Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Into The Long Dark	By : Wolfiekins Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 12533 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
DISCLAIMER: Not mine, never will be. All HP characters belong to JK and Warner Brothers, etc, etc, etc. Rael,Yuri, & Tommy belong to me.

A/N: Well, here we go again. The events in this fic take place after Book 6. Could be considered AU, but not by me. Sorry for the long delay between chaps 18 & 19. And yes, we finally get the hell out of that blasted alleyway! After this chap, that is!

Beta'd by Evil Auntie Snape. Thanks also to DreamPet for the wonderful support!

Sunday, 10 August 1997
~~~~~~NINETEEN ~~~~~~~~"REVELATIONS"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Percy nearly cried out in alarm as the five Death Eaters appeared in the alleyway. He had been about to leap out and surprise his numbskull brother when the multiple cracks of Apparition forced him back into his doorway. He watched as Longbottom blundered out into the alley, drawing the attention of two of the Death Eaters. Percy was gobsmacked as first Longbottom, and then Ron hurled Unforgivables as if they were Locomotors. He remained in his hiding place, watching as one of the attackers revealed himself as a vampire. He was about to move out and assist when his dolt of a brother hurled the final curse, dropping the blood-sucker like a sack of potatoes.

Then, another vampire appeared, ripped the head off of the first one, and proceeded to drain the other stunned Death Eater. Percy's mind was reeling as Longbottom and Ron stumbled up the alley towards Potter. His wand drawn, Percy cautiously stepped out of his doorway, crouched down, and peered around the dumpster that Longbottom had used only minutes before. The second vampire was finishing off his feeding. There were shouts and yells from where Potter had been standing. Percy watched as the small vampire stood up, belched, and moved with incredible speed down the alley. He followed as quickly as he could, keeping low and hugging the shadows along the edge of the narrow alleyway.

It was difficult to make out what was happening up ahead. His brother and Longbottom were stumbling along, barely a few yards in front of him. Percy made out the short vampire; he was yelling something at the last Death Eater standing. There was a crack as the lone attacker Apparated away. Someone was helping Potter stand up. The short vampire had disappeared. There was some sort of debate, and Potter, Ron and Longbottom Apparated away. Percy could hear the approaching wail of Muggle sirens. Potter's red-headed companion walked away down the smaller alley and was swallowed by the shadows.

As Percy moved towards the two bodies lying on the cobbles, one of them sat up, looked about, and Apparated. As he got closer to the remaining dark shape on the ground, Percy gasped as he nearly tripped over a severed arm. His stomach lurched up into his throat as he noted the body's other arm lying a few feet away from the first. He stepped closer to the corpse, intending to lean in and examine the face. The sirens of the Muggle police vehicles were growing steadily louder. Percy then heard the notable clip-clop of someone running down the alley towards him.

More like stumbling, actually. In high heels.

Looking up, he saw the drag queen done up as Scary Spice loping down the alley, barely able to stay upright on her stilettos. Percy stood, raising his wand, ready to Stupefy the Muggle. He was about to throw the charm when the bimbo called out to him, pulling her own wand.

"Oy! Perce! It's me! Don't shoot!"

Percy blinked, his wand still poised to cast.

"Tonks? What the hell?"

The disguised Auror kicked off her hobbling high heels, closing the remaining distance to the battle scene in a few seconds. Glancing about the intersection, she nodded at Percy as the sirens grew louder.

"This is my patrol area, remember? I usually go undercover. Can't prowl the same streets everyday as myself. I sent you a memo."

She shot Percy a glance; he snorted loudly as a handful of Aurors appeared simultaneously, their wands drawn. The headlights from the Muggle police cars washed up the alley.

Shaklebolt nodded at Percy as he scanned the carnage. He paused when he took in Tonks' disguise.

"Percy. Tonks. Quite a mess, yeah?"

Percy nodded.

"Obviously. There are two more bodies down the alley. No time for that now. We've got a boatload of Muggles to Obliviate."

The Wizards formed a ragged line, their wands drawn as the Muggle police cars screeched to a halt. The unwitting officers jumped out only to be immediately Stupefied. Shaklebolt gestured towards the stunned cops, and two Obliviators dashed over to modify the Muggle's memories.

"Nothing fancy, boys. Implant the usual memories. Make sure they call in to the station house and cancel back-up!"

The tall, dark-skinned Auror turned to scan the other end of the alley. A few patrons from The Dragon's Lair were slowly approaching the scene. Shaklebolt gestured towards them.

"Ripley, if you'd be so kind?"

The short, thin Obliviator nodded once in response as she jogged down the alleyway towards the approaching group of Muggles.

Shaklebolt moved towards Tonks, who was bending over the armless, bloody corpse. Percy was scanning the area for more unwanted Muggles.

"Kingsley, I think we could use an Occlusive Charm. This is a rather busy area. I suggest at least a one hundred yard radius. The standard Muggle Repellent would be nice as well."

"Right," Shaklebolt acknowledged, silently casting the charm that would hide the entire scene from any casual observers as well as keep Muggles from even getting close.

As Tonks cast some sensory charms, the Muggle police officers slowly climbed back into their vehicles. The two Obliviators nodded at Shaklebolt and Disapparated, obviously needed elsewhere.

Percy knelt down opposite Tonks, doing his best not to gag as he gazed at the mutilated body. Blood was everywhere. He could could still catch the smell of seared flesh hanging in the air.

As the Muggle police cars backed away, two more Ministry operatives Apparated in. Both were extremely young. They glanced about nervously as they awaited instructions.

"Sir! We're here from Forensics. Three bodies for processing?" the tallest one asked weakly.

Shaklebolt motioned down the alley.

"Take care of the two over there. Take all the readings you need, catalogue everything, and then send them to the Central Morgue. Once done there, come back here and process this one. This is a Top Priority situation. I want these reports within the hour. And bring them directly to me, no one else. Understood?"

The tall coroner nodded meekly as his shorter partner visibly wobbled. The pair turned and trotted unsteadily towards the other two bodies. Shaklebolt moved to stand next to Tonks, who had completed her scans.

"Well, Nymphadora? What do you divine about our armless friend here?"

Tonks was unfazed by Shaklebolt's use of her first name. She paused for a moment before standing and moving towards one of the severed arms lying on the cobbles. Kneeling down, she gingerly poked at it, igniting her wand and turning the bloody limb so that the unmistakable tattoo was plainly visible.

Taking a deep breath, Tonks put out her wand. She stood up and moved next to Shaklebolt, who was obviously trying to stifle a grin. She noticed, placing her hands on her hips.

"What exactly do you find so amusing, Kingsley? At a time like this? Really."

The dark-skinned Auror shrugged.

"You're one to talk, Tonks. I've known you to crack stupid jokes during an Autopsy. You didn't expect me to keep a straight face with you in that insane get-up, did you?"

Tonks' retort was cut off when Percy loudly cleared his throat as he stood up.

"I would simply love to stand here and enjoy your verbal sparring, but forgive me for pointing out that this is a crime scene, deep within Muggle territory! In other words, save it for later!"

Shaklebolt rolled his eyes while Tonks glared at Percy.

"Apologies, Perce. You're right. We'll tend to the business at hand and ask silly questions later. Like what you were doing in a Muggle gay bar in the first place."

Percy paled while Shaklebolt quickly threw a hand over his mouth. The bald Auror turned away for a moment as Tonks shot Percy a knowing stare. Percy swallowed and motioned impatiently for Tonks to continue.

"Indeed! If you please, Nymphadora, what have you discovered?"

Shaklebolt turned back to look at them, a wide smile plastered across his face. Tonks was impassive.

"Our victim here is a Death Eater, obviously, though I don't know who he is."

"Thaddeus Miner," Shaklebolt added curtly.

"Thanks, Kingsley. From the residual energies Miner was subjected to multiple charms and hexes, including a few Unforgivables. The hex used to sever his arms, as well as cut his face and chest was Sectumsempra, relatively rare. I have never seen it used with such force before. Have you Kingsley?"

"Not like this. Whomever cast this hex was not only very powerful, but slightly deranged. To mutilate someone in this manner...." he trailed off as Tonks nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I do sense that the 'x' was carved into his chest after Miner was clearly dead."

She glanced about on the cobbles, bending over to pick up a bloody wand. She closed her eyes and passed her free hand over the wand, murmuring a few charms. When she opened her eyes again, she gestured at Miner's body with the wand.

"Our friend here certainly wasn't fooling about this evening. The last ten spells he cast were all Unforgivables, nearly all of them being the Killing Curse. Whomever did this was most likely acting in self-defense."

She turned to stare at Percy, who visibly flinched at her gaze. Tonks held it for a long while, causing Percy to shift uncomfortably on his feet. Clearing his throat again, he pointed at the body.

"Very good, Tonks. Anything else?"

The disguised Auror nodded slowly. "Yes, there's more."

She knelt down and turned Miner's head to one side, igniting the dead man's wand to illuminate the telltale puncture wounds on his neck. Shaklebolt drew in a quick breath as he squatted down for a closer look. There was a loud crack from up the alley as the Forensics Wizards sent the two corpses to the Central Morgue. Tonks glanced up at Percy as she spoke.

"Miner was drained nearly dry by a vampire. When the Forensics Team is done up the alley, they'll need to take a swab around the puncture marks so we can see exactly what type of creature we're dealing with."

Tonks continued to stare at Percy as Shaklebolt slowly stood up, shaking his head. Ripley had returned from down the alley. They all watched silently as the two Forensics Wizards moved quickly up the narrow alley towards the group. The taller one was carrying something in a plastic sack. As they moved into the faint light cast by Miner's wand, it was plain they were both sweaty and out of breath. They were also as pale as milk.

Shaklebolt schooled his features as best he could before speaking.

"Done already, gentlemen? Good. What can you tell us, um, um, I'm sorry. You both must be new. I don't know your names."

He smiled as Percy, Tonks and Ripley all moved in towards the two new coroners. The taller of them swallowed hard, sweat beaded on his brow. He wiped at it with his free hand as he attempted a smile.

"Sorry, sir, we should have introduced ourselves. I'm Quincy, and this is Cabot."

Cabot blinked and appeared as if he were about to faint. His face held the expression of one who was desperately late for an appointment.

Shaklebolt nodded at the two, bading Quincy to continue.

"Yes, well, there were two deceased individuals down the alley. Both were known Death Eaters, verified by the Dark Mark on their forearms. The first, an Albert Rakes, was apparently struck by a number of hexes and immobilized by a simple Stupefy. Uh, d-death was c-caused by sudden and total blood loss, most likely through a large and notable puncture wound on the neck."

Shaklebolt whistled aloud as Ripley's eyes went wide.

"A vampire?" she asked in a breathy voice.

Cabot swayed alarmingly as he glanced nervously about the intersection. Quincy nodded and licked his lips.

"Well, we don't have conclusive evidence as to vampiric activity as yet, ma'am, b-but signs do indicate that distinct possibility."

"Go on," Tonks prodded helpfully.

"Ah, yes, well the second individual. An Elijah Stafford. Also confirmed Death Eater. Um, apparent cause of d-death was decapitation. His head was quite literally ripped off."

Quincy glanced at Cabot, who had gone even paler. The taller Forensics Wizard swallowed, shifting the plastic bag to his other hand.

"Well, get on with it man! Spit it out, now!" Percy motioned impatiently for Quincy to continue.

"I'm sorry, sir," he stammered, "But this is our first case."

Shaklebolt failed to muffle a tiny giggle.

"Really?"

Tonks punched him in the arm.

"Kingsley!" Turning to Quincy, she adopted her best warm smile. "Please, don't mind him. Or him," rolling her eyes at Percy.

"Go ahead, luv. Just take a deep breath and give us the details."

Quincy managed a meek smile before inhaling deeply.

"Right," he continued. "Mr. Stafford appears to have been hit with several Unforgivables. I will have to confirm my findings, but he appears to have been subjected to no less than five, um, well, he was hit with the Killing Curse at least five times."

Percy's eyes went wide while Ripley and Shaklebolt exchanged befuddled glances. Tonks blinked, taking a step closer to the Quincy. Cabot was visibly shuddering.

"But that's impossible. No one can be hit with the Killing Curse five times and live. There must be an error. No human being could survive that."

Quincy was shaking his head.

"Yes, quite right. As I said, I'll have to confirm my initial findings once I return to the Ministry. But in Mr. Stafford's case, it all makes sense. The multiple Unforgivables didn't kill him because he was already dead. Or undead, to be precise. Mr. Stafford appears to have been a vampire."

Four sets of eyes went wide. Quincy paused a moment before thrusting his hand into the plastic bag and yanking out the decapitated head of Elijah Stafford. The head's eyes were open, staring blankly at the four Aurors. Cabot's eyes rolled up and he fell straight backwards, hitting the ground with a soft thud. Quincy dangled the head so that the others could see the large fangs protruding out from under the upper lip.

"Merlin's balls," Shaklebolt muttered.

"Great Circe, a vampire Death Eater?" Ripley added.

Percy merely swallowed while Tonks cast a few sensory charms. Shaking her head, she motioned for Quincy to put Stafford's head back into its sack.

"Well, doesn't that put a twist in your knickers. We'd better get Miner out of here and get back to the Ministry to analyze your findings. Ripley, can you make sure Cabot here gets back safely?"

Ripley nodded and moved over to the fallen Forensics Wizard. They both Disapparated with a soft pop. Tonks turned to stare at Percy, who immediately avoided her gaze by staring at the bloody cobblestones. Shaklebolt was about to speak when another loud crack filled the alleyway.

Rufus Scrimgeour was standing there, a sheaf of parchments in one hand. He looked extremely disheveled, as if he had been turned out of his bed on a minute's notice. He wore his dress shoes but no socks. His pink striped pyjama top was poorly tucked into his brown trousers, and his black, pin-striped cloak was dreadfully askew on his shoulders. His usually impeccably combed mane of hair was sticking up in all directions.

Percy puffed himself up and jumped over Miner's body to pump the Minister's hand furiously.

"Sir! What are you doing out on such an evening? It might not be safe here...."

Scrimgeour put up a shaky hand to silence him.

"Indeed, Weaslby, it is not safe anywhere this night!" he stated loudly.

The Minister paused to gaze at each Auror in turn. Tonks was covering her mouth, her chest shaking. Shaklebolt ignored Percy's reddening cheeks.

"What exactly do you mean, Minister? What has happened?"

Scrimgeour too puffed his chest out. He made to straighten his cloak while attempting to strike an impressive stance. He waggled the sheaf of parchments importantly.

"There have been Death Eater attacks in every corner of the country this evening. All at roughly the same time. It appears to be a highly coordinated event by the Dark Lord. His followers have attacked the Ministry itself, as well as Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, and even some Muggle landmarks. This is my tenth stop tonight! Reports of deaths and injuries are pouring in from every part of Britain. Every Obliviator and Auror has been called into service. Strangely, just as quickly as they appeared, the Death Eaters disappeared."

Shaklebolt snorted loudly. "A diversion? Or simply a demonstration of what's to come?"

Scrimgeour shrugged. "Unknown at this point, son. The bastard has been unusually silent for many weeks. I suppose we should have expected something like this."

Looking at his sheaf of parchments, the Minister began shuffling them until he found the one he wanted, pulling it out and placing it on the top of the stack.

"Ah, yes, here it is."

Peering at it for a moment, Scrimgeour handed it to a surprised Shaklebolt as he once more gazed at the other shocked Wizards.

"All of you are aware that The Ministry has been searching for Draco Malfoy ever since his disappearance from Hogwarts earlier this summer. According to our data pertaining to the events in this very alleyway, it appears that the young Malfoy was here, casting Unforgivables. Unfortunately, it seems he was able to make his escape. No matter. We shall find and capture him soon enough. As Minister, I wanted to make sure my teams in the field had the most current information possible."

Shaklebolt was nodding to himself. Tonks was staring at Percy. The Weasley was staring off into space, his face as white as Cabot's had been.

"Percy, what is it?" she asked. "Have you thought of something?"

Percy snapped back to the alley, staring at her dumbly, his eyes unfocused.

"No, Tonks. Nothing. Nothing worth mentioning. At least not yet, anyway."

His eyes locked onto hers, and she stared at him for a long moment, even after Shaklebolt began speaking again.

"What else is there, sir?"

Scrimgeour cleared his throat importantly.

"Ah, yes, we have had unconfirmed reports that some of the Death Eaters were either vampires or werewolves. As ridiculous as that sounds, many of these reports are from credible sources."

His voice trailed off as he noted the incredulous stares from all those around him.

"What?"

Tonks nodded at Quincy's plastic sack.

"That may not be as ridiculous as you think, sir. We have evidence of just that sort of thing right here."

Scrimgeour's eyes went wide. He fumbled in his cloak, pulling out a small, silver flask. Uncorking it, he upended the flask, taking a few large gulps. Absently re-corking it and shoving it back into his cloak, the Minister bent down to look at Miner's body. After studying it for a few moments, Scrimgeour bowed his head and spoke very quietly.

"That isn't all, my dear. While all this was going on, a group of dementors attacked Azkaban and managed to free a few of you-know-who's minions."

Hoisting himself up, Scrimgeour took in the other Auror's astonished expressions.

"We managed to re-capture most of the escapees. But two are still at large. One of them is Lucius Malfoy."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snape sighed as he sank down into the steaming hot water. He breathed in the fresh scent of the bath oils with relish. One thing was certain. There was nothing like a good, long soak in a bath to clear one's senses. He chuckled slightly at what his detractors would think of his penchant for bubble baths.
Screw 'em, he thought as he slowly waved his arms through the rich foam of musky scented bubbles.

The healing salts were also doing their job. Another few minutes and all the aches and pains of the day would be a distant memory. Snape reached for his glass of firewhiskey, sipping on it as he watched the flickering shadows cast by the handful of candles set on the tub's rim. Carefully placing the glass down and taking five deep breaths, he centered himself and willed his body to relax.

Meetings with that delusional twerp Riddle always had a decidedly unpleasant effect on him. Aside from feeling soiled simply from being in the same room with the madman, the usual menu of Crucios ensured a multitude of aches and pains to deal with. Riddle had been in a strangely good humour this evening. Snape had escaped with only one of the Unforgivables cast his way, and a half-hearted one at that.

Bloody hell, couldn't they ever have a meeting without the hexing?

Tea and scones were more than sufficient without the side of Crucio. And the demented prat had no idea how much the torturous spells worked against Him, slowly turning His followers down a different path.

Mad and blinded! What a deliciously perfect combination! Keep up the good work, Tom!

Snape hadn't been surprised when the huge Raven had pecked at the window of the Study at Spinner's End earlier that evening. He had just gotten comfortable in the squashy armchair, barely a half-hour after Draco had stomped off. Good thing that, he thought with a smile. Draco knew that Riddle used the disgusting birds to send word of his meetings. One less thing he would have had to Obliviate.

The meeting had followed its usual course. Riddle paraded about, hissing and spitting his usual nonsense. It truly amazed Snape how the moron never realized that no one was ever really listening. Once done with his floorshow, Riddle would perch himself on his ridiculous raised throne. Then that detestable snake would slither about the room, talking to her Master in Parseltongue the whole while. Sometimes it was all Snape could do to stifle his giggles sufficiently. It really was quite humorous as Riddle hexed his followers with abandon, yells and moans wafting about the dank dungeon room as terrified house elves scurried about sweeping up the broken china and shoving fresh cups of tea into shaky hands.

Luckily, his Occlumency prevented Riddle from discerning any of his thoughts. Others weren't so fortunate.

Snape shifted a bit as the bath water cooled. He cast a quick warming charm to restore the proper temperature.

While Snape knew that many Death Eaters had turned away from Riddle, there were more than a few who still blindly followed their demented Dark Lord. Fools like the Lestranges. And Carrows. And Miner, Stafford, Goodwin, and a number of others. His Legilimency came in quite handy in sorting out those still loyal from those ready for a change in leadership.

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, Riddle had revealed the reason for the night's meeting. Snape wondered how anyone could possibly think that Snakeface's plan was viable. Not that anyone would ever consider pointing out the many flaws of said plan. At least not out loud, anyway. While it would instill yet more fear in the general Wizarding population, as well as create a useful diversion, the execution of it would no doubt reveal one of Riddle's more inspired ideas to The Ministry. Not to mention that a number of His followers would end up dead in the process. It was a megalomaniac's classic error. Insulate yourself with yes-men, exclude all ideas other than your own, and gloat incessantly. Pathetic. Riddle's impatience would be his undoing. Snape played the part of supportive follower well. It was a role he was very good at. He had had years of practice. Soon, he wouldn't have to play that part ever again.

Draining his glass, Snape sank even lower into the wonderfully warm water, until his chin was just submerged under the surface. He felt supremely refreshed.

The only detail that worried him was Malfoy. Lucius was a random element in Snape's carefully crafted plan. There had always been a possibility that the elder Malfoy might return from Azkaban, either on his own or as a result of some plan of Riddle's. Now that the latter was actually going to occur, Snape was uncertain as to where Lucius would stand. The elder Malfoy had always played the role of staunch supporter of the Dark Lord. But then Riddle had stood by and allowed him to be captured and sent to Azkaban. And a few years in that wonderful environment could have a monumental effect on a person, even on one as strong as Lucius.

There was just no way to tell. Snape would simply have to be patient and observe.

The meeting had concluded with the usual overblown, supposedly inspirational speech. Snakeface glided down the three steps from his gaudy throne, arms thrown wide to symbolize openness. Nagini would always be entwined about Riddle, her huge, flat head resting on his shoulder. He looked utterly ridiculous. And you really didn't want to think about where the tip of her tail was located.

Most of the membership Apparated away directly to their assigned locations. Fortunately, Snape was deemed too valuable to participate and was free to return to Spinner's End. Bellatrix also lingered in the shadows. She stood stock still, listening intently as Riddle quizzed Snape about Draco. The little coward had run off at precisely the correct moment. Riddle had finally decided to 'reward' Draco for his failure with Dumbledore. Four Death Eaters would arrive at Spinner's End at dawn to collect Draco and bring him to Riddle's lair.

Too bad they would come up empty handed. Snape hoped to Merlin that the little bastard covered his tracks well. The Weasley glamour was a decent start. But he couldn't afford to protect him. Not right now. Draco's fate was regrettably out of his hands.

Snape was about to refill his glass with firewhiskey when he heard the kitchen door bang shut. He pinched his nose forcefully as the all-too-familiar stumbling footsteps echoed throughout the tiny house.

Bloody Hell, was it too much to ask for just a little peace and quiet?

"Severus? Severus, are you here? It's Peter! Severus, I have important news!"

Pettigrew's muffled voice caused Snape's teeth to clench. He paused for a moment, taking five more deep breaths before answering.

"Yes, I am here. Cease your screeching. Give me a few minutes to join you."

With a heavy sigh, Snape started to reluctantly hoist himself up and out of the wonderfully soothing bath. He was nearly fully standing when he heard Pettigrew's heavy steps approaching the still closed, but unlocked bathroom door. Snape froze as the white ceramic doorknob turned and the door clicked and began to open. Eyes wide, Snape dropped heavily back into the concealing bubbles, water and soap sloshing over the edge of the tub and onto the floor as a winded and very sweaty Pettigrew flew into the tiny room.

"Severus! I have news!" Pettigrew's mouth dropped open and his eyes goggled at the sight of Snape in his bath.

"Severus? What are you doing? Is that a bubble bath?" he stammered, pointing at the foam as if it were an infestation of Wartsbane.

Snape blew out a sigh as he folded his arms across his chest. He furrowed his brow and attempted to adopt his most withering expression. He might have succeeded, had it not been for the rather large glob of bubbles that had landed on the tip of his nose. Tearing his gaze away from the gaping Pettigrew, Snape eyed the offensive foam, huffing out a huge breath to blow the bubbles off of his nose. Once done, he glared back at Pettigrew, who was grinning stupidly. Snape raised an eyebrow.

"What does it look like I'm doing, you mentally challenged, dimwitted muttonhead!? Perhaps if you had ever bathed, you might recognize one when you see it! Although I doubt anything less than a thorough sand-blasting would succeed in cleansing that feculent, begrimed crust you so facetiously refer to as skin!"

Pettigrew continued to grin, his mouth working silently. He put his hand up to cover his lips, his body spasming with laughter.

"Oh, my, oh my, Severus, I never would have imagined! A bubble bath? Oh, Merlin!"

Pettigrew continued to giggle convulsively while Snape fumed.

"And another point: where in Hades did you ever divine that it was even remotely acceptable to barge into a lavratory? Did it ever cross your farcical excuse of a mind that I might have been engaged in some private activity? You unsophisticated simpleton!"

Pettigrew simply stood there and spluttered. Snape glared at the pale tile, mentally calming himself. After a moment, he refilled his glass with firewhiskey, demurely plucking the glass from the edge of the tub and slowly taking a drink. Smacking his lips, he languidly set the glass back down, turning his gaze once more to Pettigrew, who was somewhat calmer, though still clearly amused. No matter. He would be dealt with later. Snape sighed, forcing his voice into the most disinterested tone possible.

"Well, don't just stand there like a feckless half-wit. What is so earth-shattering that it couldn't keep for a few moments? I am literally quivering in anticipation of your news."

Pettigrew nodded vigorously, clearing his throat.

"So sorry, Severus. I apologize for disturbing you in your, in your ah, um, bath. Please, forgive me, I had...."

Snape rolled his eyes, cutting Pettigrew off with a wave of his bubble-covered hand. A few gobs of foam flipped through the air and landed on Petttigrew's boot. Both men stared at them for a second before Snape growled.

"Spare me your inconsequential attempt at atonement! What is it!?" Snape bellowed.

Pettigrew backed up a step, bumping into the still open bathroom door.

"Of course, Severus. I thought you would want to know that Narcissa has been eliminated. Minerva performed beautifully."

Snape absently played with the bubbles, forming a sizable mountain of foam.

"I see. And are there any loose ends?"

Pettigrew shook his head.

"No, I don't believe so, Severus. I managed to hide myself under her bed after I scurried back into the bedchamber. Minerva transfigured herself into a rather stunning likeness of you, although I do believe she made you a bit tall. At any rate, she then killed Narcissa and transfigured her body into a log."

Snape's eyebrows shot up as he smiled broadly.

"A log. Indeed. Continue, Wormtail."

"At that point, Minerva adopted Narcissa's appearance, Obliviated the house elf, and told it that she was off to see the Dark Lord. Then, the elf threw the log, I mean, Narcissa, onto the fire."

Snape nodded, taking another sip of his drink.

"Excellent. It will appear that dear Mrs. Malfoy fell prey to Riddle. Not too many will shed a tear over her loss, I should think. Now, if you don't mind...."

He gestured for Pettigrew to leave. The former Marauder blinked, his hands clasping together in their usual dance.

"Just a moment longer, Severus. I also thought you might like to know that The Dark Lord's plan has been carried out. As you surmised, there have been many losses. And Lucius has been freed from Azkaban."

Snape nodded, staring at the dissolving bubbles. The water was quickly becoming uncomfortably cool.

"Very well. We can continue this conversation after I have removed myself from this water. Another few moments in here, and my entire body shall resemble Dumbledore's wrinkled arse."

Snape made to pull the plug on the tub, but Pettigrew jumped forward.

"Severus, no need to waste all that fine water. Might I use it? As you so clearly pointed out, I could use a good soak."

Snape wrinkled his nose, but shrugged nonetheless.

"Oh, why not. If it results in a slighty cleaner you, I couldn't possibly object."

Pettigrew rubbed his hands together.

"Thank you, Severus! This is going to feel so good!"

And to Snape's horror, Pettigrew shucked his robes and underclothes in a matter of seconds. Before the stunned Potion's Master could utter a single sound, a smiling and very naked Pettigrew jumped into the large tub, sending a tsunami of water and bubbles in all directions. As the wave subsided, Snape wiped the soapy strands of hair out of his eyes. When he looked back towards the other end of the tub, all he saw was Pettigrew's smiling face suspended above the slightly graying foam.

Pinching his nose with all his might, Snape sighed.

He said a small prayer to Circe herself to give him the strength to make it through to the end of his plan.

Or at least to the end of his bath.
- 18
- 19
- 20
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Into The Long Dark