A Potion For Everything (Severus Snape x Oc)

Ceremony

Books. She spent many a day in this little room. The Malfoy Manor had so much to offer. But she was a well kept pet. And The Dark Lord wouldn't allow her to interact with the family of this house. She was told they were. Noble of blood but inferrior of nobility. And she didn't mind the only company being these books. And the snake.

They stood infront of eachother. There was no decorum needed. This was like signing a contract and nothing more. She would trade her services as a female. A wife. And all the.. pleasures that came with it. And in return, a welcomed life into wizard society. Something she craved more than anything. To be with her kind. To practice her craft I'm public. To live. She dare not care how she got it or what strings were attached. She just wished to live.

Bellatrix circled the pair. A cat and mouse game. That's all this was to everyone. The ones with the power sought more power. Climbing the ladder with every kill. Every power play. This girl was meant to weaken him. He had no ties to anyone. He had nothing to hold him back from doing what must be done. Which is what made him perfect for the dark lord and for Dumbledore. And Bellatrix knew this. She knew that this would make him think more critically about the moves he made. As solitary as he was. As cold as he was. She knew there was a bit of human decency in him. So he couldn't show it. This girl meant nothing. It was just another part of the dark lords plan. They would live seperate lives. They would... Do what must be done. To keep the dark lord happy and off their backs.

She couldn't possibly want this. Could she? That smile on her face. It wasn't genuine. Was it?

Viola reached out a hand. Her blouse sleeve was cut down the middle. Proudly revealing her mark. He did the same. Connecting them silently. As they did so. Bellatrix took out her wand. A golden band of magic tying the pair of hand together.

"Do you, Severus Snape. Promise to take this girl, that the Dark Lord has gifted you. To protect her. To watch over her. And to fulfil the dark lords wishes?" Bellatrix would have the most... Dedicated vows planned. Words were power. Each letter making the chain around their hands glow and grow tighter.

Well say something. Can't you tell I'm afriad too? Can't you tell I don't want this? Can't you tell that this is just a stepping stone to bring me the life I wanted? Everyone has an angle. You get yours, and I get mine. So just, do it. Don't make this harder on us.

Her eyes spoke volumes to him. Flashing at him. Testing him. Waiting for him to say something. And he was waiting also. For her to recoil. For her to drop the mask. He knew it well. Loyal servant was a hard roll to play but he never stopped playing it. She would crack soon. He knew it. She was small. So very small. And behind the madness in her movements and the wickedness in her smile there was something in the eyes. That just didn't belong..

"I do." He said slowly. To Bellatrix's satisfaction. Oh she was enjoying this. Being the one to personally put ball and chain on her rival. It was a glorious feeling that her her skipping about the two as she continued.

"And do you. Viola Grindelwald. Vow to do as the dark lord instructed. To be a dutiful wife. To.." Bella's words were drowned out as she staired into the eyes of the man before her. Wedding vows were supposed to be sweet. Not threatening. She couldn't, wouldn't hear them. Instead she did her best to chip away at the barrier the man infront of her put around his mind. And finally...

She gripped his hand tight.

"Look into my mind Severus." The bell like voice rang into his ear as he felt something break. His eyes twitched in pain and disbelief. It was a small attempt. And she wasn't even hiding that she was doing it. This.. she had gotten through his defences. And she was letting down her own. "I know you can." She spoke again. Was she reffering to the fact that he practiced Occlumency and Legilimency. "See me. See my intentions. See my pain. My sorrow. My joy. My love. My hate. See me. And promise to respect all that I am." He would not. He would not look into her mind. And he would not let her into his. As quickly as his defences were broken they were built back up. He wouldn't let her pass. And she knew she was alone in her own mind. It was worth a try.

"I will." He said. Perhaps answering the mere question to respect her. Sedating the curious mind of Bellatrix. Sarisfied. The spell was finished. And he let go of her hand swiftly. Viola raised it to inspect it.

"Is that all?" She asked Bella. Who nodded. Laughing as she exited the door. Closing it behind her.

A moment of silence fell on the pair. What now? Normal marriages included a kiss to seal the deal. But this wasn't normal. And now there was so much to prepare. The dark lord most likely expected her at his side at all times. He used the word protected. She meant something to him. But he didn't know what or why. Family name aside. She was the only member of a dead line that was only created out of pure blood inbreeding and necessity.

Even worse, School was tomorrow. He had no time to prepare.

First step. A cover story on how to explain it to Dumbledore. Then an extension to his living chambers at the school of which, were quite small. They didn't have to like eachother. He wouldn't put in the effort. As long as she could play the part given, it would be fine. They would be together in public and in private, he would sleep in the other room. Allow her to do as she wished as long as it didn't blow their cover.

"We don't have to go back out." Severus stopped, hearing her speak. Realizing he was pacing. She looked at him. She had freckles now. Did she have those before? He could have sworn her face was plane with a splash of makeup previously. In fact, her whole outfit had changed. Her glasses. No longer half moon. They were more monocle style favoring the left eye. Her dress no longer woodland sprite like was proper. A high collar, long sleeve, champagne lace. Fit for the coming fall months. Her hat, gone. Only met with mushroom earrings and a pendant. Magic. Always convinient.

She picked up a suit case and handed it to him. "I'm sure all your luggage is already at the school. I only ask you take these with you. So I may travel light." An odd request. If they were to be together at all times, wouldn't she be leaving with him?

"I'm staying here one more night. And coming on the morning train. He.." she pointed to the door. "wishes to have me here one more night."

At the dark lords request he would not argue.

"Right.. it will give me time to prepare." He stood motionless. Watching her, watching him. The two studying eachother. On edge, waiting for one or the other to make a move.

"I'm a much room apothecary." She finally said. "That's my equipment." She pointed to the case. Which upon better inspection was a medical brief case. He nodded. "That's your story then. We can use it." He said slowly.

She nodded.

They stood there a moment longer in silence. Before Severus decided he was no longer needed and could go. He walked towards the fire place.

"Wait!" Viola moved forward. Reaching out but dare not touching him.

He looked at her from inside the fire place. His destination already in his mind as the flames took over.

"I'm afriad." She said. And there it was. The mask dropped for just a second.

And as she did he was gone. And infront of him was no longer the library of Malfoy Manor. But his own appartment in the bowels of Hogwarts.