure-blood."

"You're not?"

Severus met her gaze and shook his head slowly.

"I had always assumed, you being in Slytherin and a Death Eater," Contessa said awkwardly.

"The obvious isn't always the truth," Severus said smoothly. "My mother was a witch; my father was a Muggle."

She processed the revelation slowly. "So, you're a half-blood."

Severus nodded once with an air of edginess.

A nervous laugh escaped from Contessa before she could control it.

Severus assessed her suspiciously. "You find this funny?"

"Oh," she cleared her throat apologetically. "No. It's just that... I never would have guessed... You see, I'm a half-blood too."

Severus's lips curled into an anticipatory smile. "Nor would I have guessed."

Contessa felt some confusion as she watched Severus smirking back at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well, the Marchbanks line is one of the older pure-blood families. You always had that haughty air about you as a student," Severus said sardonically.

Contessa prickled at the suggestion. "Excuse me?"

"I always thought the Ravenclaw Revolutionary was the product of a privileged upbringing."

Contessa scoffed audibly. "I'll have you know, I was brought up in a Muggle market town. My mother was a Muggle and insisted I earn my keep, she made me work in her bakery every summer holiday..."

Severus laughed out loud as her rationalisation ran out of steam.

Contessa stopped any further elaboration, captivated by Severus's laughter. She had never heard the sound before, let alone seen the smile which now replaced it on his face.

She felt a grin creeping across her face as they shared a moment of revelation.

"Touché," Contessa said, with laughter.

Severus nodded in acknowledgement, and came to sit down in the armchair. They finished their tea in easy silence.

It seemed strange to Contessa that they were saying goodbye, after spending over a month together. She knew she was going to miss his company, and she wondered how Severus felt.

"So, how will this work now?" Contessa asked him.

"You'll need to let me know if Dumbledore wants to speak to me, or if you require me to tail you."

Contessa considered this for a moment. "I could send you my Patronus," she suggested.

Severus shook his head. "I prefer not to use Patronuses. They are too easily traced. Plus, as a Death Eater, I should not be producing a Patronus, let alone using one."

Contessa realised he had a point. They sat quietly contemplating the solution.

"What about the rings?" she asked, suddenly remembering.

Severus looked up at her with interest.

"Do you still have the other ring?" Contessa asked him.

"Yes." Severus removed the Tiger's Eye ring from inside his robes. He turned it over in his hand, staring into the golden brown stone. "I don't think I could wear it, though; it might be too obvious. I've never been one for jewellery."

As Contessa watched him playing with the silver ring, an idea struck her. She removed her necklace and Transfigured it into a longer silver chain. She offered it to Severus.

"Wear the ring on the chain, underneath your robes. If I need you, it will turn cool against your skin," Contessa suggested.

Severus took the chain from her outstretched hand and threaded the silver rope through the ring. He fastened the clasp at the back of his neck, and tucked the chain inside his collar.

"And what if I need you?" Severus asked.

"Put the ring on like last time. I'll make sure I'm always wearing mine."

Severus seemed satisfied.

They looked at each other for a long moment, each hoping the other would speak.

Eventually, Contessa stood, wrapped her cloak around her and made her way to the front door. Severus followed to open the door for her. The rain was still beating down on the pavement outside.

Their eyes met briefly once more.

"I'll see you soon, I hope," Contessa said.

Severus nodded.

Contessa dashed out into the rain and Disapparated.

---

Author's Note:

Where I have quoted dialogue from the original Harry Potter books, I have marked it with an asterisk.