Ravenclaws Ascending, Slytherins Descending

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From the delectable meal and warm camaraderie of her newly found Ravenclaw housemates, Nagini had slowly relaxed. Xenophilius and Hibiscus' continued chatter of all things related to their House, as well as their engaging banter, had lulled her into a calm repose. Until now, she had struggled to sit up straight against an overwhelming tiredness creeping through her sore body and limbs. The accumulation of the day's events hit her hard, and she was curious to what refuge Ravenclaw Tower would hold for her, eager to settle down in her room. In a nice, warm bed! Finally, safe and away from them!

Nagini glanced down at the ring on her left hand. The Dark Lord's gift via Rodolphus rested benignly on her finger; she turned and looked over her shoulder, giving a fleeting glance towards the Slytherin table. Nagini caught sight of Severus Snape, but his attention was focused on the red-headed witch he had so intently watched earlier upon arriving at the Hogsmeade station.

The green-eyed witch, who Severus stoically gazed at, was seated at the table between them: Gryffindor.

Nagini turned back around, wondering why she even cared at all that the tall, raven-haired Slytherin was fixated on the Gryffindor witch. It's odd, but I've only seen him in Slytherin company, as I have only been... but who is the red-headed witch to him? Snape being interested in anyone outside of the Slytherin circle struck her as odd, as well as risky, given that it was so dangerously esoteric. There's so much more to him than the little I know... why does it even matter to me? My future is here with the Ravenclaw house; I needn't concern myself with anyone in Slytherin again... just focus on the here and now...

Her thoughts wandered back to when she and Severus had danced together; the mere memory of it lit her senses. Nagini could feel him holding her, guiding her, touching her... Just then, her back muscles darted with pain, reminding her of how much had changed in so short a time. Her aching exhaustion flared, and she couldn't suppress a long, heavy sigh.

"Have some more pumpkin juice," offered Hibiscus dreamily, refilling Nagini's cup. "It's nourishing as well as good for the nerves, especially before sleeping."

"Gurdyroot would invigorate her more," chimed in Xenophilius, waggling his eyebrows. "The benefits of it are endless." Xenophilius was pleasantly sucking on something, smiling rascally at Hibiscus and Nagini.

The mercurial Malfoy couldn't help but smile in response to the candyfloss-haired Lovegood; his quirky good nature had a light-hearted sweetness which was irresistible.

"Which benefits?" replied Nagini, taking a sip, grinning.

Hibiscus giggled softly. "Xeno, she's just met us; Miss Malfoy must have..."

"The mark..." The droned comment came from a witch with frizzy brown hair and large rimmed glasses directly seated across from Nagini; the infelicitous Ravenclaw had been peering solemnly at Nagini throughout the meal, but she had not once spoken until now.

Nagini looked at her, curious.

Xenophilius raised an eyebrow, and Hibiscus' lips formed a knowing smile.

"Ah, a divination, Sybill?" asked Xeno, impressed.

"An aura. Her aura. I divine a dark..." Sybill gazed above Nagini's head, "augury."

Before Nagini could question what exactly the portentous girl was implying, she heard a cry, "Malfoy!"

Nagini looked up. It was the Ravenclaw Prefect who had stared at her so nastily as she had walked to the House table after her Sorting.

"I'm Marcus Belby, Ravenclaw's Head Boy. You are to go to your quarters immediately, unpack and wait to be briefed by me on all our rules and regulations within Ravenclaw. You'll find our House is quite different to others." The dark-haired Prefect gave Hibiscus a lofty look. "Hope, as you're one of her roommates, escort her at once!"

"A bit bumptious tonight, more than usual, aren't we?" butted in Xeno. "Vis absoluta, Belby," he tilted his head back slightly to give his fellow seventh-year Ravenclaw a judgemental look, "absolute corrumpit!"

"Lovegood, not now!" pointed out Marcus, defensive.

"Nagini!" All turned to see Lucius Malfoy standing near, coldly staring at his cousin. "We must talk. Come with me."

Upon seeing Lucius, an irrational refusal sparked through her. Before Nagini could decline, Belby took a step towards Lucius and exerted his power, Head Boy to Head Boy. "She's not going anywhere with you. She's going directly to Ravenclaw Tower!"

Lucius' facial muscles flinched in tension. "No. You're mistaken, Belby. I'm going to talk to her privately. Right. Now."

Marcus turned back to Nagini and spoke sharply. "Unless you wish to be sent to the Headmaster immediately, go to your room!" Then, Belby gave a challenging, but amused look, slowly, to both Nagini and Lucius. "Is this really what you want? Would you like me to make a scene, to demand that Professor Flitwick – that Dumbledore be immediately involved? Does the Malfoy name really need more scandal? You know I'll do it, Lucius, just for the mere whim of it!" Belby took a step closer to Lucius, almost brushing against him. "If you want trouble, you'll get it – tenfold!"

Irked, Lucius' eyelashes fluttered in thought, but before he could reply, Nagini rose and informed them, "I'll go directly."

Turning to Hibiscus, she asked, "Could you please take me there?" Besides appeasing Belby, she wished to show that she didn't associate herself with her blond cousin and respected the Ravenclaw Head Boy's authority. Nagini couldn't tell if Belby's threat to call upon the Headmaster for something so seemingly trivial was real or not, but something about his nasty countenance and unflinching arrogance, equalling Lucius', told her he would. I want to avoid Lucius on any level, especially privately!

The realization that she was free of Lucius and his cronies, Lestrange in particular, inspired her to cooperate to the fullest. However, she saw Belby's already prejudged dislike of her by the nasty sneer plastered on his face, which only deepened whenever he made any direct eye-contact with her. She stared at the floor, disheartened. His look implied that, regardless of her cooperation, he would be prejudiced to anything she did. It's not going to be easy. He despises Lucius, and me as well!

"Absolutely, it'll be my pleasure," replied the effervescent Hibiscus. "Just follow me, Nagini. Xeno?"

"Of course, my dear. With all of the Wrackspurts floating around, siphoning people's thoughts and causing all of these muzzy notions abounding this evening, I wouldn't think of letting you ladies venture about unescorted." The tall, golden wizard stood up to his full height, his long unruly hair flowing down. Debonairly, Xenophilius proffered both arms for each witch to respectively take. Suave and carefree, Lovegood guided them to the doors of the Great Hall.

Watching them, Marcus and Lucius heard faintly, "The haunted bed..." They turned and stared at the frizzy-haired, wide-eyed girl.

Sybill raised her hand slowly pointing at Nagini. "Tormented dreams, troubled sleep, the haunted bed awaits her – curses await her!"

"For your information, the Malfoys are already cursed, Trelawney, so no need for embellishments..." remarked Belby snidely.

"That will do, Belby!" cut off Lucius, coolly incensed.

"Touched a raw nerve have I, Malfoy?"

"You've touched nothing, as always."

Marcus smirked, relishing Lucius' cold fury. "At first, I was simply outraged by her being Sorted into Ravenclaw." Then, the Head Boy sneered. "But, on second thought, I shall enjoy having a Malfoy to keep under my thumb." Belby leaned in and softly whispered, "Even if she is a bastard; a half-blood will do just as well, won't one, cousin? Even if she is half a filthy Mudblood, yes?"

Smug and assured of winning a point in some hostile, private game between the two, Marcus turned and started to confidently jaunt away.

"You forget who my father is!" lashed out Lucius.

Whipping back around, Marcus snarled, "And you forget who my father is – the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot! You Malfoys think yourselves above the law, so just a reminder: my father oversees every single court procedure. Guess whose case was quite recent?"

The Ravenclaw Head Boy gave a dark look to the end of the Great Hall where Nagini was just exiting with Hibiscus and Xenophilius. Smugly, Marcus pointed out, "You also forget that I have privy access to everything... I know all of the dark and dirty secrets regarding Miss Malfoy."

Relishing his triumph, Belby rubbed it in. "Mmm... cat got your tongue, has it? Good!" Satisfied, Marcus intentionally butted Lucius' shoulder hard as he brushed away, leaving the Slytherin Head Boy stewing in his own juices.

Amid the hubbub of excited, chatting noises of the Great Hall, Lucius heard, "Oi, Malfoy! Your cousin," it was Sirius Black, grinning ear to ear, jeering him, "nice looking bird! Where've you and your father been hiding her – in your dungeons?"

Boring into the back of Marcus Belby, Lucius only gazed piercingly at the blood traitor, Black, for a second before deciding to ignore Sirius, and headed back to the Slytherin table.

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

"I'll deliver them immediately!" eeked out the young Ravenclaw, Terry Boot, staring at the small package he held in his hands.

Severus watched as the frightened second-year scurried away, having sworn to the intimidating Slytherin to deliver three small tins of healing balms to the newest Ravenclaw house member, Nagini Malfoy. Severus waited until the younger student disappeared up the stairs of the Ravenclaw Tower; satisfied, he turned and headed back down the corridor to return to the Slytherin dungeon, only to halt and quickly spring into the dark shadows upon hearing a familiar voice.

"James Potter, no!"

Severus' heart stopped. It was Lily, making her nightly Prefect patrol, but not alone.

"Come on, Evans... One kiss! Just one..."

"And then one more, and then another..."

Her playful protests were stopped by James decisively nuzzling her up against the wall and silencing her with his mouth. Only the soft moans and impatient grunts of the two embracing and exploring each other were heard echoing sporadically.

Severus watched in horror, frozen, a wave of nausea coming over him. Several seconds passed before he could muster his wits enough to think. That vile swine snogging you? Lily, no! You said you would meet with me! This Thursday... at our table in the library... Lily, no!

Severus' hope had soared as he read the Owl post he had received from Lily only an hour ago during the welcome-back feast. His heartbeat had continued racing rapidly, even as the note disintegrated in front of his eyes once read.

Scenarios of their secret meeting, leading to further amorous meetings – for this time Severus would take no chances; he would give Lily no time to doubt his true feelings for her. He'd rehearsed in his mind over and over again what he would say from the second he'd have her intimate attention: he'd bare his soul. He would prove to her that there was so much more to him than she assumed she knew, more than the childhood friend, the poor boy from Spinner's End, more than her schoolmate confidante. Bitterly, he reflected, We were best friends, more than best friends...

That was until last spring when, through one heated moment in dire humiliation, he had lashed out calling her the fateful word 'Mudblood'. Thinking of his last pitiful attempt to make amends for offending her, how he had risked waiting outside of Gryffindor, pleading with Mary Macdonald to go and send Lily to him, only to say the wrong things when she appeared, Severus winced.

The memory of Lily's fiery temper and resolute decision to distance herself from him, once and for all, Severus pushed aside. He would risk again her rejection in an attempt to gain her back. I won't make the mistake and keep hidden exactly what she means to me... what Lily has always meant to me. This time, she'll hear me out. This time, she'll understand. This time, she'll reciprocate my feeling!

Severus had faith in Lily; she would understand him fully... Forgive me, accept me! Accept us!

Believing himself to be clever and cunning enough to procure a way for them to be together, he needed only for Lily to reciprocate; the slightest sign was all that he wished. But first, they must meet. This Thursday in the library. The first step for me to truly make amends!

However, at that very moment, with the sight and sound of James Potter touching and kissing his Lily blatantly in front of him, he was blinded with vitriolic hatred. Uncontrollably incensed, his wanded hand rose to hex his nemesis, James Potter, when several things happened at once.

A furious Marcus Belby appeared from the Ravenclaw stairway.

"Hey, you two!" shouted the furious Ravenclaw Head Boy. "Stop that! Stop that now!" The priggish Belby strode nearer to the disconcerted couple. "Evans? What is this? A Prefect behaving in such a way! Oh, it's you, Potter... McGonagall will know of this at once! Gryffindor will be missing its prize Seeker for the upcoming match!"

Before Lily could defend James, Severus heard another all too familiar voice.

"What does one expect? A Mudblood given the rights of a Prefect – of course they're going to be defiled in such a way... only Gryffindors stoop so low..."

"Malfoy, shut it! Or I'll..."

"You'll what, Potter?"

"I'll make you shut it!"

"Is that a promise?" Lucius leered at the outraged James.

Wand in hand, Belby broke in. "Enough! Evans and Potter – you will return immediately to Gryffindor – I'll report your conduct to Professor McGonagall promptly. Go straight there; I'm right behind you!"

"You just wait, Malfoy! You'll get yours soon!" called out Potter, unable to restrain himself.

"James, don't make things worse. Come along!" Abashed, Lily tugged the hotheaded James to leave with her, and quickly, with heated whispers, they were soon out of sight.

Thoroughly disgusted, Lucius' hawk-like gaze had followed them, glaring at Lily in particular. What is it about Mudbloods that could entice a Pureblood away from his own?

The Ravenclaw Head Boy interrupted the blond wizard's malicious thoughts.

"What are you doing here?"

Lucius gazed coolly at Marcus. "Nagini. I need to speak with her."

Delighted he could deny Lucius what he wanted, yet again, Marcus sneered. "She is not available."

"Belby, don't play games with me. I want to see her. Now."

"Are you deaf? No!"

Having avidly locked eyes with Marcus, in a flash, Lucius raised his wand. "Imperio!"

Against an invisible counter-shield, there was a split second of a brief light ricocheting, striking Lucius down on the hard stone floor, stunned.

Belby burst out with laughter and glee. "The Belbys learn from their mistakes, unlike you Malfoys, unlike that wretched father of yours!" Suddenly, Marcus' demeanour became eerily sombre. "Unlike my dear Aunt Lapontia... It was too late for her...Where would the rest of our family be, not learning to defend ourselves from your father's filthy, underhanded tactics? Hmm?" Belby kicked Lucius hard in his ribcage. "You dare to try to Imperio me, dear cousin? You are rather thick, aren't you? Everyone knows it's your father's calling card, and you're just like him, aren't you? You stupid, shallow toff!"

Marcus paced, working himself up into a tizzy. The chance to vent long seeded frustrations between their families, between the two of them personally, overtook him. "Try to use an Unforgiveable on me, will you? Well, let me reciprocate with a little surprise for you!" Belby raised his wand and in the split second intent to use the Cruciatus on Lucius, he suddenly fell over, hitting the floor hard from a Petrificus Totalus, having been hexed from behind.

Wand raised, Severus walked slowly out of the shadows and stood between the two sprawled seventh years. After a second's thought, he quickly counter-cursed Lucius and helped him to his feet.

Malfoy grasped to balance himself against Snape and catch his breath from the residue of the stunning spell of Belby's. Just as Severus initiated to guide him away, Lucius threw out his booted foot, kicking Belby full in the face. Riled beyond measure, he would've had at him again, but Severus whispered, "Leave him for others to find; it won't help if you're seen here; otherwise, it'll be his word against yours. We need to return to Slytherin, at once, before anyone can place you here with him."

"Always the voice of reason, aren't you?" concurred Lucius, bitterly, for he would've loved to have beaten Marcus' face in Muggle-style. "Very well."

It wasn't until they were both crossing through the Slytherin common room that Lucius inquired, "Besides my gratitude, Snape, you have my curiosity. What were you doing in that part of the castle in the first place?"

"Nothing." Severus was still morosely playing the mental film of Potter kissing Lily in his mind, torturing himself.

Lucius raised an eyebrow, skeptical, knowing Severus' different silent moods well from over the years. "Snape, have a seat." Beckoning the brooding young wizard over to two corner chairs, Lucius flicked his wand, placing a Muffliato spell around them as they both sat near the fireplace. The blond wizard was determined to get to the bottom of what Severus was reluctant to reveal. "You just happened to be near Ravenclaw at curfew time?"

Severus flicked at a spot on his sleeve. "Healing balms... for Nagini; I'd promised myself to bring her some." He looked up at Lucius, poker-faced. "For the lash wounds on her back... in case she needs them. I noticed her gait was quite stiff, which indicates the wounds are still... painful." Severus knew full well what this felt like from his own father's thrashings.

Lucius sniffed and stared into the burning embers. He refused to comment on his father's punishment on his cousin. Instead, he pursued his own curiosity regarding another matter. "Why then were you hiding? From that shite of a nob, Belby?"

Severus remained silent.

"You saw the Mudblood and that filthy blood traitor, Potter, going at it, didn't you?" Smugly, Lucius purred, "Didn't I tell you about Mudbloods, Severus? Muggles and Mudbloods – they are only good for a few things... torture, other forms of entertainment, but for serving our intimate needs? Besides being distasteful, it is, nonetheless, unacceptable. Need I point that out again?" Malfoy gave an exasperated sigh. "I thought you had rid yourself of this obsession. Especially in light of Evans having ensnared Potter in her web; they are obviously rutting around–"

"Enough!" snapped Severus, standing up abruptly; he then turned and strode two steps away, only to halt. Unable to go further, his shoulders sagged in defeat. The pain of Lily having chosen James Potter overwhelmed him. He felt Lucius guide him back to his seat and flopped down in it, weakened in body and spirit.

"What is it about Evans that lures you and Potter to her?" Lucius winced at some sordid thought. "Severus, can you tell me one significant thing to help me understand this mad infatuation? Just one small glimpse into that peculiar mind of yours and why you are so ensnared by her, um, charms?"

"I was her first..."

Lucius' eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Her first?"

"No, no, not that..." sputtered Severus, feeling a wave of nausea roll over him. He swallowed back down the rising bile in his throat; his will to hold everything in clashed with an unforeseen need to unburden the insane jealousy of Potter and possessive feeling about Lily. Is Lucius capable of understanding the merest ounce of what I feel?

"I was her first; the first to know her for what she was..."

"And what, pray tell, was that?" asked Lucius, deadpanned and clueless.

"A witch!" revealed Severus in agony. He repeated, "I was the first to know her for what she was, even before she fully understood it herself..." For the briefest moment, Severus smiled at the wonderful miracle of what had been shared between Lily and him. The purity of what only one person can share once and once only with another.

He looked at Lucius for affirmation of this providential event in his life, but only saw the blond wizard peering at him with a distasteful and quizzical expression.

"Well, whether Mudbloods are innately born with magical powers, or whether the power has been stolen from pure Magic-kind is, indeed, the question. I advise you not to put much weight into this insipid childhood memory." It was difficult for the privileged, Pureblood wizard to be tactful in dealing with Snape; however, the Dark Lord had shown more than once a certain softness for Snape, which Lucius interpreted as a sign for others to do so as well. It had briefly perplexed Lucius, but he hadn't dared to question Voldemort's reason for this. Eventually, with time, it became a mute and disinterested point, and the young Malfoy focused rather on how to use Voldemort's favouring of the underprivileged, exceptional Snape to his advantage.

Mentoring Severus had been just the first step of further endearing Voldemort's perception of him. I'm more than just my father's son... reminded Lucius slyly to himself. The Dark Lord shall see that I'm a natural leader for others as well, entrust me even more when he takes full power, but I must put myself forward...

The underprivileged, unusual lad had responded eagerly to Lucius' guidance; it had been easier than the blond imagined, for Severus was truly, exceptionally gifted; Voldemort himself had pointed this out in front of all the other followers, and when Snape took the Dark Lord's Mark, it had sealed the deal. Lucius now needed only to give continued guidance and advice to his Slytherin brother and fellow Death Eater. On Lucius' part, there would be no breaking asunder their bonds, no questioning of loyalty to the Dark Lord or to each other. But he needs my help to rid him of this... Mudblood filth...

Lucius carefully continued, "Severus, I would advise you never to even imply that Mudbloods are our equals; furthermore, I wish to instill in you to trust me, as an older brother, Severus, an experienced brother." Lucius changed tactics. "I wish you to know that I understand your attraction for the weaker sex. However, your choice is what is in question, in need of correcting."

Seeing the incongruous look on Snape's face, Lucius paused.

Severus was now numb from his momentary folly of having entertained that Malfoy could for one second understand what Lily meant to him. Impatient to return to his room for some mental privacy, he couldn't suppress a slight sigh.

Seeing the remorseful young wizard suffering, Lucius scoffed. "Really, Snape, put the pathetic dribble aside, and let's discuss this man to man." Lucius rose and crossed to the fireplace. Turning back to the angst-ridden housemate, Lucius firmly instructed, "You must rip any sentimental dribble from your heart for this Mud...Evans! What you need... and again, I'm speaking to you man to man – is a distraction..."

Spurred on by a sudden inspiration, Lucius touched the shoulder of the hunched over figure in pain. "Bellatrix..."

Severus jerked his shoulder away from Lucius' hold.

"Snape...Severus, listen to me! You know Bella fancies you... Why else is she so hostile towards you? A woman scorned... and you have more than once declined her advances..."

Severus huffed, sickened by the mention of the vulgar, voracious Black sister, and swiped again at a fleck on his jacket sleeve.

"You needn't be so cruel to her, Severus. One kind word, one small gesture of affection, and she will do," his voice lowered into a throaty whisper, "anything you want... your utmost fantasy..."

Severus had frozen, breathing slowly.

Lucius had sat again and leaned closer. "Your darkest wishes, Severus. She's incredible. Indescribable."

Severus felt ill. He needed to be alone with his thoughts and feelings, but knew the only way to escape Lucius' savvy attempts to lure him into encouraging and accepting Bellatrix's favours was to appear to be in accord.

Slowly rising, Severus offered, "Very well. I shall think on it."

"Don't think, act! She's yours for the taking," insisted Lucius smugly. "I promise you, Bella will wipe away any schmaltzy childhood fluff and replace it with a very fulfilling, tangible reality." Lucius chuckled softly. "If you're going to be ensnared, Severus, you might as well be ensnared by the best. Trust me on this; she is the best... and the fact that she, a Black, desires you – you are honoured. Truly." Lucius was now in a sporting mood, feeling generous by his libidinous reflections of his own experiences with his future sister-in-law. "You won't regret it!"

Attempting to mask his disgust, Severus placidly repeated, "I shall think on it."

Suddenly, Lucius caught sight of another figure who had entered the Slytherin common room. Reminded of his own interests by this challenging presence, the blond wizard urged, "Think on it, and when you're ready to act, let me know. I'll aid you in whichever way you need."

Then, Lucius flicked his wand, dispelling the Muffliato spell, and called out, "Rodolphus! I've been waiting for you – time we discussed the gifts from the Dark Lord, the lovely rings for all of our girls?"

Disgruntled, Lestrange gave a cool glare at Severus as they crossed paths with each other and proceeded to fill the chair which Severus had just vacated.

Severus glanced back at Lucius and Rodolphus, who had immediately encircled themselves with Silencing charms, vivaciously in discussion.

He quickly focused on Lily's radiant face, the image of her hair and emerald eyes; immediately, a feeling of calm and solace came over him.

Severus continued onward to his room to lose himself in visions of Lily's and his future.

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A/N: The greatest gratitude to emdramaqueen for her beta work and support!