The Princess and the Bloodstone

The Bloodstone

Severus

'Summon me when you have the upper hand. Just like we practised. I'll make it stop before it gets... out of hand.'

'Right,' Holly looked up at him, spinning the bloodstone ring around her finger. She was paler than usual.

'You know what to say,' he reminded her, trying to be comforting. He was somewhat relieved at her anxiety — in that, he would have been more worried if she wasn't uneasy about what was to come.

'Er. Yes.'

'Relax, Princess.'

'I don't feel like sleeping at all. Tell me a story,' she said hastily.

'I—I don't—' Severus stuttered, at a complete loss.

'Not like Babitty Rabbity,' she rolled her eyes at his bemused state. 'A story about something real, like... Why do you call me Princess?'

She shocked him to silence, he'd never truly considered why he called her that. The nickname just happened. He traced a finger over his lips in concentration, thinking back to the day she first set foot in Potions .

'My mother's maiden name was Prince,' he started, scooping up a section of hair that spread out from her head like an exploded ink pot. She stayed quiet, watching his fingers plaiting a neat string into her otherwise chaotic hair.

'During my first few years as a student, I was something of a persona non grata. I was almost always alone. Except when Lily was with me, of course. It was a difficult time at home,' he struggled for the right words. 'Because of my father, I grew to develop an animosity towards Muggles altogether — at least for a time. It was wrong. But I couldn't help it. I took the moniker of the 'Half-Blood Prince'. To distinguish my Magical from my Muggle side.'

She looked at him with a mixture of pity and interest, drinking in the information.

'I'm your counterpart then. Your Half-Blood Princess.'

Their eyes met. He tried to smile, 'It seems like I've been in denial since we met.'

'The nickname; I like it. It makes me feel... loved.' She took his hand, lacing her fingers through with his. His mark buzzed.

'You are loved. Madly, deeply,' he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. She hugged him tightly from the side, and he felt her smile against his arm.

'I love you too, Sev,' she said. 'But remember, this was your idea. No getting mad at me for doing my job. You can show me how much you love me after the dream.'

He grimaced, 'I'm counting on it. And I won't interfere with your espionage. Unless I deem it necessary.'

'I'm ready. Give me the sleeping draught,' she said with calm determination.

Holly threw the potion back like water. Slowly, she sank back against the pillow, mumbling something at him as her determined little frown slipped away and sleep carried her away. Severus sat next to the slumbering witch, head in his hands and body strung tighter than a bowstring. He tried to meditate, but it turned into a prayer to any deity who'd listen.

Holly

It all happened like Severus said it would: Voldemort was waiting, as soon as she fell asleep, he was there. He was shrouded in darkness, using his true form. Long, elegant black robes pooled around him. On his skull-like head lay a hood made of translucent black material. A very fine chain of silver acted as a clasp for the front of his robes. The bone-white wand was tucked into a wide silk belt at his waist. Voldemort cut a handsome figure. He was taller than Severus. Even taller than Sirius, thin but broad at his shoulders with narrow hips, like a swimmer. He was relaxed and confident. Raw magical power radiating from him.