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Dark Coil	By : gotsnape Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 4418 -:- 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
- 27
- 28
- 29
Chapter 29-
Man! The dragon dung really hit the fan last chapter, huh? No one was more surprised than me at what transpired. Those two have a way of taking over a story. Fret not feline lovers, Cat is going to be fine. No animals were killed or harmed in anyway during the writing of this story. I gave the gallant Cat a full ten points for scaling Mt. Severus and bungie jumping with out a cord from Snape's head.
*YAWN* Usual disclaimin pin place, yea, yea, yea. JK wrote it. I am simply playing with her dolls while she is away changing the baby's nappy.

Olivia artfully arranged tendrils of soft brown hair about her ears. The shining mass had been parted down the middle, the right-side tresses draping over her left shoulder while the same had been done to the left. Both flowing bundles had then been braided and tied off with ribbons of emerald satin. With her melancholy expression, Olivia looked as if she had stepped from a painting by Waterhouse.

The gash she had received from Severus' brutal shove had healed neatly despite Olivia's lack of skills in the healing arts. It now showed itself only as a slightlykerekered pink scar.

The green robes Minerva had purchased for Olivia's arrival at the magical school flowed from her shoulders in verdigris waves, the black and emerald embellishments caught and reflected the candles flame; it was a psubssubstitute for the sparkle that had once been in her eyes.

Halloween falling on a Thursday made it impossible to hold a Halloween Ball so Headmaster Dumbledore, with his unwavering penchant for fun, had seized upon the opening of the Quidditch season and the 1st Annual, Unless Halloween Falls on a Weekend, Quidditch Kickoff Ball had been born. With the dance tonight and the Quidditch game tomorrow, the students were hysterical with excitement.

The faculty and staff were merely hysterical.

Tonight Olivia would be chaperoning fifth through seventh year students as they indulged in the youthful madness that was the start of the Quidditch season. Though not a fan of the sport Olivia could appreciate the student's joy. She just wished she could share it.

The episode with Severus in the potion's classroom had left Olivia bloodied in spirit as well as body. The mark on her head would heal over time. The wound to her heart, Olivia felt, would remain forever raw.

Strangely enough Olivia mused, while rooting through an assortment of earrings, though she carried the hurt of Severus' violent rejection, there was an unusual peace laying over her as well. It was as if she leaned upon a strong and caring shoulder, the comforting presence supporting the stricken witch, helping her to endure.

Hundreds of golden orbs flicked and flashed around the Great Hall. Occasionally one would burst in a rain of colored light. The student tables had been removed to provide room for dancing; the stone floor having been charmed to resemble the Quidditch pitch. Several round tables, decorated in colors from each house stood along the four walls. The party goers would be able to fill their plates from the sumptuous banquet laid for for them and retire to the semi quiet of the room's outer edges. At either end of the hall, seeming to escape through the enchanted ceiling, were three glowing goal posts surmounted by blazing rings of fire.

Tonight Olivia would be patrolling the dancers while Sirius had volunteered for duty out on the grounds. The ball had been in progress for some time when Olivia spotted Professor Snape lurking in the deep shadows near the Hall's massive front doors. She made no move to approach him and was not surprised when Snape returned the favor. Olivia could feel the pressure of the dark professor's eyes, had felt it the moment she had entered the room on Sirius Black's arm.

Olivia completed another circuit of the Great Hall, gently yet firmly correcting those couples overcome with the enchantment of the evening. Stopping by the refreshment table, Olivia helped herself to a chilled cup of punch. The heavy sweetness caused her to wrinkle her nose in distaste.

"Punch not to your liking?" Sirius inquired, smoothly leaning past Olivia for his own beverage. "To"Too sweet." Olivia replied shortly, setting the cup aside. "Everything is going great in here. What's it like outside?"

Sirius swallowed with a grimace. "Flushed a pair of seventh years out to Green House #3. They were experimenting with the various properties of Oil Slick Marigold." Blue eyes flashed in devilish humor as Sirius grinned. "Those two had come up with a few more applications that Remus, James and I never even considered. Damn clever."

Olivia's returning grin fell short of her green eyes.

"Come on, love." Sirius whispered, taking Olivia's hand. "It is way past the time you should have been dancing."

Olivia nodded and followed Sirius to the dance floor. The enchanted music Dumbledore had arranged floated about the couple as they made their way into the mass of swaying, gliding bodies.

Hot eyes observed from the shadow cast by one of the wide columns standing on either side of the entranceway. Snape glowered as Sirius Black wrapped one arm loosely around Olivia and began to shuffle in time with the music.

"Moron!" Snape growled. "Graceless imbecile!" Had HE been dancing with Olivia, they would be gliding over the floor like swans over water. The angry wizard gnawed at the bone of his frustration, knowing the blame for separation lay on his shoulders. On the lookout for betrayal, anticipating the moment when Olivia would abandon him for another, Snape had felt a sordid type of peace descend upon him when he had witnessed the kiss between Sirius and Olivia, his twisted belief system forcing his heart to accept what the eyes had seen, refusing to question, refusing to demand a reason why. He had never paused to contrast the woman he knew with all of his hear the the woman he saw being embraced by another. Snape had ignored her pleading, had denied the anguish that filled her green eyes. He had only accepted as truth that which he had prophesied for himself.

It had taken a bottle of Old Ogden's and a rousing fist fight with Black to bring Snape to his senses. Sometime after the clean up of the Potions room was complete, Miss Granger had made her way back to the Gryffindor Tower, leaving the men alone. Forced to play host, after all Lupin and Black had assisted in the damage repair, Snape had invited the two wizard to his private chambers for a much needed libation.

Over tumblers of fire whisky, Lupin had forced Sirius to reveal his part in the drama surrounding Olivia. Between the two of them the story unwound at Snape's feet, how Dumbledore had taken them into his office and revealed the nature of St. Brigit's proclamation and of the guise Sirius was to assume as Olivia's Champion.

"Albus feels that the saint is trying to lead someone astray with this game, but he is unsure who that someone could be." Lupin explained to an apparently bored Snape. "Now that you understand the nature of the relationship with Sirius and Olivia, Snuffles here," Remus chewed roughly on the nickname, "has a confession to make. Don't you Sirius?" Lupin pinned Black with glowing hazel eyes.

Interested, Snape cocked a brow as he took a swallow of his drink. Sirius merely scowled at Remus before looking down at his now empty tumbler.

"It seems that Sirius has gone and done something stupid." Remus told Severus flatly.

"If you intended to shock me Lupin, you have failed." Snape drawled.

"Hang on then because there is more." Came Remus' quiet reply.

Almost bragging, Sirius told of spotting Snape within the shadows of the tunnel and how the idea for pricking the Potions Master's thin skin had sprung full blown into his mind. That the pain experienced by Snape as he watched his witch kiss another had been the product of yet another Marauder prank began to sink into the Potions Master's brain. That his actions towards Olivia tonight had been born from being once more duped by Black caused Snape's hands to clinch into tight fists.

There was not a trace of remorse on Black's tanned face as he spoke laughingly of Olivia's capitulation, so there was plenty of room for a look of surprise as Snape lunged at Black, spilling the battling wizards over the back of Sirius' chair.

Remus allowed them to pummel each other for a good while before wading in with his wand. When both men were once again seated, Black wiping at the blood trickling from his lip while Snape sucked at an oozing split in his knuckles, Lupin demanded that Sirius finish his story.

Scowling at the werewolf for ending the fun, Sirius grudgingly complied. "She pushed me off, ok? Olivia freaked and pushed me away. She was babbling about not knowing what came over her, that she wasn't in her right mind." Snape cautiously studied the contents of his own glass feeling his insides twist with guilt.

Taking a pull from his drink, Sirius grimaced as the alcohol stung his cracked lip. "I guess she was just trying me on for size and I didn't quite fit. Truth to tell, it was a bit like kissing my own sister. Well," Black said cheerily, "No hard feelings, hey Snape old boy?"

A cold glare was the only answer.

Snape reluctantly allowed Lupin to repair the damage to his face, neck and hands caused by Cat's violent bid for freedom. As the two canine friends exited the dungeons on unsteady feet, Remus wondered how much of the wreckage he had repaired tonight was a result of Sirius' foolish prank.

As he watched Olivia dancing with the joke playing bastard, Snape warred within himself. He needed Olivia, wanted her back as his own, but to even have the chance of reclaiming her he knew he would have to make amends, apologize, and that he could never do. For to apologize would be admitting to an error, a grave error on his part; he had allowed someone else to gain the upper hand.

So, he stood once more on the outside looking at that which he desired but refusing to raise his hand to claim it.

Sirius Black led Olivia into the waltz stiffly. With a rueful smile he admitted, "I'm no dancer. You want grace, go to Lupin." Jerking his black head, he pointed behind Olivia with his chin. Turning, Olivia spotted Remus in the arms of Hermione Granger. Both dancers were smiling and chatting happily as they floated over the floor like mist.

"You and Remus have settled in the Shrieking Shack all snug and cozy?" Olivia inquired.

"Yea, well we figure we will fix it up on the inside and work on thet lat later." Sirius replied. "I am going to petition the courts for the property confiscated by the Ministry when my folks died, so I will need an actual address for getting legal owls. You know the place Remus's folks left him is falling down around his head, so the Shack will give him a good place to flop without worrying about falling through the floor. And then there is the proximity to the lovely Miss Granger..." Sirius smiled fondly at the couple across the floor. "Remus is going to continue with his extermination business. He's not making galleons hand over fist, mind you, but he is able to pull down a good living. Albus has even offered to purchase some of the less dangerous creatures Remus finds for the students to study on."

"I am happy to see something working out for Remus." Olivia said.

"And that is about all you have to be happy about right now, isn't it?" Sirius inquired gently, leaning down to peer into Olivia's green eyes.

Olivia darted a glance to where she knew the Slytherin Head of House stood. Looking back at Sirius, she bleakly nodded her head. "Severus hasn't spoken to me since Wednesday night. I have not even seen him in the corridors."

"Damn it, Olivia!" Sirius sighed heavily. "I am sorry about that. It was just a joke, ok? I admit I wanted to gouge at Snape a bit, but I never meant to hurt you."

Holding him with the intensity of her eyes Olivia responded calmly, "To hurt Severus is to hurt me, Sirius." She then added bitterly, "Wizards behaving like little boys. Playing their jokes, never once thinking of the harm that could be caused."

"I mean it Olivia, I am sorry. Will you please forgive me?" Sirius squeezed her hand tightly as he spoke.

"Of course I forgive you, Sirius. Yours wasn't the only prank pulled that day. While you hold much of the blame for what happened between Severus and I, I cannot lay it all at your feet."

Black looked at his dance partner questioningly, but Olivia did not elaborate. After a moment, the music changed and Sirius gripped Olivia's elbo lea lead her from the floor. As they moved through the crowd Olivia noticed Dobby, the Hogwarts Head House Elf, materialize beside Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster bent low as Dobby whispered into his ear, all the while gesturing frantically. With a nod, Dumbledore excused himself from his group of friends and followed Dobby.

Curious, Olivia watched as the elderly wizard crossed the hall and beckoned his Potions Master from the shadows. The two powerful wizards spoke briefly and then to Olivia's alarm, Severus' black eyes captured hers. Even over the vast expanse of the hall, Olivia could feel the stab of Snape's anxiety before he turned and followed the Headmaster and Dobby from the chamber.

The hall with its magical lights tilted violently and Olivia felt her stomach roll. She clutched instinctively onto Sirius' robe as she swayed drunkenly. Sirius caught Olivia about the waist as her knees buckled and supporting her in this way, was able to gently lead her from the dance floor. "Olivia?" He inquired anxiously. "Do you need for me to take you outside?"

"No," Olivia managed to get out. "Just get me to a chair."

Sirius quickly complied and Olivia forced away the urge to drop her head to the table top as she let him fold her into a seat.

"Can I get you anything?" Sirius asked, worried.

"Yes please, water." Olivia responded giving Sirius a slightly reassuring smile. "Don't be so worried, Sirius. The heat just got to me, I suppose." Picking up a napkin, she began to fan herself. As if taking a cue, Sirius reached out and undid the clasp of Olivia's cloak, pulling the heavy cloth from her shoulders. Rolling her eyes, Olivia wondered if the dress had been hexed to have a debilitating effect on all males, for Sirius had suddenly developed difficulty breathing and his cheeks were becoming quite flushed.

Pointing to the refreshment table Olivia begged. "Water, please."

"Yes! Water. And ice. Will definitely want some ice." Sirius hastily trotted away and returned a moment later with a brimming pitcher and two goblets. Filling one for Olivia, he watched as she gratefully gulped the icy liquid down. Sirius accio'ed himself a chair, his eyes lingering on the small but firm bounty revealed by Olivia's plunging neckline. Raising his cup in toast he stated, "That is some dress you have there, Miss McGonagall."

"Thank you." She murmured. "rus rus likes it too." Olivia could not stop herself from adding. Pulling at the uncomfortable tightness over her chest, Olivia admitted, "Either the house elves are shrinking my robes or I am putting on weight. I know it wasn't this tight the last time I had it on."

Sirius gulped down more water. "Looks fine to me." He said, grinning roguishly.

Olivia wrinkled her nose, tossing Sirius a shocked glance. "Fie on you, sir! You are to defend my honor, not prey upon my person!"

"Just commenting on the view." Sirius jokingly returned then sobered as he noticed once more how pale and drawn Olivia looked in the dim candle light. "When was the last time you had something to eat?" He inquired sternly.

Once more fanning herself, Olivia thought for a moment before replying guiltily, "Last night." At his shocked growl, Olivia continued. "But really, Sirius I am not hungry. I have just had so much on my mind and ..." But the animagus was no longer listening. In fact he was no longer at the table.

Black returned within minutes holding a plate, no, strike that! A platter filled with food from the refreshment table. He plunked the loaded dish in front of Olivia and pointing said firmly, "Eat!"

Glancing down at the embarrassing pile of food, Olivia noticed that now that sustenance was before her, she was actually quite hungry. Starved in fact. "Ooo! Looks yummy." She grinned up at her frowning waiter.

"And you be sure to eat all of it!" Sirius commanded, taking his seat once more and watched, satisfied as Olivia began to eat with gusto.

"Sirius, you don't have to sit here guarding me. I promise to stuff myself to the gills. Why don you find another dance partner?" As much as Olivia liked the dark haired wizard, she did wish he would not hover so. It was too much like having a second Minerva McGonagall!

"Oh, I don't mind." Sirius responded airily, but Olivia noticed how his gaze followed a blushing cluster of Ravenclaw ladies that hovered temptingly near their table. Sirius had captured the attention of a lovely blond witch and the lady licked her lips slowly as Sirius squirmed like an eager puppy.

Snorting loudly, Olivia laid her fork down with a clatter. "Look Sirius! You have just had your name cleared. The entire world is waiting for you to dive right in." Jerking her shining head in the direction of the dance floor, grinning. "Go on."

Uncertain, Sirius shrugged. "I don't want to leave you alone. But you're right. I would like to go and ah...test the waters."

Olivia picked up her fork, waving Sirius away briskly. "Take off, boy! Have some fun. I will be here for some time." She poked the pile of food on her plate. "And I really need to think a few things over. I could use some 'alone time'. It's nothing personal." Olivia's eyes pleaded with Sirius for understanding.

Sirius hstoostood, attempting to hide his eagerness. "Are you sure you don't mind? I mean Olivia, you are a lovely witch and all, but this IS a bit like dating my sister. Nothing personal."

"Go on with you! Just don't get into any trouble. Uncle Albus would have a difficult time explaining away a Ravew wiw with a litter of pups!" Olivia gave the suddenly crimson Sirius an evil grin.

"Well then," he stammered. "I'll be on my best behavior. Promise to check back in a few, ok?" Sirius had run his blue eyes over the nubile young witches that swayed and sashayed around the chamber. Flashing Olivia a jaunty wink Sirius scented the air before loping off to play.

Shaking her head ruefully at the black haired wizard's randy demeanor Olivia settled back into her meal, rediscovering the prodigious appetite that had frequently earned her caustic barbs from Snape. Inspite of her words releasing Severus from her service, not to mention the physical and emotional harm suffered under his hands, Olivia missed her Potions Master bitterly. A large part of her heart that had once belonged to Severus had been hollowed out, echoing like a vast empty chamber. The modern, feminist side of Olivia scoffed at the idea of needing a wizard in her life, but damn it! Need him she did! Professor Snape, dark demon of the dungeons, Head of Slytherin Houses, cold, uncaring instructor to stuttering students was her breath, was the source of her strength, the author of her joy.

Olivia sighed, poking another forkful of barbecue into her down turned mouth.

In no time her plate was empty, save for a few bones that she had sucked with childlike abandon. Feeling much better for the nourishment, Olivia was giving serious thought to investigating the desserts when a familiar chill ripped down her back and stole the air from her lungs.

The doors to the Great Hall had swung open allowing the Headmaster to enter. Behind Albus moved the slender shadow that was Snape and boldly striding in beside the Potions Master, Lucius Malfoy. With a polite word, Dumbledore left the two wizards and melted into the crowd. Her heart pounding in her throat, Olivia rapidly ran over her options. She could stay where she was and hopefully avoid Malfoy's notice, or scoop up her cloak and slip away through the mass. It would be an easy thing to do in the semi darkness of the dance floor. Then again Olivia mused, she could glider anr and boldly introduce herself to Draco's father. A wicked smile worked its way, Grinch-like over Olivia's lips as the idea erased all traces of fear from her mind. Dipping the corner of her napkin into her water goblet, Olivia swiftly cleaned her fingers and carefully wiped at her mouth before murmuring a handy charm that added fresh color to her lips.

Severus and Malfoy were chatting amicably, watching the dancers as they swirled past the pair in a whirl of candle-lit hues.
Draco danced by, Pansy Parkinson on his arm. Father and son shared a brief, nearly indiscernable, nod of the head before the youth was lost once more in the crowd.

"So, Severus," Lucius said with an urban drawl. "You feel certain that Draco will benefit from your ah, expert tutelage?" His eyes of silver blue never left the kaleidoscope of dancers before them.

"Indeed, Lucius." Came an equally bored reply. "He has the potential to be an asset or a burden. Your son needs guidance if he is to develop his skills to their highest levels. He cannot do that if he is diverted by other, less academic pursuits. His circle of associates should be broadened giving him a greater field for study."

Without turning his blond head, Lucius flashed a glare at the Potions Master. "You would have my heir associate with riff-raff?" He inquired coldly.

"These riff-raff will be the ones you son must bring down, Lucius. How better to learn their weaknesses than by appearing to befriend them? He would also be more suited to swaying others to the cause than either you or I. Do you not see the potential?" Snape wed aed as Lucius digested the information, the clever yet evil brain ruminating the proposal Snape had laid down.

Seeing a slender form moving in their direction, Snape fought down panic as his own agile brain quickly pounced upon opportunity come a-knocking. Leaning close to Malfoy's ear, the taller wizard whispered conspiratorially. "Even now young Draco proves his worth. Behold, his prey."

Lucius Malfoy's aristocratic frame shook slightly as he drew in a hiss of air. Narrow eyes observed the approach of the one he sought, the one he desired to bring before his lord. "She is here?" He demanded in a voice of quiet poison. "She is under this very roof and Draco said nothing?"

Snape could feel hot anger building in the wizard by his side and that emotion did not bode well for the younger Malfoy. Sliding gracefully in front of the seething Lucius, Snape gripped the other's arm in a crushing hold, his tone level and hard. "Use your brain, man! Would you have Draco expose our work by trusting this news to an owl? They are easily and may I remind you, frequently, intercepted." Silver and onyx clashed in silent battle before Snape growled low. "Lord Voldemort knows of her presence within Hogwarts. I gave him that information myself. I cannot get near her, yet Draco can! He labors to become her pet. She will begin to trust him. When the time is right, Darco, your son Lucius, will bring her..." The last words were bitten off roughly as Olivia's voice came from over his black-clad shoulder.

"Professor Snape?"

Severus turned, gracefully sweeping his voluminous robes around his frame. A smile, like a bit of late Autumn frost, graced his lips. Bowing from the waist, Snape extended a hand, which Olivia boldly accepted. "Miss McGonagall, may I present Lucius Malfoy?"

Lowering her sleek head demurely, Olivia sank into a curtsey worthy of Her Majesties Court. Severus smiled in the quiet vaults of his mind at the witch's talents.

For his part, Lucius placed one well heeled foot before the other and bringing his right arm down from the shoulder presented the lady a sweeping bow. As Olivia rose to her full height her hand was relinquished by Severus but she continued to hold the pale appendage aloft, one brow cocked mockingly at the aristocrat before her.

On cue, Lucius plucked her fingers from the air, bringing her hand to his lips. Olivia totally subdued the shudder that threatened to claim her body and wondered at her own strength. Note to self: amputate hand at earliest convenience. She grew even more amazed at her inner steel when Malfoy's tongue snaked across her knuckles . "My Lady," Lucius purred. "I am honored."

"Draco's father?" Olivia inquired, casting an innocent gaze to Professor Snape. "I am so pleased to finally be able to make your acquaintance."

�The pleasure is, of course, all mine.� Lucius murmured in low silky tones, pressing Olivia�s palm to his velvet clad chest.�While Draco has made mention of your considerable teaching skills, he failed to paint an accurate portrait of your charm and beauty.�The smile Lucius gave Olivia was as cultured as it was chilling.His silver eyes roamed hungrily over her face and form as his breathing quickened under Olivia�s hand.Like a treasure hunter suddenly in possession of a much pursued artifact, Malfoy appeared overcome by the good fortune Fate had placed within his grasp.

�You are too kind.�Olivia responded pulling her imprisoned hand from the blond wizard's grip. �You are here for the match tomorrow?� She inqd pod politely, her eyes holding Malfoy�s boldly.

�Indeed, and I had business to discuss with Professor Snape as well.He has taken a keen interest in Draco�s future.�

Snape caught the nimble glance Olivia sent his way and inclined his head, confirming Lucius Malfoy�s words.

�Young Draco will surely benefit from the additional instruction and guidance Professor Snape can provide. I am happy to tell you that your son has settled nicely in my class and has made remarkable progress in a very short time.� Olivia admitted.

�My son is fortunate to have such dedicated,� Silver eyes flicked once more along Olivia�s body. �Passionate instructors at his disposal.�Lucius broke off abruptly."Miss McGonagall, I would be honored if you would take a turn with me upon the floor.� He presented his hand, palm up, to Olivia.

Smiling sweetly, Olivia placed her cool fingers on Malfoy�s skin.�Thank you, sir.I would be delighted.�

Professor Snape curled his lips into a tight smile as Lucius glibly made the couple's excuses and took leave of the rigid wizard. Severus' mind whirled with the possible scenarios and their nasty outcomes should Malfoy attempt to snatch Olivia from under the wards and protection provided by the wizarding school. He could not allow her to be taken and by preventing her abduction, his true colors would be revealed. Damn the woman for not hotfooting it to her chambers the moment Lucius had made an appearance! Leave it to Olivia McGonagall to stride on to the field of battle when retreat was obviously called for!

Resisting the temptation to gnaw his perfectly manicured nails to the flesh, Snape held his impassive, somewhat bored expression, all the while carefully monitoring the movement of the glittering couple moving with exquisite grace across the dance floor.

Malfoy glided with accomplished precision, holding Miss McGonagall's slender frame at just the proscribed distance for polite company. Skilled killer, brilliant author of interminable anguish, Lucius Malfoy wore his family's station as fine drapery on a Roman statue. Beautiful yes, but equally cold and hard. Counterfeit geniality barely disguised the deadly undertow of brutality; it was an imprimatur for cruelty thinly veiled by facile words and elegant manners. Finding herself held captive by the shining mirrors of Malfoy's eyes, Olivia was reminded of the words Christ hurled upon the priests of his day, "You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean."

She shivered.

The involuntary motion curled Lucius' aristocratic lips into a haughty smirk bringing an end to Olivia's silence. "I remember you, Mr. Malfoy." She told the smug wizard bluntly.

"I was beginning to wonder if you had any brains at all beneath all that lovely hair, Miss McGonagall." Malfoy replied, unmoved by her honesty. "You are refreshingly forward. I admire that in a woman." His fingers tightened slightly upon Olivia's hand and his thumb began a seductive stroking along the backs of her fingers. "Most ladies in your position would have attempted to elude me, avoiding what could possibly be an uncomfortable reunion."

Olivia snorted, causing Malfoy to raise a brow at her obvious ill breeding. "I doubt," Olivia began. "That there are many ladies in my position. You should have reasoned on your own that I am not one to run from life's small problems." Olivia experienced a tiny thrill as Lucius' features tightened slightly before returning to the polite smile.

"I find these affairs stuffy and overdone. You will join me in a stroll through the gardens. They are usually so lovely this time of year." He turned gracefully, forcing her hand into the crook of his arm and holding it there tightly.

Olivia glanced anxiously over her shoulder. "I have duties to attend to, Mr. Malfoy. I cannot shirk my responsibilities to enjoy something as pleasant as a walk in the moonlight." For some reason, Olivia found Draco's gaze from across the chamber fixed firmly upon the scene of his father escorting a reluctant Miss McGonagall to the exit of the Great Hall. The young wizard frowned darkly at the confused witch over the shoulder of his latest dancing partner, then to her amazement, Draco shook his head in a single, brief message.

No!

"Coming Miss McGonagall?" Lucius Malfoy persisted, steadily hauling Olivia out into the night.

Draco continued to sway in time with his partner's body. His hands ran, as they were expected to, over regions that should have been off limits to anyone save a Malfoy. The whole time he satisfied the young lady's assumptions, his gray eyes scanned the dark for the Potions Master. While he remained basically ignorant of Snape's intentions concerning Miss McGonagall, Draco was sure of his father's. That knowledge frightened the hell out of him.

Severus had been keeping a close eye on Olivia and Malfoy as they moved around and through the other couples on the floor at the same time searching the chamber for that worthless amalgamation of hide and bones, Black. Where was the man, Snape fumed silently. Why was Black not at Olivia's side? He was her protector, damn it all!

And then without warning, the reality of the situation slammed into Snape. Black was not Olivia's protector! The flea-bitten wanker was there to protect him! Snape! If the time had not been dire, Snape would have doubled over laughing at the irony of Brigit's planning.

Now, to call in the dog and put him on the scent. Moving carefully along the walls, Snape approached the groaning food table. To the wizard's delight, Miss Granger and Lupin were taking a break from one another and the young woman was picking over the various dishes laid out before her. Selecting himself a plate Snape began to fill it with finger foods, all the while sliding nearer to Miss Granger's side.

"Do not look up." Snape commanded in a voice low and harsh. Hermione barely nodded her acknowledgment of his words.

"You knoere ere Black can be found?" He inquired around a succulent red strawberry. Again, the tiny nod of understanding.

"Good. Go to him. Inform him that Lucius Malfoy has taken Miss McGonagall into the gardens. Do it now!"

Keeping her face averted, Hermione added another biscuit to her plate before walking purposefully into the throng. Snape did not watch her go.

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I could keep going but I really wanted to update before all of you took off to fanfics unknown. You should really be careful where you point your mouse. Anymore you could catch something really nasty out there, what with reading strange authors and all.

Cat will come back. Don't worry.

Thank you to lablanche for her great help in describing Lucius Malfoy. She knew exactly what I was going for.

I can't promise to update soon. For those of you in the teaching field, you understand what this time of year is like in the schools. For those of you familiar with Spring IEP reviews.... oh well, you understand.

Would you believe that someone put ME on the PROM committee??!! I am rightly sick of the entire thing. If I see another glitter spattered angel I think I will puke! Prom is tomorrow night. At least that load will be lifted.

I hope I haven't disappointed anyone. And thanks to all the ladies at The Velvet Robe for helping me decide about the longer over shorter chappies.

Love to you all.

And a little review would be greatly appreciated. Well fed writers tend to write better.

So, FEED ME!

gotsnape
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Dark Coil