Snape feels the man in his arms slip into a very deep, healing sleep, while he himself sleeps only lightly.
For some reason, he feels as if he's waiting for something. It's not a sense of forboding, he senses no direct threats, and yet...he is uneasy. He lets his mind wander free throughout the city as he has done so many times before and is comforted by the other minds his touches. If someone three years ago had told him he would almost be at peace with himself and would actually feel joy, he would likely have used one of that odd Lovegood girl's sayings, and told them their mind had been stolen by Nargles, or something just as ridiculous (better that than hexing them)...still though, being happy here just makes him more unhappy and even more abrasive at Hogwarts, because now he has much more to lose. Contemplating all of this just makes him sleepier, so he gives up and snuggles closer to Malfoy.
And that's when it hits him.
Another mind.
It not so much touches as grabs his, and once it's grabbed him, it pulls him toward something. He begins shutting down and closing off his mind, then prepares to break the connection. But...wait...
Do you see?
He does, but he is not sure what he's seeing. Whoever is in contact with him is not an enemy, he can feel that now, and feel it in every cell in his body. Part of him wants to link Malfoy's mind to his so that he can see as well, but he has a feeling this is meant for him alone.
It's a camp, and his first hope is that the viewer is showing him where Harry, Ron and Hermione are, but that hope is short-lived. It is a group of five or six...no...seven people, though once he realizes who and what they are, he decides 'people' is hardly a suitable description for them. Snatchers. He sees they are camped near a house, and as he and the viewer move closer, he thinks that the house must have looked very nice once.
Something very sad has happened here recently, he knows. What is this place? he asks the viewer, and they tell him, until recently, it was the happy home of Ted and Andromeda Tonks. You know that Ted Tonks is now a fugitive for failing to register as a Muggle-born, do you not? He tells the viewer that he does, then asks how they know. They do not say. What are they doing there? Surely they do not believe Mr. Tonks will attempt to return home? The viewer tells him they have no such belief. They are here for Andromeda Black. He has a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
But...he thinks, she is a Pure-blood, since when--the viewer tells him, because Severus, they desire to bring Andromeda's daughter and her werewolf mate out of hiding. They believe that will also draw Ted out, and they will have them all. Andromeda may be a Pure-blood, but her marriage to a Muggle-born made her a Blood-Traitor. Her blood status will not protect her, especially given how badly her sisters despise her. His stomach turns. And knowing the depths of depravity Snatchers will sink to, if they take Andromeda, she won't be seen alive again. Or likely, at all. Why show this to me? He is truly distressed. Why? He has the sense that the viewer is amused. Because you, Severus, can give her Sanctuary. He feels Malfoy stir against him and hears him whisper his name.
I...? He can't imagine how...Oh, Severus, the viewer says, you have far more power in Perethil than you realize. You are respected far more than you know. He feels Malfoy stir again, and he holds him closer. Perethil? he asks, and the viewer releases him back into darkness. The true name of the White City. Find the name, know the meaning, and you will begin to understand. As Snape begins to wake he asks desperately, who are you? May I know that? The viewer laughs. I am a friend, Severus Snape. Look for palace under hill...
As he drifts free he begins to doubt what transpired was real; he has been overworked and overstressed of late, and hasn't had nearly enough rest. And his dreams have always been particularily vivd...he kisses Malfoy softly and is suddenly aware of Elsbet in the tiny bedroom with them. She leans over him and kisses his cheek, then brushes the hair out of Malfoy's face. "Dinner is ready, you sexy things, you." She kisses Snape again, then leaves them to do what they must to get ready.
She goes back out to wait for everyone, and she notices Loki playing with what looks like a tiny wand. He balances himself on his left leg, with help from his tail, and holds it in his right talon. He shakes it around, laughing silently in his way, thoroughly enjoying himself. "What are you doing, little Loki?" He looks up at Elsbet, happily shaking his stick at her. My steek, I play, he thinks, and promptly falls over. He rolls onto his back and grips it with both talons, pointing it at her as she struggles not to laugh. You get you steek, we play!
She rubs his little tummy and tells him that she doesn't have one. He cocks his head at her, blinking. You no has steek? Why you no has steek? She doesn't know how to explain it to him, nor even what to say. As she thinks about what to tell him, there's a soft tap at the door, and she jumps up to answer it. Tonks, Remus and Therion file in and are hugged each in their turn. Snape and Malfoy enter the dining area and help Elsbet figure out the seating and help her serve up the plates. She has two little dishes into which she places a little bit of meat, with some bits of green beans and chunks of bread, takes them into the front room and sits them on the end table beside the couch for Loki and Cambion, who thank her gratefully for sharing.
Snape and Malfoy take seats on either side of Elsbet, with Tonks tucked between Therion and Remus. There's the green beans, cream-style corn and artichoke hearts. Two plates of meat, one of roast beef, the other of pork loin, whipped potatoes and two different kinds of gravy, with three different kinds of bread. Wine for those who want it, and apple cider for those who don't. It's a sumptuous meal, and Elsbet tells them that the little kitchen has a magic all its own; it seems to anticipate what the chef needs, and Therion tells them that it's the nature of the city itself.
"The houses are such that they truly reflect those who reside within. The homes of those who love to cook have the largest kitches, for example," he says, and Elsbet laughs. "Then mine will be huge!" Malfoy smiles and tells her she will have to teach him to cook, and Snape tells him it shouldn't be too difficult to learn. "You have always been a superior potioner, Lucius," he says, then adds, "a skilled potioner has the ability to draw out the best attributes of their ingredients and create the most pleasing harmony of taste, aroma and texture." He takes a bite of the pork loin, and follows it with a bit of artichoke heart dipped in the beef gravy. He savors it for a moment, swallows, and after a sip of wine he says, "Elsbet has always excelled in this."
Malfoy thinks about this, and about Therion's comment for some time. "You say the houses grow to suit the owners?" Remus raises his glass toward Malfoy and says, "good question, I'm wondering that myself." Therion nods. "Yes, inside the city center. In the Districts, each plot is roughly the same size, and a 'starter house', like this one, is constructed. As the needs of the dwellers change, the house adapts to accomodate those needs. Once the house has filled out its alloted plot space, it can grow taller as additional floors are needed, providing it does not exceed the height restrictions of the District it's in."
Remus nods and rubs Tonks' shoulder. "I think we can live with that," he says and Tonks nods, smiling. "Well," Snape says, "I believe there are open plots near this one, and a couple in the Park District." Tonks tells them she liked the plot that already has a little starter that's just down the way from this one. Therion says, "well then, we can stop there tonight and have a look inside and you can decide." Malfoy asks, "how does it work, ownership? I mean, from whom do you purchase the plot or home?" Therion grins. "You don't. You see, Lucius, life here in the White City is very different from that on the other side of the Divide. This truly is a Sanctuary, so certain things are provided for without question. No one need be without shelter."
Elsbet touches Malfoy and smiles. "If you want an open plot, you just walk into it, stand in the center of it and say the plot belongs to you, or that you desire that space, or something like that. If it's already been claimed there will be a barrier you can't cross. If there's an available house, you walk in and claim it, if it's claimed already, you won't be able to enter." Therion tells them that one person can secure a home in another person's name in a time of need, and the home will recognize that person when they enter it, as in Elsbet's case. Snape asks, after great thought, "can a person have more than one plot?" Therion finishes his wine and replies, "well, that depends on what you plan for the second plot. If it's for a house you plan to live in as well, no, but if you secure the plot, or starter, for someone in need of shelter, then yes. If you wish the plot for, say, a little park for everyone to enjoy, or a garden, absolutely, but you have to take care of it, and in the case of a garden, you must offer whatever produce you yourself can not use to the Community Good."
Malfoy doesn't express it, but he likes that idea; all his life he's been selfish, the needs of others be damned. But now, in this new life he feels blessed to have, the thought makes him feel good. He wants to do this. "But if you don't wish to live in a District, though..." Tonks muses, and Therion tells her, "there are some fabulous homes outside the city center, but the owners are totally responsible for the construction and maintainance, and there are some fees to be paid then, of course, but it's certainly an option." He chuckles. "The three of you," he glances from Malfoy to Remus and Tonks, "are going to have to see the rest of this city. There is quite a lot to experience here."
They finish the meal with friendly banter, and after both bottles of wine and cider are empty, the clean-up begins. The men insist on helping, but Tonks and Elsbet insist on doing it themsleves. Reluctantly, the men head into the living room as Elsbet suggested, and as Snape enters, Loki greets him happily from under Cambion's wing. Remus smiles down at the sight of the two birds together and asks Snape as they all sit down, "was he the reason you became an Animagus?" Snape nods, watching his little Familiar. "Yes. Someone had to teach him to fly," he says with a shrug. "I couldn't trust the owls not to attack him, and I had to teach him to hunt for his own food." Remus smiles slightly and says, "you're unregisterd, I hope."
Again, Snape nods. "Of course. Very few people know. Not even Dumbledore knew." Loki looks up at Snape and asks, why Els has no steek? The four wizards exchange meaningful glances and try to think of an easy way to explain to the little raven that they don't even know if Elsbet has need of one yet, but they can't think of one. "Severus," Remus says softly, "have you ever thought of having an actual wand made for him?" Malfoy is about to say something but Snape remarks with his wry, sardonic humor, "oh yes, Lupin, I've seriously considered walking into Ollivander's and asking him to craft a wand for my bird."
Therion laughs, Malfoy looks suddenly guiltily at Snape, and Remus frowns slightly, then chuckles after a moment. "Alright, I admit it sounds ridiculous, but I've seen some of his movements, I know you've worked with him...he carries that stick with him everywhere, and I've seen how quickly he can manipulate it with his bill and talons. He has enough of a presence and clarity of mind to be able to cast simple spells, and I know we've all sensed the spark of Magic in him." Snape sighs sadly and Malfoy says, "yes, Remus, but...there are laws..." He takes a deep breath and meets the other wizard's gaze. "You know the laws that prohibit Goblins and House-elves from possessing wands. Three years ago," he hesitates, "the Ministry expanded that to include all non-humans. There is another law that prohibits a witch or wizard from teaching spells to their animal Familiar. Because of my position at that time, I was able to tell Severus before...before..." he can't say it. "Remus, they would have taken Loki away and killed him."
Snape looks down at his precious friend and closes his eyes. "The moment the Ministry detected him using magic, I would have lost him. So I stopped teaching him. Anything he can do now he figured out on his own." Remus leans forward, his elbows on his knees, and says softly, "the time is going to come, Severus, when it's not going to matter if the Ministry detects an animal using magic." Therion is about to speak when there is the sound of laughter from the kitchen. The men look over as the ladies leave it and move into the living room to join them.
Elsbet asks if anyone would like dessert, but there are no takers at the moment. Malfoy pats the cushion between him and Snape, and after giving Loki and Cambion a little love, she sits down. "I'm so happy everyone enjoyed dinner...I enjoyed making it. I'd like to do this again soon..." They all tell her that get-togethers like this would be wonderful, and helpful as well, and Therion eyes Elsbet closely. "Ellie, is something wrong?" She sighs deeply and looks at each one of them, then says, "you're all my family, and I love you all very much. I know everyone has secrets, and there's some things you have to keep to yourself, but...some things...some things you have to share. The Inquisitor told me that I have memories I have to share with those I love."
Snape gently places his hand on her back. "That's one of the reasons I wanted us to get together tonight. If I don't share this now, I won't at all..."
For some reason, he feels as if he's waiting for something. It's not a sense of forboding, he senses no direct threats, and yet...he is uneasy. He lets his mind wander free throughout the city as he has done so many times before and is comforted by the other minds his touches. If someone three years ago had told him he would almost be at peace with himself and would actually feel joy, he would likely have used one of that odd Lovegood girl's sayings, and told them their mind had been stolen by Nargles, or something just as ridiculous (better that than hexing them)...still though, being happy here just makes him more unhappy and even more abrasive at Hogwarts, because now he has much more to lose. Contemplating all of this just makes him sleepier, so he gives up and snuggles closer to Malfoy.
And that's when it hits him.
Another mind.
It not so much touches as grabs his, and once it's grabbed him, it pulls him toward something. He begins shutting down and closing off his mind, then prepares to break the connection. But...wait...
Do you see?
He does, but he is not sure what he's seeing. Whoever is in contact with him is not an enemy, he can feel that now, and feel it in every cell in his body. Part of him wants to link Malfoy's mind to his so that he can see as well, but he has a feeling this is meant for him alone.
It's a camp, and his first hope is that the viewer is showing him where Harry, Ron and Hermione are, but that hope is short-lived. It is a group of five or six...no...seven people, though once he realizes who and what they are, he decides 'people' is hardly a suitable description for them. Snatchers. He sees they are camped near a house, and as he and the viewer move closer, he thinks that the house must have looked very nice once.
Something very sad has happened here recently, he knows. What is this place? he asks the viewer, and they tell him, until recently, it was the happy home of Ted and Andromeda Tonks. You know that Ted Tonks is now a fugitive for failing to register as a Muggle-born, do you not? He tells the viewer that he does, then asks how they know. They do not say. What are they doing there? Surely they do not believe Mr. Tonks will attempt to return home? The viewer tells him they have no such belief. They are here for Andromeda Black. He has a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
But...he thinks, she is a Pure-blood, since when--the viewer tells him, because Severus, they desire to bring Andromeda's daughter and her werewolf mate out of hiding. They believe that will also draw Ted out, and they will have them all. Andromeda may be a Pure-blood, but her marriage to a Muggle-born made her a Blood-Traitor. Her blood status will not protect her, especially given how badly her sisters despise her. His stomach turns. And knowing the depths of depravity Snatchers will sink to, if they take Andromeda, she won't be seen alive again. Or likely, at all. Why show this to me? He is truly distressed. Why? He has the sense that the viewer is amused. Because you, Severus, can give her Sanctuary. He feels Malfoy stir against him and hears him whisper his name.
I...? He can't imagine how...Oh, Severus, the viewer says, you have far more power in Perethil than you realize. You are respected far more than you know. He feels Malfoy stir again, and he holds him closer. Perethil? he asks, and the viewer releases him back into darkness. The true name of the White City. Find the name, know the meaning, and you will begin to understand. As Snape begins to wake he asks desperately, who are you? May I know that? The viewer laughs. I am a friend, Severus Snape. Look for palace under hill...
As he drifts free he begins to doubt what transpired was real; he has been overworked and overstressed of late, and hasn't had nearly enough rest. And his dreams have always been particularily vivd...he kisses Malfoy softly and is suddenly aware of Elsbet in the tiny bedroom with them. She leans over him and kisses his cheek, then brushes the hair out of Malfoy's face. "Dinner is ready, you sexy things, you." She kisses Snape again, then leaves them to do what they must to get ready.
She goes back out to wait for everyone, and she notices Loki playing with what looks like a tiny wand. He balances himself on his left leg, with help from his tail, and holds it in his right talon. He shakes it around, laughing silently in his way, thoroughly enjoying himself. "What are you doing, little Loki?" He looks up at Elsbet, happily shaking his stick at her. My steek, I play, he thinks, and promptly falls over. He rolls onto his back and grips it with both talons, pointing it at her as she struggles not to laugh. You get you steek, we play!
She rubs his little tummy and tells him that she doesn't have one. He cocks his head at her, blinking. You no has steek? Why you no has steek? She doesn't know how to explain it to him, nor even what to say. As she thinks about what to tell him, there's a soft tap at the door, and she jumps up to answer it. Tonks, Remus and Therion file in and are hugged each in their turn. Snape and Malfoy enter the dining area and help Elsbet figure out the seating and help her serve up the plates. She has two little dishes into which she places a little bit of meat, with some bits of green beans and chunks of bread, takes them into the front room and sits them on the end table beside the couch for Loki and Cambion, who thank her gratefully for sharing.
Snape and Malfoy take seats on either side of Elsbet, with Tonks tucked between Therion and Remus. There's the green beans, cream-style corn and artichoke hearts. Two plates of meat, one of roast beef, the other of pork loin, whipped potatoes and two different kinds of gravy, with three different kinds of bread. Wine for those who want it, and apple cider for those who don't. It's a sumptuous meal, and Elsbet tells them that the little kitchen has a magic all its own; it seems to anticipate what the chef needs, and Therion tells them that it's the nature of the city itself.
"The houses are such that they truly reflect those who reside within. The homes of those who love to cook have the largest kitches, for example," he says, and Elsbet laughs. "Then mine will be huge!" Malfoy smiles and tells her she will have to teach him to cook, and Snape tells him it shouldn't be too difficult to learn. "You have always been a superior potioner, Lucius," he says, then adds, "a skilled potioner has the ability to draw out the best attributes of their ingredients and create the most pleasing harmony of taste, aroma and texture." He takes a bite of the pork loin, and follows it with a bit of artichoke heart dipped in the beef gravy. He savors it for a moment, swallows, and after a sip of wine he says, "Elsbet has always excelled in this."
Malfoy thinks about this, and about Therion's comment for some time. "You say the houses grow to suit the owners?" Remus raises his glass toward Malfoy and says, "good question, I'm wondering that myself." Therion nods. "Yes, inside the city center. In the Districts, each plot is roughly the same size, and a 'starter house', like this one, is constructed. As the needs of the dwellers change, the house adapts to accomodate those needs. Once the house has filled out its alloted plot space, it can grow taller as additional floors are needed, providing it does not exceed the height restrictions of the District it's in."
Remus nods and rubs Tonks' shoulder. "I think we can live with that," he says and Tonks nods, smiling. "Well," Snape says, "I believe there are open plots near this one, and a couple in the Park District." Tonks tells them she liked the plot that already has a little starter that's just down the way from this one. Therion says, "well then, we can stop there tonight and have a look inside and you can decide." Malfoy asks, "how does it work, ownership? I mean, from whom do you purchase the plot or home?" Therion grins. "You don't. You see, Lucius, life here in the White City is very different from that on the other side of the Divide. This truly is a Sanctuary, so certain things are provided for without question. No one need be without shelter."
Elsbet touches Malfoy and smiles. "If you want an open plot, you just walk into it, stand in the center of it and say the plot belongs to you, or that you desire that space, or something like that. If it's already been claimed there will be a barrier you can't cross. If there's an available house, you walk in and claim it, if it's claimed already, you won't be able to enter." Therion tells them that one person can secure a home in another person's name in a time of need, and the home will recognize that person when they enter it, as in Elsbet's case. Snape asks, after great thought, "can a person have more than one plot?" Therion finishes his wine and replies, "well, that depends on what you plan for the second plot. If it's for a house you plan to live in as well, no, but if you secure the plot, or starter, for someone in need of shelter, then yes. If you wish the plot for, say, a little park for everyone to enjoy, or a garden, absolutely, but you have to take care of it, and in the case of a garden, you must offer whatever produce you yourself can not use to the Community Good."
Malfoy doesn't express it, but he likes that idea; all his life he's been selfish, the needs of others be damned. But now, in this new life he feels blessed to have, the thought makes him feel good. He wants to do this. "But if you don't wish to live in a District, though..." Tonks muses, and Therion tells her, "there are some fabulous homes outside the city center, but the owners are totally responsible for the construction and maintainance, and there are some fees to be paid then, of course, but it's certainly an option." He chuckles. "The three of you," he glances from Malfoy to Remus and Tonks, "are going to have to see the rest of this city. There is quite a lot to experience here."
They finish the meal with friendly banter, and after both bottles of wine and cider are empty, the clean-up begins. The men insist on helping, but Tonks and Elsbet insist on doing it themsleves. Reluctantly, the men head into the living room as Elsbet suggested, and as Snape enters, Loki greets him happily from under Cambion's wing. Remus smiles down at the sight of the two birds together and asks Snape as they all sit down, "was he the reason you became an Animagus?" Snape nods, watching his little Familiar. "Yes. Someone had to teach him to fly," he says with a shrug. "I couldn't trust the owls not to attack him, and I had to teach him to hunt for his own food." Remus smiles slightly and says, "you're unregisterd, I hope."
Again, Snape nods. "Of course. Very few people know. Not even Dumbledore knew." Loki looks up at Snape and asks, why Els has no steek? The four wizards exchange meaningful glances and try to think of an easy way to explain to the little raven that they don't even know if Elsbet has need of one yet, but they can't think of one. "Severus," Remus says softly, "have you ever thought of having an actual wand made for him?" Malfoy is about to say something but Snape remarks with his wry, sardonic humor, "oh yes, Lupin, I've seriously considered walking into Ollivander's and asking him to craft a wand for my bird."
Therion laughs, Malfoy looks suddenly guiltily at Snape, and Remus frowns slightly, then chuckles after a moment. "Alright, I admit it sounds ridiculous, but I've seen some of his movements, I know you've worked with him...he carries that stick with him everywhere, and I've seen how quickly he can manipulate it with his bill and talons. He has enough of a presence and clarity of mind to be able to cast simple spells, and I know we've all sensed the spark of Magic in him." Snape sighs sadly and Malfoy says, "yes, Remus, but...there are laws..." He takes a deep breath and meets the other wizard's gaze. "You know the laws that prohibit Goblins and House-elves from possessing wands. Three years ago," he hesitates, "the Ministry expanded that to include all non-humans. There is another law that prohibits a witch or wizard from teaching spells to their animal Familiar. Because of my position at that time, I was able to tell Severus before...before..." he can't say it. "Remus, they would have taken Loki away and killed him."
Snape looks down at his precious friend and closes his eyes. "The moment the Ministry detected him using magic, I would have lost him. So I stopped teaching him. Anything he can do now he figured out on his own." Remus leans forward, his elbows on his knees, and says softly, "the time is going to come, Severus, when it's not going to matter if the Ministry detects an animal using magic." Therion is about to speak when there is the sound of laughter from the kitchen. The men look over as the ladies leave it and move into the living room to join them.
Elsbet asks if anyone would like dessert, but there are no takers at the moment. Malfoy pats the cushion between him and Snape, and after giving Loki and Cambion a little love, she sits down. "I'm so happy everyone enjoyed dinner...I enjoyed making it. I'd like to do this again soon..." They all tell her that get-togethers like this would be wonderful, and helpful as well, and Therion eyes Elsbet closely. "Ellie, is something wrong?" She sighs deeply and looks at each one of them, then says, "you're all my family, and I love you all very much. I know everyone has secrets, and there's some things you have to keep to yourself, but...some things...some things you have to share. The Inquisitor told me that I have memories I have to share with those I love."
Snape gently places his hand on her back. "That's one of the reasons I wanted us to get together tonight. If I don't share this now, I won't at all..."