The Princess and The Half Blood Prince

Meeting with The Dark Lord

—-Severus——

I watched the young boy. He stood still as stone. His face was a perfect mask. So this is the boy Ira is so worried for.

His hair was a dark greasy looking mop. His eyes were hollow. Skin so pale it's nearly transparent except for the black circles under his eyes. Every part of me wanted to kill him right here and now. I looked at him distastefully. Smartly he paid me no mind.

Ira had stayed all night with Gabby. Even though I wasn't particularly found of Miss Winter, I respected how much she cared for Ira and how much Ira cared for her. Looking at Alex he and her could have been twins. Both black haired and blue eyed. The resemblance was a bit unsettling.

I sat quite. Face a complete mask as Alex revealed Ira's secrets. The boy's face was a mask. Except his eyes. His eyes were filled with sadness.

"You knew of this?" Voldemort's attention was on me.

"I suspected, but could not confirm." I replied coolly.

I watched silently as the curio curse came hurdling at me. Trying to run or dodge would only make the torture worse. I learned a long time ago not to scream either. Three long hours under the curse passed.

"Next time Mr. Greyson will be joining us in person?" His dead eyes landed on Alex.

"Yes sir. Just as you commanded." To Alex's credit he didn't balk.

"Severus. You will keep an eye on the girl. Do not fail me." The dark lord's voice was full of warning.

A soul reaper. Voldemort is no match for a demon. Even half a demon. That's what I told myself. Still I worried. She doesn't know how to fully control her power. What will happen if she has to go head to head with Tom Riddle?

I flooed back to my private chambers. I had to get to Dumbledore. He had to do something. He has to protect to her.

No! Severus! You cannot depend on that senile old man! I scolded myself. I have to protect her. I have to help her learn to control the power she has! I have to!

I stopped suddenly. Since when do I care so deeply? I know I told her I would try, but I hadn't realized how I care for her. Now she's in mortal danger. I ran a hand over my face.

I walked out of my chambers. To my surprise Ira was sitting at my desk grading papers. She looked up startled.

"Are you alright?!" She looked so genuinely concerned.

I brushed her off even though I was in pain. I needed to make my report to Dumbledore. More importantly she needed to know how much danger she was in.

The headmaster's office was as it always is. To warm, to bright, to much. I explained everything that had happened during the meeting. Ira barely raised a brow. She looked so under concerned considering what I just old her.

"He'll come after you." I pleaded desperately.

She looked so calm when she told me to take her when he asks. I can't! Doesn't she see he'll kill her?!  Of course she does. I gave a defeated sigh. I nodded my head.

We were excused. All I wanted to do was take her in my arms. I wanted to nothing more than hold her. I hated that we had to hide from the world until she graduated. It's not like she isn't already eighteen.

When we got to my chambers she took care of me. She made me potions for the pain and to sleep. Her hands were soft and gentle as she helped me. I don't remember ever feeling anything like it.

I asked her to stay with me. She laid by my side until I was fast asleep. Deep down I knew she couldn't stay. In that moment though. I wanted to ask her to stay forever.

I awoke in a panic. Voldemort had her! He was killing her! I bolted out of bed before regaining my senses. Voldemort didn't have her. She was safe here in Hogwarts. She'd crept back to her dorm last night after I fell asleep.

I walked into my kitchen still a little shaky from the nightmares. On the counter was a note:

Dear Severus,

I hope you were able to get some rest. Sorry for leaving you like I did. I wish I could have stayed with you all night. This potion will help with the soreness and shaking.

With love,
Your Princess

I smiled fondly as I opened the bottle. A reddish purple blueberry smelling liquid sloshed inside. I took a deep swig. Sure enough, with in a few minutes I was already feeling better. She will a better potions master than me one day if she's not already.