Snape's Heart

Chapter Thirteen

(Leather and Snakes)

Julia stayed with the Weasleys during the Easter break, though she rarely got out of bed. Her only company was that of young Miss Ginny. She would come and sit by the bed and just talk to her, even if Julia didn't respond. It was comforting to have the young girl stay with her. Four days had passed and no one had heard from Severus. Dumbledore had search parties out looking for him, though no one had any real hope of finding him. Then one night Julia had an idea. She dressed herself in black leather pants and a black suede halter top, and then she started on her makeup. Way too much eyeliner and ruby red lipstick, perfect for a night out clubbing.

"Dear, you are just upset, please think this through. Do you think Dumbledore would approve?" Molly Weasley pleaded with her.

Julia just stared into the mirror in Ginny's room as she charmed her hair into a high smooth pony tail. "I'm going, this is the only way."

"But dear, Knockturn Alley? At night? Please, at least wait for Remus to join you," Molly begged.

"No, I can't take any chances with him around. Besides, they know him and he already has had trouble with Malfoy," she said, placing her wand, stake and hunting knife in her holster, wishing she had brought her father's 'Hunting' kit. Then she turned to Molly, looking at her with deep sorrow. "Molly, I can handle myself."

"Julia, Severus asked us before he left to make sure you didn't leave the Burrow until he returned. Please don't go," she said, her voice on the verge of manic.

"Molly, something is wrong and he needs me," Julia said. "I'm the only one who knows how to get him back."

"But you are pregnant now, things are different." She stopped pleading and was entering the frantic zone. "Are you willing to risk the life of your daughter?"

She looked at Molly with cold empty eyes and replied, "Without him we are both already dead." She then got up, put on her leather jacket and Disapparated.

* * *

Julia had apparated in an alleyway just outside Black Ice. She had owled Beth, telling her of her intentions so that the bouncer outside would let her in. As soon as she entered, she headed to the bar.

"You must be Beth's friend," said the gruff looking wizard behind the bar. "My name's Reg. Let me know if you need anything." The look in his eye said that he to knew why she was here.

She nodded. "Thanks Reg." Scanning the crowd she asked, "Anything interesting in here tonight? I'm sorta in the mood for blond."

Reg just smiled and said, "No blond just yet, but there are a few brunettes at that table by the stage that may interest you. But if you want to wait, Beth will be coming out to sing soon and certain people never miss the show."

Julia nodded again; she decided that she didn't want any underlings. She only wanted Malfoy. A little while later she spotted him coming through the door. Unfortunately, the curtains had opened at the same time and Beth appeared on stage.

Julia had to admit, Beth had presence. She was wearing a scarlet dress that reminded Julia of something the old torch singers from the 40's used to wear. Her gold hair was pulled into a hairstyle from the same era. She looked nothing like the pretty plain girl who was at her wedding.

She stopped, the thought of the wedding hurt too much and she needed to keep a clear mind.

Beth came out and onto the edge of the stage and the music started. Julia recognized the song, something by Madonna. She thought the song may have been called 'Sooner or Later'. She listened to the woman's beautiful voice, dreaming in her heart that Severus was here with her.

She snapped herself out of her reverie and focused on the deed at hand. She needed to get Malfoy alone, but how?

She began to plot this out in her head, and then a genius idea came to her. She stood up and walked right over to the table where Malfoy and the other Death Eaters were sitting. She tapped him on the shoulder and as soon as he turned around she swiftly sat in his lap.

"What the..." he stammered. "Oh, it's you, Sevvie's ball and chain."

"Oh don't remind me," she retorted. "What a freakin' mistake that was."

"What?" he raised his eyebrows, "No wedded bliss? I would have thought that you two would still be locked in a room shagging like rabbits." He smirked, looking at her knowingly.

"Well, maybe we would have been if it wasn't for your boss. Seems that he decided to call him away just before the honeymoon. Like this is news to you," she said, glaring at him with a sneer on her luscious lips.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," he said, staring at said lips. "I haven't seen Sevvie since that encounter when you so forcefully, and I must add elegantly, brought me to my knees."

In one agile movement she brought her leg up and around and was then sitting on his lap facing him. She gently ran her hand along his cheek and then played with his silver-blond locks.

"Oh, so you like the rough stuff? I wish I had known, I might have brought my whip," she teased.

"Well, normally I would be flattered by your offer, but I did come to see the show," he said, motioning over her shoulder to the stage, not sure which woman he should be paying attention to.

"Yeah, I bet I could give you a better show, if you let me," she said, hoping he would take the bait.

"What is with this change of heart?" he asked, looking back to her with renewed interest.

"No change of heart, I told you, I'm not into that goody-goody thing. I want to be with someone who knows what fun is. Severus was like that, and I loved his sarcasm and nastiness. But then he turned all soft and romantic, as if that's not a Knut a dozen," she lied.

"Sounds tempting, but where could we find privacy in this place," he asked, playing stupid.

"Well, I bet that door back there behind the bar probably leads to an office. But if you want, we could probably get a room somewhere," she offered.

Malfoy thought this through, and agreed to leave the club and go somewhere private. Exactly what Julia had hoped for. She stood up and followed him out of the club. Once outside he led her to an inn just down the road. It was seedy, a bit below his tastes, but he seemed eager to get inside.

As soon as the door closed to their room Julia threw herself onto the bed. "So Blondie, what do you want to do? Should we play a game, or do you just want to get right down and do the dirty deed?" she asked, biting her bottom lip.

"Well, I did enjoy that interrogation number you played on me. That was...stimulating," he teased.

Julia thought to herself, stupid bastard, could you play into my hands a little more?

"Well then," she stood up and grabbed him by his throat, "you sit here." Then she shoved him into the chair that was in the corner. She turned her back to him as she removed her jacket, allowing him to get a good look at her weapons.

Along with the tattoo that he recognized, he started to feel a little uneasy. He thought to himself, there is no way that she is that Bounty Hunter, the one that slaughtered the Ishler-e'tai. He quickly banished the thought as she leaned over him and began to slowly unbutton his shirt.

She decided that she needed to get his wand, and as soon as he wasn't paying attention she would snatch it. "So, tell me, you haven't seen my husband?" she asked as she put her spike-heeled boot on his chest the same way she did a couple of months ago.

"Well not exactly, I know he went to see the Dark Lord, but I haven't seen him since," he replied.

She knew he was lying. She pushed her heel further against his chest. He grimaced as she asked the question again, "Have you seen my husband?"

"No," he replied, and groaned again as she grabbed his hair with her right hand and pulled back, exposing his bare neck. She leaned in and ran her tongue up his throat making him moan, he dropped his walking stick onto the floor. Julia heard the quiet thud and knew that she had to get it out of his reach before he could retrieve it and use the wand that was concealed inside.

Then using her left hand she started to unbutton his shirt further, never letting go of the handful of hair she had, and as soon as his chest was bare she grabbed the candle off the table and poured wax down his chest. He cried out, enjoying the pain.

"I don't think you understand what I am asking. Have you seen my husband?" she asked, this time with menace in her eyes. Putting the candle down she then deftly hit him across the face in the same manner he had used on her.

This time he took notice that she wasn't playing. He tried to reach his stick but Julia swiftly reached down and pushed it behind her and the stick rolled under the bed.

"I haven't seen him," he pleaded.

"You're lying, such a pity. Pretty boy like you risking your good looks for a lie," she said hitting him again, this time even harder. She knew that that one was going to leave a nice bruise.

"I bet you do know where he is. I'm also willing to bet that you have your head so far up Voldemort's ass that you wouldn't even think of telling me," she hissed. Then she smiled and added, "So, I'll hurt it out of you." She reached her arm around and pulled a knife out of her holster, bringing it up to Malfoy's throat.

"Again, where is my husband?" she asked, this time the blond began to tremble. He was finally beginning to understand the mistake he had made.

"He...he's...with my Lord. He is being tested, again. The Dark Lord found out that he was to be married by Dumbledore. He wanted to see where Severus' loyalties lie. But he did well. Severus told my Lord all about your plans to join us." He stopped and looked at Julia with hungry eyes. "The Dark Lord would be very pleased with your work here tonight, I being his best Death Eater. Now I know why Severus is so smitten with you."

"Take me to him," she demanded.

"Now? You mean tonight?" he asked. "There is no way that we could go there tonight. We would need to wait until at least tomorrow morning."

"Blondie, if you think that I'm gonna fuck you, you're nuts," she replied crudely. "I'll just end up killing you with my bare hands. Then move on to the next lackey who may be smarter than you and take me where I want to go."

Malfoy thought about this and quickly agreed to take her to Voldemort. But before he could even change his mind, Julia smoothly grabbed his wand from under the bed. "Did you really think I was going to allow you to be armed? You're definitely not the brightest color in the crayon box."

He looked at her like she was mad and she just shook her head. "My God, just because you hate Muggles do you really think it's smart to not learn anything about their culture?" she asked. Then because of the arrogant look he gave her she added, "Dumb ass."

* * *

Once they left the inn, Malfoy led her to a secluded alleyway and grabbed her arm, they disapparated at the same moment, only to reappear in a field that Julia did not recognize. She had expected this so she did not react, though, by the look on Malfoy's face he had expected to be surprised.

"Yeah," she replied to his sneer, "like I expected you to pop us right into Voldemort's living room. Remember..." she pointed to herself, "bounty hunter!"

He looked away, visibly upset that she wasn't shocked. They began to walk down a little road that ran along the field. She could see a large Manor in the distance. Julia could only assume that that was where they were heading.

They walked for about twenty minutes, finally reaching the front gate.

"I need my wand," Malfoy stated, turning to face Julia.

"Eh, eh," she replied. "I'm definitely not that stupid. He knows you're here. Just push the gate open."

Defeated, Malfoy pushed on the front gate and it opened with a creak. He then walked along the path to the front door, with Julia following. The front door was unlocked also. She knew that Voldemort was waiting for her. Thank God, she paid attention to everything her husband had told her about this maniac, and the Occlumency lessons didn't hurt.

They walked into the foyer and were greeted by a woman that was probably once very striking. Her dark hair and thin frame now competed with her gauntness and the crazed look in her heavily lidded eyes.

"Bella," Malfoy addressed her, "let the Dark Lord know that I have brought him a guest."

The woman, Bella, gave Julia an apprehensive stare and then quietly turned and left the room.

Julia looked at her surroundings, making mental notes. The dark arts ran rampant here and she had to laugh at the plaques of dead house elf heads that were lining the stairway. She thought to herself, what is with these sick bastards.

Bella returned and led them to a sitting room situated in the back of the house. They had passed a few other rooms on the way and Julia noticed other Death Eaters inside.

As soon as they entered the sitting room, Julia almost lost her façade when she got a good look at the 'Dark Lord'. Sitting serenely behind a desk was a milky white figure. He sat there with his hands interlocked as if waiting for a much missed family friend. His face was gaunt and his eyes were slits, but it was the red irises that made her want to run and hide. Immediately, she could feel those eyes boring inside of her brain. She put up her best defenses.

When he spoke, his voice was cold and high. "You must be Severus' Julia, a pleasure to finally meet you." He made her skin crawl. "How can I help you?"

She couldn't believe this. She knew she would have to play a game, but she really didn't expect him to play stupid.

"I came for two reasons. First," she said, calculatingly, "I came to pledge my allegiance to you, my Dark Lord." She then nodded her head and curtsied slightly. "Second, I would like to have my husband back."

Voldemort's demeanor changed slightly, a bit amused he asked, "Why should I believe you? I know the prophecy on that child," he pointed at her stomach. "I know that she will change the world. How do I know you are not trying to protect her?"

Julia responded honestly, "You don't, but I have no reason to lie to you. You have never hurt me. You have stayed your distance. I have heard Severus praise you. My love for him is so that I feel I must to be a part of every aspect of his life." She then added, "I also would consider myself an asset to your cause, considering my position in Dumbledore's eyes."

Malfoy interrupted, "And she is strong, my Lord, she has abilities. I think she is the one that..."

Julia barely had time to react, in one fell moment Voldemort whipped out his wand and cried, "Crucio!" Malfoy fell to his knees screaming.

"I do not tolerate interruptions. I know of her strength, Lucius," Voldemort hissed. "I remember only too well, your failed attack." He then released the curse.

"Julia," he said, turning his attentions, "I want you to stay here with me. I want to know that you are not lying to me just to get Severus."

Bowing her head again, she replied, "It would be my pleasure to stay here and be with others like myself. Unfortunately, I think that Dumbledore may cause trouble. Now that he is back in the Ministry's good graces, I believe that he will start searching for me. I would hate to be the cause of any foiled plans."

"You are sly. Now I know why your name is the first to come up when anyone speaks of bounty hunters," he stated. She could feel him probing her thoughts. His red eyes searchws for hidden answers in her eyes of blue. "I will concede this time. I like you and your mind is very true just like Severus. But I warn you, cross me and you and your child will pay."

"Bellatrix!" he called, never allowing his eyes to leave Julia's. "Take young Julia to her husband." Then looking at the crazed woman, he added, "Do not hurt this one."

Julia curtsied again and quickly followed Bellatrix out the door, leaving Malfoy behind. She could hear Voldemort cursing the blond again and interrogating him on his encounter with Julia.

Bellatrix led her through the house and to a locked door. "Alohomora," she hissed, waving her wand. They then proceeded to descend a flight of dirty stone steps that reminded Julia of an old dungeon. They turned a corner at the bottom of the stair and she saw two walls made of bars. Bellatrix led her to the third cell down and unlocked the door with her wand. There, lying in a crumpled pile, was Severus, still in his wedding clothes.

"Oh God," Julia said, fighting her urge to go on a murder spree. He must have heard her voice and looked up, not really expecting to see her.

"J-Julia?" he moaned. "W-what are you doing here?"

"Shhhhh, don't worry about that. Let's get you out of here," she said, trying to pull him up to his feet.

"It's too dangerous. The baby. You're not real," he tried to make sense of it all.

She stopped pulling him and looked into his face. "Severus, listen to me right now. I am fine and you are coming home with me. Get up on your feet and walk. NOW!"

He looked stunned, she had never yelled at him. He knew the situation was severe so he immediately forced himself to stand and allowed her to help him walk up the stone steps. Malfoy appeared at the door looking a bit ruffled around the edges and stated, "Before you leave, my Lord would like to speak with you once more."

Not allowing Malfoy to see the defeat she was feeling, she nodded her head and followed him, noticing how he conveniently did not help her with Severus.

Once back inside the sitting room she refused to let him go. She insisted that he stand next to her; this was not a time for weakness.

"Dear, Julia," Voldemort hissed. "Before you leave, I have decided to give you a little job. I have had some trouble with a group of so-called friends to my cause. I would like you to go and speak with them, if you will. Remind them of the consequences of changing their minds."

"May I bring Severus back home first?" she asked politely, praying that he would agree.

"I have grown bored with his presence. You may return home with him, but you have two hours to return to me," he replied.

"Thank you, my Lord," she said.

* * *

Julia hobbled back down the lane that headed to the spot where she and Lucius had Apparated an hour ago. Severus was barely coherent, he was not quite sure, in his mind, if this was really happening. She tried to assure him, but he only looked at her with confusion in his eyes.

"Don't worry," she said to him, "we will be at the Burrow soon and Molly will make you better." She was fighting back her tears. She did not know what was wrong with him, so she really had no idea if he could get better.

When they had reached the spot, she carefully looked around to see if there was anywhere she could hide him. She knew she couldn't Apparate with him, and he was too weak to do it himself. She noticed some trees in the near distance. Re-adjusted his arm over her shoulder, she hitched him again, leading him to the shelter. After a few minutes, they got there and she hid him behind a rather large willow tree.

"Severus, love," she said softly. "I am going to get help. I need you to stay right here. Can you promise me that you won't try to move?"

He looked at her for a moment, relays clicking in his mind. "P-polyjuice," he stammered. "Julia wouldn't be so foolish. She wouldn't have come."

"No, love, it is me," she pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "I did come, I came for you. Severus, I'll be back." She placed a kiss on his cheek. He tried to pull away.

She then stood up, brushing the tears off her face and disapparated.

* * *

"Hello!" Julia yelled, as she entered the Burrow. "I need help, is anyone home?"

"Julia, is that you, dear?" She heard Molly reply before she spotted the blur of red rushing down the stairs and grab her into a hug. "You had us worried. Are you hurt? Did you find Severus?"

"Molly, I need Arthur or Remus or anyone," she pleaded. "Severus is hiding right now. He is not well and I can't Apparate with him."

"I'll get my wand" Ahe started to turn away.

"No!" Julia yelled abruptly. "I will not have you risking your life. We will be just outside of Voldemort's manor and I will not risk you."

"No one else is here, dear. I am your only choice," she replied solemnly.

"Molly, I don't know what's wrong with him. He doesn't see that it's me," she explained. "He doesn't even want me to kiss him."

"Let's go retrieve him and we will see what is wrong," the older woman said, trying to calm Julia.

She thought for a moment and took a deep breath, "Okay."

* * *

Two women apparated in a cove of trees next to a field, a huge manor stood in the distance. The younger of the two knelt near a crumpled black figure and hoisted it up. The older woman put her arm around the figure's waist and in a blink, all three disappeared.