Time To Flee

A/N: As always, I would like to thank JENGEORGE and NervousAboutAngels for their diligence and hard work. A big thank you also goes to the staff here at The Petulant Poetess for keeping me in line. I never realized that the English language had so many rules.

I make no money, I take no credit. It all belongs to the unsurpassed J. K. Rowling. This applies even more so in this chapter, because I have lifted quite a bit of dialogue directly from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, specifically Chapters Thirty-one and Thirty-two. The exact quotes are indicated with italicized type.

Chapter 29

"Time to Flee, Time to Fly,

But Why, Oh God, Is It Time to Die?"

The darkness was descending on the castle as Sienna continued in vain to search for the trio. Severus realized soon that she would need to break for dinner. He was debating whether or not to dine in the Great Hall when a dark gray smoky orb passed through the office window like a ghostly cannon ball and exploded on the floor before him. In the secret room, Sienna jumped up and ran to the archway for a closer look as the smoke reformed into the shape of the great snake, Nagini.

"What is that thing?" she asked with a trembling voice.

Severus glanced quickly at her and motioned for stillness and quiet as the dark snaky form spoke in Voldemort's voice.

"The boy and his friends are believed to be headed for the castle. He may attempt to find someone or something in Ravenclaw Tower. Put one of the Carrows on watch there. I have alerted Hogsmeade, in case he shows up there first. If he is caught, detain him and summon me immediately. If mistakes are made, you will find my charitable nature already spent."

The smoke dissipated into nothingness.

"That's the Dark Lord's version of a Patronus," Severus informed her.

"But why does it look like that? Not white or silver? Not made of light?"

"I'm not sure, but I believe it is because he has never known love," Severus suggested thoughtfully. "The only method I know to make a real Patronus requires a truly happy memory, one that fills your heart with joy."

"And true joy can only come from unconditional love."

"I would bet his happiest memory involves torturing and killing someone – perhaps to create his first Horcrux."

Sienna's face contorted as she shuddered at the thought.

"Well, I'd better go to dinner so I can give the Carrows their assignment." He stood and crossed through his private quarters to the arch. "You alright?"

She nodded. "It just gave me a start, is all. I thought we were under attack."

"No, it's only smoke." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "I'll be back shortly."

*****

"Well, the whole school knows what has happened now," Severus bellowed when he returned from dinner. "Terry Boot must have gotten an owl from his parents. One of them was in Diagon Alley this morning when it happened. Before I could stop it," he added in disgust, "the Carrows came down on him pretty hard, right there in front of everyone."

"Anything I need to attend to later?"

"No, he'll be alright. Just beaten up, that's all. They didn't even use wands."

Sienna nodded, but then produced a gaping yawn that made Sev's lip curl. "Why don't you get some sleep, my love," he suggested softly. "Wherever they are, they'll stay put for the night, if they follow their usual pattern. You can start up again in the morning."

She stood up and walked slowly over to his waiting arms. They held each other for several minutes, basking in the unconditional love that they shared. He felt so peaceful, so at home in her arms. And the idea of becoming a father was like delicious frosting on an already perfect cake. The two women who meant more to him than life itself would surround him and brighten his every day.

Suddenly, a silent flash of lightning came bursting through the window and took the form of Aberforth's goat Patronus. "Potter is in the castle. He got in through the Room of Requirement. Says he's got a job to do, a job that Albus left for him. Be careful. He'll stop at nothing." As the sound of Aberforth's voice echoed into silence, the burning white image of the horned goat faded, leaving its black reverse image on their retinas. The looks they exchanged were steeped in concern and dread. Sienna immediately took her side of the love seat while Severus settled on the other. It didn't take long for her to find them. "They're with Neville and the others who disappeared. They're talking about how it has been here at the school with you as Headmaster. I'm afraid," she looked at her husband sympathetically, "they're not being very complimentary."

Severus raised an eyebrow and shrugged it off.

"Oh no. Harry saw into the Dark Lord's mind. He's checking on his Horcruxes. He just now realized that the ring Horcrux is missing. Harry is afraid that he might be headed this way. He's either coming here or the cave, where the locket was originally kept." Sienna's face became a ghostly white. "He'll be here in a matter of hours, if not sooner."

Severus furrowed his brow; his eyes became hawk-like. He looked deep into Sienna's worried face. A horrible feeling of foreboding stirred deep inside him. He took both of her hands in his as they stood, facing each other.

"More people have arrived in the Room of Requirement to join in the battle."

"This is it, love. The outcome of this war will be decided tonight. You should go to the ashram. You'll be safe there."

"No, I won't leave you. What if you're injured? My healing powers could save you."

"I need to know that you're safe."

She adamantly shook her head.

"Don't you see? If I'm worried about you, I won't be able to concentrate. I could make foolish mistakes because my mind will be filled with concern for you and the baby. If I know you're safe, I can keep my wits about me."

"But, Severus..."

"Sienna, if I don't survive this, there is that tiny bit of me that lives on in you. Nurture her, protect her. Please, do this for me."

"She needs her father as much as I do. She's coming back for you, Severus. If you get hit by the Killing Curse remember how much we both love you. Will yourself back into your body. I know you can do it. Promise me."

"I promise you that I will do everything in my power to live through this, but if I don't, remember it's not because I don't love you. I could never love anyone any more than I love you right now. You are my world, Sienna. If anything happened to you, I could not go on. So please, for the sake of the wizarding world, let Winky take you to the ashram."

She flung her arms around him and started to cry.

"Sienna, please... Time is of the essence."

She started sobbing uncontrollably. He wondered if her instincts were showing her something that he couldn't see.

"Winky!"

With a pop, Winky appeared before them. She started to bow, but stopped out of concern when she saw Sienna's emotional display. "What is troubling Mrs. Snape, ma'am?"

"Things are about to get very dangerous here, Winky. You must escort Mrs. Snape to the ashram. Gather her things, would you? She's in no state to do it herself," he informed the elf without letting go of Sienna.

In only a few moments, Winky had packed all of Sienna's belongings into a small trunk with wheels and had it sitting in the middle of the floor, ready for Side-Along Apparition.

Severus let go of all but Sienna's hand and stooped down to look Winky directly in the eyes. "Stay with her," he implored. "Take care of her and the baby. Keep them safe, no matter what. Your number one job now," he touched Winky's shoulder with his other hand, "is to take care of them and keep them safe for me."

"But what will become of Headmaster Snape, sir?" Her innocent look made his heart ache.

"I don't know, Winky. But..."

Now Winky started to cry.

"...I'll call you to come back when it's safe to do so." He stood up and took Sienna in his arms once again. He looked down into her tear-stained face and felt his heart breaking. Somewhere deep inside he feared that this was the last time he would ever hold her. The desperate kiss that followed ended with them choking and gasping for breath, as if they had both started to drown in their own tears. "Now get out of here, quickly," he begged them as he wiped his face dry with the back of his hand.

With a gut-wrenching look of longing and despair, they were gone. He broke down and wept, but only for a moment; then he took a deep breath and began to regain his composure. He must have a clear head before he stepped out of the secret room. She was gone now, and he had no way of knowing what was happening. Potter could be anywhere in the castle by now. He stood up straight and tall and began to concentrate. Potter would be looking for two things: the Ravenclaw item, and a tool to destroy both Horcruxes. He would head for the Room of Requirement and from there to the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room. He could only hope to run into Potter somewhere along the way.

Severus stopped short of racing out the door and turned to look at the room. The thought occurred to him that he may not live to return. There had to be certain precautions in place to ensure that only the right people would gain access to his office. If he died before reaching Potter, the only place left that Potter could turn to for help, for the truth, was Dumbledore's portrait. He had to have access to it. Severus would have to change the password to one Potter could stumble upon by accident, one the Heads of House could deduce when they realized there had been a change, and one the Carrows were too dunderheaded to figure out. It only took a moment. Unless the Carrows made a point of studying their childhood collection of chocolate frog cards, they probably assumed he had been using random names for passwords all year. But the Heads of House would know, and it was the one word that Potter would quite likely mutter out loud from sheer desperation.

"This is Headmaster Snape," he called to the door. "The password will now change from Brian to Dumbledore. I repeat: the password will now change from Brian to Dumbledore."

"Excellent choice, Severus," commented Dumbledore's portrait.

"Glad you approve," he replied sarcastically. "If all goes well, I'll see you later. If not, I guess my portrait will see you later!"

"Either way, I look forward to it!" Severus heard him say as he ran down the spiral staircase.

Just as he reached the bottom, his left arm began to burn. It wasn't the intense burn that came when the Dark Lord called. But it was the signal that Potter had been found. The Carrows must have caught him in the Ravenclaw common room. He made a beeline towards the tower entrance, but stopped suddenly when he heard a loud bang. It echoed faintly off the walls as if it had come from a distance. He continued on with caution and stealth, keeping his wand unlit but at the ready. Then once again, he heard sounds in the distance. The soft voice of the Ravenclaw eagle asked a question, but the rough and ignorant reply must have come from Amycus. There was no mistaking that voice as it echoed up and down the stony corridors. Then he heard another voice, that of Professor McGonagall. Good, she would see to it that no harm came to Potter until he could take over. He decided to hide and wait for them to descend the stairs before revealing himself.

When McGonagall finally appeared, she was dressed for bed and seemed to be alone. He found amusement in the notion that she could have so easily dispensed with the Carrows. And Potter must be with her, only hidden under that amazing cloak of his. But this put a different spin on things. Perhaps he should keep up his cover just a bit longer and follow them to see if they shed any light on the description or whereabouts of the unknown Horcrux. If something happened to Potter, it would be up to him to complete the mission. He listened as they passed his dark hiding place and could easily distinguish three different sets of footsteps. He hoped his would blend with theirs unnoticed as he quietly attempted pursuit, but the hard soles of his boots betrayed him.

McGonagall halted, raised her wand ready to duel, and said, "Who's there?"

"It is I," Severus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He stepped out from behind a conveniently located suite of armor. "Where are the Carrows?" he asked, knowing full well that the answer would be concocted.

"Wherever you told them to be, I expect, Severus," said Professor McGonagall.

"I was under the impression," Severus continued as he scanned the area for signs of Potter, "that Alecto had apprehended an intruder."

"Really?" said Professor McGonagall. "And what gave you that impression?"

Severus subconsciously flexed his left forearm without even realizing it.

"Oh, but naturally," said Professor McGonagall. "You Death Eaters have your own private means of communication, I forgot."

Severus barely noticed her reply as he drifted forward, hoping to sense Potter's presence. His mind raced as he began to feel the urgency of the situation. The Dark Lord would no doubt be arriving soon. Time was of the essence. He had to get the boy alone, find out what he knew, and convince him somehow where his true loyalties lie. If he could just get the boy alone in his office, the portraits could help him to convince Potter of the truth. He had to get him away from Minerva. It was the only way. 

"I did not know that it was your night to patrol the corridors, Minerva."

"You have some objections?"

"I wonder, what could have brought you out of your bed at this late hour?"

"I thought I heard a disturbance."

"Really?" he asked slyly, even though he had heard the very same disturbance. "But all seems calm."

This is getting nowhere, he thought with frustration. In a last desperate attempt to get the truth out of her, his eyes met hers for just a moment. Legilimens... Yes, Potter's face and Luna Lovegood's came floating to the surface. "Have you seen Harry Potter, Minerva? Because if you have, I must insist..."

In an instant, Professor McGonagall sent a hex through the air that would have surprised him had he not been using Legilimency on her. But he saw it coming, thank Merlin's winter cloak, and his Shield Charm came up so fast and so strong that she was thrown off balance. She brandished her wand at a torch on the wall and it flew out of its bracket. Although Severus had lost his link with her the second eye contact was broken, he had seen enough to know that she was ready to kill him, or die trying. So much for subconscious trust...

Severus did all he could to parry away her spells and hexes so no harm would come to her, and he was equally careful not to let dangerous spells fly about helter-skelter because he knew that Potter could be injured under that cloak. It made him invisible, but not invulnerable.

Then a squeaky voice called out from the darkness behind McGonagall. "Minerva!" It was Flitwick, with Sprout bringing up the rear. She must have summoned them somehow.

"No!" squealed Flitwick, raising his wand. "You'll do no more murder at Hogwarts!"

Severus began to feel trapped. There were only two ways out of this: either he would have to get hurt himself, or he would have to hurt them. Neither of those alternatives would help him to achieve his goal. But as Flitwick's spell hit the suit of armor and it came to life to attack him, a third option came to mind. He threw the armor back at them like a bowling ball rolling after pins and took flight down the hall. He hurtled through a classroom door and burst through the huge picture window on the far side of the room. He soared through the air with a wonderful sense of freedom. He wished he could fly all the way to India, to Sienna, to peace and joy.

Suddenly he was drawn back to reality as McGonagall's enraged cries of "Coward! COWARD!" rang out into the distant night behind him. She had had no idea that he could have easily killed her and everyone else there. She would probably never know what an act of mercy he had just shown her. He tried to block it out of his mind as he left the great structure behind... his home... the only place he had ever really belonged. This was the second time he had had to flee, thinking he would never be able to return. He was mistaken before, could he be mistaken this time as well?

The perimeter wall stretched out ahead of him in the darkness. He knew that it was infested with dementors. Rather than employing his Patronus as most wizards did, and drawing attention to himself, he chose an alternative way to defend against them, a method he had come up with on his own. It was really quite simple if one thought the problem through. Dementors feed on happy thoughts. They suck their victim dry of all joy within and then feed on the despair that is left. But he figured out long ago that by using the skills that made him an expert Occlumens, he could keep the dementors at bay. By blocking out all thoughts and concentrating on something mundane, he would appear uninteresting to them, and they would let him pass. Severus brought to mind the most boring lecture by Professor Binns that he ever remembered suffering through and kept that emotionless memory at the front of his mind. The dementors didn't even acknowledge his existence as he flew by.

Before he knew it, Severus had arrived in Hogsmeade. As he landed, several Death Eaters greeted him and grilled him for an update. "I don't wish to appear rude, but I don't recall being ordered to report to any of you!" he replied curtly and turned on his heel to head for the Shrieking Shack. From there he would have a good view of the castle and hopefully be alone for a while to collect his thoughts and come up with a plan. But no such luck was afforded him.

Just then, with a loud crack, the Dark Lord appeared before them with the great snake, Nagini, draped over his shoulders. In one smooth motion, he reached for Severus' left arm, pushed up his sleeve, and plunged his wand into his flesh, sending Severus to his knees in agony. Every Death Eater present winced at the pain as their own dark marks blackened and burned. Within moments other Death Eaters began arriving, until the streets were full. Bellatrix pushed her way to the front of the crowd with Lucius and Narcissa in tow.

"Why are they here?" asked Voldemort, with more than a touch of disgust in his voice. "They have no wands. They are of no further use to me. I only let them live as a favor to you, Bella."

"They wish to know the fate of their son, my Lord," Bella replied with a bow.

He raised an eyebrow at the Malfoys. "Very well. Stay out of the way."

"Yes, my Lord. Thank you, my Lord" Lucius bowed deeply and backed away.

Then Voldemort turned to Severus. "What, may I ask, are you doing here, my greasy friend? Why aren't you up at the castle helping the Carrows hold Potter for me?"

"He apparently escaped their grasp, with help from the other teachers, before I arrived at the scene. They turned on me and I was outnumbered four to one. I had no choice but to flee. I felt I could be of more use to you alive than dead."

"Perhaps," Voldemort's look stole the color from Severus' face. Was his usefulness finally at an end? "So Potter is still in the castle somewhere, then?"

"As far as I know, your Lordship."

"Very well..." Voldemort's eyes narrowed at Severus, but then he turned and started to walk towards the front gate to the Hogwarts grounds. "They no doubt know that I'm coming for him." Severus rose from his knees and began to accompany him as he glided forward, but Voldemort stopped suddenly. "Did I ask for your company?" he growled viciously.

"No, My Lord," Severus gave a slight bow and remained still.

He watched with great apprehension as the Dark Lord's silhouette shrank into the distance as it grew closer to the huge front gate. He did not drop the snake to the ground so it could slither at his side as usual. No, the snake remained draped over his shoulders. Dumbledore had said that this would eventually happen and that this was the signal that Potter must know the truth. Now it was more urgent than ever that he reach Harry. But how?

Voldemort stood at the gate for quite some time, staring at the school with an air of longing. When he finally strode back up to the waiting Death Eaters, a sinister smile had painted itself across his snakelike face. "We will give them time to find and hand over the boy."

"And if they refuse?" asked Fenrir Greyback, who had been one of the last to arrive.

"Then we attack, of course," Voldemort replied, matter-of-factly.

Fenrir began to lick his lips in anticipation of all that fresh young flesh.

Voldemort waved his wand in the air in a complicated motion, with the last stroke aimed at Hogwarts Castle. Then he put the tip of it to his throat and began to speak. His words remained normal volume to the surrounding crowd of Death Eaters, but Severus could hear a much louder echo rolling towards them from the direction of the castle.

"I know that you are preparing to fight."

Severus could hear distant screams as the students reacted to this strange and powerful sound effect.

"Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood." The Dark Lord paused, as he no doubt imagined his unwilling audience drinking in his every word. Then he continued, with an unmistakable gleam in his eyes, a gleam of corruption and power, as he hoped to turn friend against friend. "Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded.

"You have until midnight."

With another flutter of his wand, the voice-carrying spell was broken. "Come, Severus. Let us plan our attack." He floated by, and Severus was drawn into his wake as they made their way to the Shrieking Shack.

*****

 

As they discussed different angles and their advantages for attacking the castle, Severus learned to his hidden horror that Voldemort had managed to recruit the giants as well as the dementors, and a hoard of them were gathering outside as they made their plans. Luckily, the Centaurs remained neutral in the impending fight. But with this many reinforcements, Severus wasn't sure how in Merlin's name the battle could be won by the few adults left in the castle.  And what of the students? Would McGonagall and the other teachers get the younger ones out through the Room of Requirement the way Harry Potter got in? He could only hope so. There was nothing he could do to insure their safety from here.

When the Dark Lord was satisfied with their plan of attack, he instructed Severus to go outside and coordinate their forces, positioning them in their proper places, and readying them for the onslaught that was surely to come. Severus did what he was told with a heavy heart, then he waited for midnight. 

As it arrived, he saw Voldemort give the signal: three balls of red light shot from the end of his wand up beyond the tree tops and burst as Voldemort emitted an eerie screech that reminded Severus of a primitive war cry.

Here at last was Severus' golden opportunity. He could advance with the others, get lost in the bedlam that followed, and find Harry. The assembled mob moved forward as one, but as Severus began to move with them, he felt a cold, clammy hand grab his shoulder. "Not you, my valuable friend," said Voldemort as he dug his long black nails into Severus' flesh. "You can fire off curses from here, out of harm's way. I may be in need of your council."

Voldemort turned and retreated into the Shrieking Shack, leaving Severus to helplessly gaze at the ongoing battle. Curses flew everywhere, lighting up the night. Thunderous crashes could be heard as parts of the ancient structure crumbled. The only real home he had ever known was being destroyed before his eyes. He felt a tear begin to slide down his cheek, but quickly reached up and wiped it away. He could not be caught crying, for it would surely be considered a sign of weakness.

After a deep breath to compose himself, he advanced to a large rock on the hillside overlooking the school. It was a perfect place to fire off nonverbal spells that would look wicked, but do no real damage. But he knew that from this distance, he would never find Harry. This helpless feeling was maddening. Why wouldn't Voldemort let him go and fight? And where was Harry? Had he found the last Horcrux and a way to destroy it? Was he even still alive? Anything could have happened to him by now. If only he had Sienna to tell him what Harry was thinking. But he could not call her back, not here, not now. Her appearance would only bring about both of their deaths. No, she was safe, thank Merlin's wand. He would have to do this on his own.

Severus continued to fire off the occasional flashy curse while watching the battle progress. Although he wasn't sure, he thought he could hear Tonk's voice, and perhaps Lupin's, above the din. Was Shacklebolt also among them? Perhaps the Order of the Phoenix had arrived in time for the battle. Yes, they could have gotten in the same way Harry had. That gave him a ray of hope. But their cause still looked bleak from his point of view. The feeling of foreboding grew as his stomach tightened.

Just then, Lucius Malfoy appeared at his side. "The Dark Lord wishes to see you, Severus."

"Oh?"

The look Lucius gave him was inscrutable. Their eyes met, but no valuable information was forthcoming. Lucius's only thoughts were filled with worry for his son, the son Severus had sworn an unbreakable vow to protect. He hadn't thought of that until this very moment. If anything bad happened to Draco, would he, Severus, drop dead on the spot? Or was the oath satisfied when Dumbledore was killed? Because of the ambiguous wording, he couldn't be sure. But perhaps if he was here, and there was nothing he could do to help, the curse wouldn't apply in this case. But he couldn't worry about it now. The Dark Lord awaited his arrival, so he turned and headed for the Shrieking Shack, leaving Lucius anxiously staring at the raging battle.

As Severus entered the decaying structure, he heard Voldemort's voice, beckoning him into a side room.

"What is your assessment so far, Severus?"

He didn't answer right away. It seemed an odd question, since Voldemort's view out the window offered at least as good a vantage point as he had had from behind the rock. He feared that stating the obvious would only bring the Dark Lord's wrath, but since he didn't know what else to say, "... my Lord, their resistance is crumbling..."

"...and it is doing so without your help," said Voldemort in his high, clear voice. "Skilled wizard though you are, Severus, I do not think you will make much difference now. We are almost there... almost."

Severus didn't know where this conversation was leading, but he knew now, as he studied Nagini in her newly constructed magical cage, that finding Harry was of paramount importance. "Let me find the boy. Let me bring you Potter. I know I can find him, my Lord. Please." Severus held his voice steady, keeping it low and passive, almost a monotone. He could not let the anxiousness in his heart show in his voice. He walked past Voldemort and stared out the window.

"I have a problem, Severus," said Voldemort softly.

Severus turned to face him, his heart racing. "My Lord?"

"Why doesn't it work for me, Severus?" asked the Dark Lord as he held up his legendary wand and poised it to strike.

Severus immediately thought of what Dumbledore's portrait had told him the night Voldemort robbed his tomb, that Draco Malfoy was the wand's real master. But he mustn't let on. It would surely mean Draco's death if Voldemort found out the truth. "My – my Lord?" Severus replied blankly. "I do not understand. You – you have performed extraordinary magic with that wand."

"No," said Voldemort. "I have performed my usual magic. I am extraordinary, but this wand... no. It has not revealed the wonders it has promised. I feel no difference between this wand and the one I procured from Ollivander all those years ago... No difference."

Severus' heart filled with apprehension.

 "I have thought long and hard, Severus... Do you know why I have called you back from the battle?"

"No, my Lord, but I beg you will let me return. Let me find Potter."

"You sound like Lucius. Neither of you understands Potter as I do. He does not need finding. Potter will come to me. I know his weakness, you see, his one great flaw. He will hate watching the others struck down around him, knowing that it is for him that it happens. He will want to stop it at any cost. He will come."

Severus knew that Voldemort spoke the truth. He knew Harry better than Voldemort could possibly imagine. Harry cared deeply for people, and if he could just reach Harry and make him understand the truth, he knew Harry would willingly sacrifice himself to save the others. It was important for some reason that Harry die willingly, not in a fight. Somehow, he had to convince Voldemort to let him go... "But my Lord, he might be killed accidentally by one other than yourself..."

"My instructions to my Death Eaters have been perfectly clear. Capture Potter. Kill his friends – the more, the better – but do not kill him.

"But it is of you that I wished to speak, Severus, not Harry Potter. You have been very valuable to me. Very valuable."

"My Lord knows I seek only to serve him. But – let me go and find the boy, my Lord. Let me bring him to you. I know I can..."

"I have told you, no!" said Voldemort with a red glint in his eye.

Severus knew he had crossed the line.

"My concern at the moment, Severus, is what will happen when I finally meet the boy!"

"My Lord, there can be no question, surely...?"

"...but there is a question, Severus. There is." He stopped and slid the Elder Wand through his white fingers, and Severus felt the heavy weight of his stare.

"Why did both the wands I have used fail when directed at Harry Potter?"

"I – I cannot answer that, my Lord."

"Can't you?"

Severus prayed that Voldemort wouldn't try to use Legilimency on him at this point, because he wasn't sure just how well he could resist.

"My wand of yew did everything of which I asked it, Severus, except to kill Harry Potter. Twice it failed. Ollivander told me under torture of the twin cores, told me to take another's wand. I did so, but Lucius's wand shattered upon meeting Potter's."

"I – I have no explanation, my Lord." In this instance, Severus was speaking the truth. His attention was drawn once again to the snake in her cage. How the orb sparkled as she coiled and uncoiled herself, made restless by her unaccustomed confinement. He knew just how she felt as the desire to find Harry burned deeper and deeper into his heart.

"I sought a third wand, Severus. The Elder Wand, the Wand of Destiny, the Deathstick. I took it from its previous master. I took it from the grave of Albus Dumbledore."

Suddenly Severus understood. Voldemort believed him to be the true master of the Elder Wand because he had killed Dumbledore. His death was imminent. But he hadn't yet told Harry what he needed to know. He couldn't die now. Not yet. He could tell Voldemort the truth about Draco in hopes it would buy him some time, but somehow he felt that this news would not stop Voldemort from killing him anyway, just in case. And then he would surely hunt Draco down as a result. No need for both of them to die.

He had never felt so helpless, so defeated. He had been ready for death since the night Lily was killed, but he didn't want it to end without fulfilling his mission. Then he remembered Sienna's self-resuscitation and began to calm himself. That was the answer he needed. Voldemort was not the master of the Elder Wand, so it should be even easier to come back from beyond death. He only hoped that the Dark Lord left the room before it was too late to return to his body. Yes, that was the solution: he would will himself back, just as Sienna had done.

"My Lord – let me go to the boy..."

"All this long night, when I am on the brink of victory, I have sat here," said Voldemort, his voice barely louder than a whisper, "wondering, wondering, why the Elder Wand refuses to be what it ought to be, refuses to perform as legend says it must perform for its rightful owner... and I think I have the answer."

Kill me then and get it over with, thought Severus, his irritation growing.

"Perhaps you already know it? You are a clever man, after all, Severus. You have been a good and faithful servant, and I regret what must happen."

"My Lord ..."

"The Elder Wand cannot serve me properly, Severus, because I am not its true master. The Elder Wand belongs to the wizard who killed its last owner. You killed Albus Dumbledore. While you live, Severus, the Elder Wand cannot be truly mine."

For Draco's sake, Severus pretended that Voldemort's words were fact and decided to play his part to the proverbial end. "My Lord!" he protested as he raised his wand.

"It cannot be any other way," said Voldemort. "I must master the wand, Severus. Master the wand, and I master Potter at last."

Severus braced himself for the feeling of intense fear that Sienna told him would accompany the Avada Kedavra Curse, but it didn't come. Voldemort swiped the air with the Elder Wand. It did nothing to Severus, who stood confused for a split second, but then noticed too late that the snake, cage and all, was upon him. Before he could resist, it had encased his head and shoulders. He struggled against the Force Field Charm in vain as he heard Voldemort hiss something in Parseltongue to Nagini. He didn't have long to wonder at the meaning.

Nagini came at him, fangs bared and mouth agape. He screamed as he realized that there was no escape and felt the fangs sink deep into his neck. He felt his face lose its color as the blood poured out onto his shoulder and chest. His knees buckled as he became dizzy from the sudden loss of blood.

"I regret it," said Voldemort coldly, turning to leave. He pointed the Elder Wand at the starry cage and commanded it to lift Nagini off Severus and follow him out the door.