The Raven and The Snake

Professor Snape didn't falter once. He confirmed her story and more. By the end of his tale, they were both being praised for their quick wit. Ariadne stared up at her grandfather with adoring eyes, looking for all the world like his will was all that she cared for.

Voldemort's snake, Nagini had twisted around Ariadne's middle while she sat. Nagini bumped Antigone curiously. This snake wasn't as intelligent as Antigone, magic not being part of its original make-up. It wove around Ariadne and back up the throne, circling her master as he listened to Snape.

Ariadne offered to leave school now that she'd completed her O.W.Ls. She looked at Voldemort hopefully as though she wanted him to keep her at his side. Secretly, she was quite happy when he said she should finish her education. The dementor's kiss on Barty Crouch Jr had made him essentially dead so Voldemort was short another loyal follower. She continued to claim deep affection for her grandfather, promising that should be useful to him. He smiled almost indulgently. "And how do you plan to prove your worth?"

Her eyes sparkled. "I placed a trace on Karkaroff, My Lord. At the Yule Ball, I put a small enchantment so I can find him. He didn't even notice. Please allow me to bring him before you, My Lord. Punish him for his treachery."

It was a little disgusting to do something so cruel to Karkaroff. He was a weak man, but he hadn't done anything to harm her personally. The spell she'd lied to the fake Moody about was a nasty trick that was sure to get him killed, but if someone had to die for her to make a good impression with her grandfather, she'd chosen someone that was already destined to die at the hands of Death Eaters.

Voldemort stroked her cheek with his long fingers. "How very resourceful."

She beamed at him.

"Child," he spoke to her in snake language. "Do you truly believe Severus to be loyal to me, his master?"

Without batting an eye, she replied. "Yes, My Lord. He has protected me during my time at the school. I have been raised by filth, but he allows me to perform magic in his home so I don't have to dirty myself further. He brought me to you, my master. I swear my undying allegiance to you, My Lord. I will keep watch on Severus Snape at the school for you. I will be your eyes and ears at the castle."

One of Voldemort's fingers traced her lips. She closed her eyes, concentrating hard on not vomiting, her face remaining smooth as though it were enjoyable. Her lips parted just a little and his sharp nail brushed the tip of her tongue. She shivered.

"You were held back a year. What happened to delay your education?" He frowned. She clearly wasn't stupid. He probably still remembering observing her while inhabiting Quirrell whose class she had done well in despite finding Quirrell replusive.

Her eyes opened slowly, tears springing to her eyes. She was so revolted to have him touching her so intimately, but she couldn't falter. She had to see this act all the way through.

"I had to do my fourth year a second time because the Chamber of Secrets opened. I had heard the movements of the basilisk and I was certain that you were in the school. I tried to search for you, but before I had the chance, I was caught by the reflection of its eyes. My petrification stopped me from completing my course work in a timely manner."

"The chamber was opened, you say?" Voldemort's eyes flashed and he looked toward Lucius who had remained with his fellow Death Eaters the entire time she and Snape had spoken to Voldemort.

She followed his gaze as though she were curious, though she knew exactly where he was looking. "Was my cousin not ordered to help you into the school?"

Voldemort turned her face back to look at him. He was seemed very interested in her eyes. It was like he was searching for Cersei in her face.

"Do you trust Malfoy?" He asked calmly.

This time she paused. Her head tilted into his hand as though she had to ponder it. "No, I don't. Lucius is vain and presumptuous. He flaunts his good fortunes too easily and fled at the sign of your mark at the Quidditch World Cup. I was there with him. I was so pleased to see sign of your return, but he was frightened. His is cowardly and he tells his son everything even though the boy doesn't have a filter. I'm close with Draco at school."

Voldemort hummed and went back to tracing her lips. She watched him with open curiosity and tried to inject longing into her expression. She needed him to trust her entirely.

"You are very observant." He complimented her. Her chest swelled. "You will return to the school. Continue to stay and watch. Where are you staying this summer?"

"Wherever you ask me to be, My Lord." She purred.

His hairless brow quirked slightly, an amused smile on his lipless mouth. "You said that Severus allows you to practice magic in his house? You will stay at his side. Watch him for me. Ensure that everything he relays to me is precise." This was exactly what she'd been hoping for. She pressed the lightest of kisses to his fingers and smiled serenely. "Yes, My Lord."

It was early morning when she and Snape returned to the school gate. With the school within view, she let out a deep sigh of relief. She staggered slightly and Snape had to hold her up. He was pale and exhausted.

Without thinking it through, she grabbed his collar and pulled him to her. She kissed him very hard, her body pressing to his. He pulled back, his eyes wide with surprise.

"We're alive," she breathed, leaning her head against his chest. Her whole body sagged with the relief she felt.

The fact that they had made it through this long night with the Dark Lord was sinking in. Her heart raced as though trying to make up for all the time she'd forced it to remain calm. A slightly hysterical sob clenched at her throat. Antigone pressed her little head to Ariadne's cheek, trying to comfort her. She was breaking down now. She clutched at Professor Snape's robes while she cried. He stood with her, awkwardly, one his hands petting her in a way that wasn't entirely comforting.

They got back up to the castle and headed straight for Professor Dumbledore's office. She blubbered over a cup of tea while Professor Snape discussed the night with the headmaster. Eventually, she was sent to bed. She curled into a ball, clutching her knees, crying until there were no more tears to spill.