Snape's Heart

Chapter Sixteen

(Lessons)

The school year was finally over. The students were all packed and ready to head out for the train. Julia was standing by the front steps wishing her students a good summer. She would miss them all and could hardly wait for the summer to be over.

She felt a tap on her shoulder, when she turned she was looking into the green eyes of Mr. Potter.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, giving him a hug. "I'm gonna miss you." She pulled away, looking him up and down. "Boy, you better stop growing. I think you shot up at least a foot this year."

He smiled at her and said, "I just wanted to thank you. I had a lot of fun helping you teach."

"No problem, sweetie." She smiled, "If I helped teach you guys how to better protect yourselves, then I did my job." She hugged him again and then quickly said, "I'm gonna see you before the end of the summer. Molly Weasley is planning on kidnapping me for the end of my pregnancy. So we can start practicing again. Now go before you miss the train."

"Bye, Professor Lee," Harry said, as he grabbed Hedwig in her cage and ran down the steps. She watched him catch up with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville. They all turned and waved goodbye. She started to tear up. Stop it, she scolded herself, you're gonna see them in a few weeks. Unfortunately, her hormones refused to listen to logic and she walked back inside the castle, crying.

As she reached the dungeons, she could hear Severus coming down the hall behind her. She turned to greet him. He stopped cold when he saw her tears.

"What happened?" he said, sternly.

"Nothing, I'm just gonna miss the kids," she replied, sobbing.

He looked as if a lead weight had been lifted. Severus grabbed her and hugged her, scolding her at the same time. "Don't scare me like that. I thought something bad had happened."

"You worry too much," she replied. "You'll give yourself an ulcer."

"Well, it's not like you have never given me a reason to worry," he retorted, hugging her tighter.

"Hey," she said, defensively, "just keeping you on your toes." Then she gave him a big evil grin.

They continued to walk to their chambers. They had decided to share Snape's living quarters and use her old ones as a workout area for her and the students. She honestly couldn't believe that this school had no gym; it wasn't as if EVERYONE played Quidditch.

* * *

That night they decided to eat dinner alone instead of joining the rest of the teachers. They sat on the sofa in front of the fire enjoying each others company. It was a beautiful night and there was a cool breeze coming in from the open door. Julia decided that she wanted to go for a walk. She headed into the bedroom to put on some shoes. When she had returned Severus was standing in the middle of the room clutching his left forearm.

"Shit!" was the only word that Julia could form. She closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them that he would not be looking at her with those sad eyes. She slowly opened them, he was standing there, and his eyes were sad. "Shit!"

She turned right around and went to change. She felt that lavender sweats probably weren't the best clothing for intimidation. She donned a pair of black silk pants, and a black silk fitted button-down blouse that left a little tummy exposed.

She then put on her new holster. Finally, she put on her boots and a long fitted black leather jacket. A gift from Severus, probably the closest thing to a robe that anyone would ever see her wear. Then pulling out her wand she quickly made her hair all curly with the top pulled up into little twists and the rest cascading down her back. Quickly, she overdid her make-up. The whole ordeal took less than fifteen minutes. She had been planning this for awhile and had the clothes already picked out. Scanning herself in the mirror she cringed.

"Yeah, I look tough. Look at me and my big intimidating belly." She scoffed, "Don't piss me off, I may lactate on you."

Severus came into the room, smiling at her. "We have to go. You look fine."

She turned to him, eyes burning through his smile. "I look about as fearsome as...as...well, Malfoy."

He laughed at her words and she punched him in the arm. "Don't laugh at the bitchy pregnant lady," she pouted.

He pulled her into a hug, "You are beautiful no matter what you wear."

"Yeah, well, you see me naked. You get to say that." She got serious. "I know all the outfit changes seem silly to a man who wears black robes all the time, but my clothes help set my mood. I need to be the hunter, not the mom."

He understood, he didn't argue. He kissed her and assured her that she would do fine. Then taking her hand they walked out of the room and headed to see the Headmaster.

* * *

Dumbledore seemed to be expecting them. He was sitting in the staff room with McGonagall and Flitwick having a riveting conversation about Russian pygmy hamsters. When Julia and Severus walked in, Dumbledore never even gave them a chance to speak. He simply stood up and said, "I have a portkey waiting."

They followed him to his office. Once there he went over to a cupboard and retrieved what looked to be a half empty, crumpled pack of cigarettes. He placed it on a table and then turned to the duo.

"Severus, guard her with your life," he said, placing a hand on Julia's stomach. They exchanged strained smiles and Julia hugged Albus.

She whispered in his ear, "You do know that you are my favorite Uncle? I love you."

When she pulled away, she noticed that Dumbledore had tears in his bright blue eyes. He patted her hand and nodded. Then motioning toward the portkey, they took their positions and were immediately sucked into a vortex. When they finally stopped, they were standing in the field.

* * *

They had reached the manor in less than twenty minutes. As they entered the foyer, Julia felt a rush of nausea wash over her. She steadied herself and shook it off, thinking it must have been a reaction to the portkey and being pregnant. They were greeted at the door by Malfoy. "Took you long enough," he sneered.

"Did you miss me Lucius?" Julia teased, noting immediately that Severus was not happy. She had forgotten that he had not witnessed the relationship, for lack of a better word, that she had with Malfoy. She liked to think of it as a hate/hate kind of thing. She enjoyed mentally messing with the prat, and he always seemed to take her bait.

"Why would I miss you?" he replied, in a snobby manner.

As Julia walked past him, following Severus, she patted Malfoy on the cheek. "'Cause, I noticed your bruises have faded. You know how much I enjoy adding a little color to your face." She then smiled, devilishly and trotted up to her husband, taking his hand and sticking her tongue out at Malfoy.

"You shouldn't egg him on like that," Severus hissed at her. "He is not as stupid as you think he is." He accentuated his words by squeezing her hand a bit.

"I've met zombies that had more brain wave activity than that man." She stopped him and looked into his eye. "Love, don't stress yourself. I can handle myself. I won't cause too much trouble." Then she gave him a look, which Severus found to be a bit crazed. "I'm in my element."

He pursed his lips as a weight dropped into his stomach. She was in her element, and that scared him. She enjoyed this way too much. He slowly turned back toward the hall and continued until they were in the library.

* * *

Other Death Eaters had assembled, and some had their wives with them. Julia thought to herself, there really is a 'Wives Club'. Voldemort was not there yet. Severus scanned the room and found a free sofa that they could sit in. The other wives looked at Julia as if she was a 10 sickle whore. She noted how they didn't touch their husbands, how they stayed just one step behind them and how they didn't speak unless spoken to.

She took advantage of this. As soon as Severus sat down, she threw her legs across his and leaned over and kissed his cheek. He could tell what she was trying to do, but didn't have the heart to stop her. He would never admit it, but he sort of wanted to see her work. He turned toward her and kissed her back. Julia was a bit shocked that he was going to play her game and for a moment they got lost in the kiss. Maybe a little too lost. She felt Severus' hand run along her leg to her hip, slowly heading up under her coat toward her breast. She started to play with the buttons on his shirt when a voice interrupted.

"Could you two please control your urges, there are ladies present," Malfoy drawled.

They stopped and snickered to each other, their lips still very close. Julia replied, "Jealous Lucius?"

"What would I have to be jealous of? You two, acting like hormonal teenagers?" he replied, smugly.

Julia quickly kissed Severus again and then turned to Malfoy, "No, jealous 'cause your wife won't put out." The room hummed with quiet chuckles from everyone except Malfoy and the tall, stunning blonde standing by the fireplace. Julia assumed that she was the unfortunate Mrs. Malfoy. She would have been quite gorgeous if she didn't look as if she constantly smelled bad cheese.

Lucius shot her a deadly look and walked over to his wife, "Narcissa and I do not have to be vulgar to show our affections." He then took her hand and kissed it. Narcissa looked at him, slightly stunned.

"Oh yeah, she looks thrilled." She then looked back to Severus, kissed him deeply again and then commented to him, "Maybe it's Malfoy who's frigid?" Then resumed her little snog fest. Severus was completely enjoying the fact that he was her weapon against Malfoy.

Malfoy was about to say something, when he was interrupted by a cold high voice. "Let the newlyweds have their fun, Lucius. Who knows how much longer they have to live." At this comment, Severus stopped and forced Julia to sit right. He became apologetic to Voldemort. "I am sorry, my Lord."

Julia, on the other hand, dabbed at her lips and smiled wolfishly at the Dark Lord.

Voldemort crossed the room and took a seat in a huge overstuffed chair by the fire. Everyone was silent and awaited his words. The wives slowly filed out of the room, looking at Julia as if to say 'follow us'. She didn't move. Voldemort motioned to Malfoy and stated, "They may stay and maybe they will learn how to better serve me."

The wives looked as if they had been slapped in the face and slowly returned to their husbands.

Severus' hand crept over and he took Julia's, squeezing it slightly, hoping that she would get his meaning. She squeezed back and then placed his hand on her belly. Rose kicked in response causing Severus to smile.

Voldemort then began the meeting. Getting updates on Ministry information and recent raids.

After about two hours, Julia was getting bored. She knew that Severus was taking mental notes of everything that was said so he could tell Dumbledore. She just didn't have it in her to pay attention. Her mind began to wander as she looked at all the paintings on the walls. The one that got her attention was a painting called 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp' by Rembrandt van Rijn. She had seen it many years ago in a Muggle museum. She had thought that that one was the original. It didn't move then, but it moved now. The autopsy was being performed, the spectators stopping to take notes, the bones and muscles of the corpses left hand exposed and glistening. She was intrigued. She couldn't tear herself away from the painting. Severus noticed her stare and nudged her in an attempt to get her attention. She ignored him, wanting to see how far the 'lesson' would go. It was only the sound of Voldemort addressing her that brought her back to reality.

"Julia, my pet, come to me," he hissed. She slowly stood and walked over to his chair. He placed a hand on her stomach and she fought with every ounce of her being to not flinch. "You are blossoming well," he paused, looking intently at her swollen abdomen. "I still cannot read this child, she is still too immature," then looking into Julia's eyes he added, "she may live...for now."

He then motioned for Julia to kneel; she did so and bowed her head. "Thank you my Lord." He placed his hand on her face; again she fought off her urges. He turned her face to look at him and stated, "Severus has been taking good care of you, and you look well. I would hate for you to take ill, I see a great future for you."

Then speaking loudly so the whole room could hear, "You have great potential. I can see in your mind the horrible things you have done, and I am proud." Julia smiled at his flattery, causing a chill of fear to run thru Severus.

Voldemort continued, "I have a gift for you, Julia." He then turned and called, "Wormtail! Bring me Julia's gift." A balding man with a gloved hand approached them carrying a rather large box, handing it to the Dark Lord.

Voldemort than handed the black box to Julia, "Here my pet, a present for your Rose." Julia paused long enough to notice the other wives looking at her anxiously. She wondered if any of them had received baby presents, probably not. She slowly opened the box, half expecting some creature to spring out at her. Instead, inside, wrapped in green velvet, was a rather large piece of rose quartz, carved into an unfolding rose. It was stunning. Voldemort then patted her on the head and commented, "You are a gift to me, an asset, and I protect and adore my assets." He then stood up and motioned for Julia to do the same. "I must take my leave, but stay and enjoy the evening." Then swiftly the Dark Lord left the room.

Julia, still in awe of her present, walked sedately over to Severus. He looked at her with concern, flashing a hateful eye at the gift. Looking up at him, Julia asked, "Has he ever done anything like that before?" Severus only shook his head. "Should I be afraid?" He nodded this time.

Suddenly, Julia was nudged hard in the back by Narcissa Malfoy. Turning quickly, Julia looked at her with daggers in her eyes.

"How come you're teachers pet? Did you sleep with him?" Narcissa hissed.

"No, even better, I killed for him," Julia replied, matter-of-factly. When she saw the confused look on the blonde's face she quickly added, "What? You thought all those blow jobs would earn you brownie points. Maybe you should wear the knee-pads yourself and stop making Lucius do all the dirty work." Then she closed the box on her gift and took her husband by the hand and said, in her best British accent, "Shall we, my love."

As they were walking out Narcissa grabbed her by the shoulder and tried to spin Julia around. Allowing herself to turn to face her blue eyes, she was suddenly struck across the face by Narcissa. "You hit me?" She turned to Severus, with mock horror she said, "She hit me."

Severus and Lucius both looked at Narcissa with the same expression of 'you dumb bitch'. Julia balled her fist and clocked the blonde square in the jaw. Narcissa fell back and landed a few feet away. Lucius only looked at her. "Touch me again and that fist will be the last thing you ever see. Apparently your husband didn't fill you in. I don't take threats, I don't tolerate snobs and killing is my passion. So think about that the next time you feel like lifting a hand to me." She then walked out of the room. Across the way was a dining hall and some of the Death Eaters and wives had congregated inside. There was a long table with decadent looking foods, Julia headed in that direction.

Narcissa followed her out into the hall, still holding the place on her jaw where she was punched. "How long do you think you are going to be his favorite?"

Julia stopped and slowly turned. Severus went pale when he saw the expression on her face. She wore an expression of pure evil and hate. She then began, in a cold and deep voice that slowly got louder and stronger. "I do not want favoritism, only respect. I deserve respect. I demand respect!" Severus only looked at her, completely in shock. He had never seen this side of her, it was worse than when she attacked Lucius the first time.

Julia continued, her eyes full of fire, "I am not just a mindless, 'wave-your-wand-and-cast-a-spell' kind of killer. When I kill, I feel the warmth of the body, the spray of the blood. I taste my own sweat and feel my muscles burn. I have fought and earned the death that I have caused. I will be favored until the day comes when I die."

Everyone stood silently, shocked at the statements coming from this girl. Narcissa glowered at her, opening her mouth, then closing it when Lucius grabbed her arm. He looked at her and shook his head. He knew that her words would only encourage Julia's mood.

Seeing this, Julia smiled and quickly turned back toward her mission of getting a bite to eat. Severus walked past the Malfoys, following in Julia's wake. She grabbed a small plate and began to pluck some strawberries out of a silver bowl. Severus stood next to her and said, "I think we should leave."

"No," she replied calmly, now picking up a chocolate truffle.

"Julia, we have overstayed our welcome. Malfoy will go and report," he said, a bit more urgently.

Julia eyed a bottle of red wine, knowing that one glass wouldn't hurt; she poured some into a crystal wine glass. Then turning to her husband, she said, "Malfoy won't do anything. If he does...oh, well. You heard our Lord, he is proud of my past." She then walked back into the library and sat back down on the sofa, resuming her fascination with the painting.

Severus followed her and sat down next to her, looked at the painting and then looked back at her. "Have you gone over the edge? What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing, love," she said, distractedly. Dr. Tulp was about to make another incision.

"Julia, what is wrong?" he demanded, feeling fear creep up his spine. "I want to go home; I want you to come with me."

"You can go," she dismissed him. "I wanna stay, I am home."

Those words slapped Severus in the face. She wanted to stay, she called this her home. He needed to get her and the baby out of here before she did something drastic.

As she ate a truffle, she looked over at Severus. She could see he was worried, but for some reason, she didn't care. He worried too much; she was only having some fun. She enjoyed being acknowledged for her abilities, appreciated for her strength. Voldemort treated her the way she should be treated, like she is better than the rest.

Severus sat thinking, going over in his mind everything that had happened that evening. Then it hit him, the present. She had acted odd all night, but it was an act. But when she had that rose, she wasn't acting. She had carried it with her and it was now sitting on the couch next to her. He needed to get it away before she hurt someone for real. He needed to find Malfoy.

"I'm going to go get some wine, would you like something else, dear?" he asked, hoping she wouldn't notice his excitement. She waved him off and he quickly found Malfoy in the hall, waiting for Narcissa to come back downstairs.

"Lucius, I have a proposal for you," he said slyly, sometimes he scared himself.

"What do you want Severus? I don't have time for anymore games, don't you think that you and your wife have caused enough problems," he replied, exasperated.

Raising an eyebrow, Severus said, "I want you to seduce Julia."

Malfoy looked at him, his mouth hanging open. "Wha-what?"

"Seduce Julia," he repeated slowly. "She wants you, and I want her happy. Go and seduce my wife."

Considering that Malfoy rarely ever used logic when it came to matters of the groin, he thought about it for a minute and then walked into the library and sat next to Julia.

Severus then ran up the stairs to go speak with Narcissa.

Julia looked at Malfoy and rolled her eyes, "What do you want, Blondie?"

"I do love your little pet name for me. You do realize that you can always come to me for some respect," he drawled. "I have seen you first hand; I am in awe of you."

That caught Julia's attention, she moved herself closer to Lucius. Her mouth very close to his, she looked at his full lips, almost daring them to kiss her. Lucius had no idea that she would give in so quickly, he put his hand on her thigh and gently squeezed. That was all she needed, she grabbed him on both sides of his face and kissed him hard and rough. She bit his lip and then sucked hard on his neck. He started to let his hand roam up her leg and she gasped a little.

Severus returned to the Library with Narcissa. They both gasped at the sight on the sofa. Severus grabbed Julia's arm and pulled her away from Lucius, Narcissa punched Malfoy in the eye. Before a cat fight could ensue, in which Julia would probably have slaughtered Narcissa, Severus ran out of the manor and down the dirt road, pulling Julia along as quickly as he could. He was not mad at her; he had caused the situation anyway. And in the shuffle, the rose was left behind.