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Chapter Twenty-three: Pretender

"The best way to keep one's word is not to give it."

Moving quickly, Wraith ran back to where she had tossed her shoes and slipped them back on. As soon as Hagrid had taken Fang back inside where she was sure that they'd be safe, Wraith hurried down the path towards the gate, just as she saw it start to open. Looking down at herself, she snapped her fingers impatiently. The mud and dirt that Fang's paws had smeared on her vanished as if it had never been.

Lord Voldemort stepped through the gate, unsurprised to see his Wraith coming towards him. "Pet," he said with a nod of his head.

Even at a distance, Wraith saw immediately that her Lord was in a foul mood. "My Lord," she said, her voice even.

He reached her and absently touched a hand to her cheek as he passed. "I've come to speak with Severus," he told her as they walked up to the castle side by side.

"He's likely in his office," Wraith said. "Would you like me to run up and let him know that you're here?"

"No," Voldemort said, glancing at her and coming to a step at the bottom of the front steps. "Give me your arm."

She offered her left arm to him and he pushed back her sleeve. Wraith winced only slightly when he touched his finger to the Mark on her skin and made it burn. Still holding her wrist, Voldemort seemed to frown down at her Mark. Wraith glanced down, but saw nothing for her Lord to frown at.

"My Lord?" she said hesitantly.

He lifted his eyes to her face and she saw how deep his ire truly went. It shook her to even imagine it could be taken out on her.

"M-my Lord, what has happened?" she asked swiftly.

"Nothing has happened," Voldemort snapped, releasing her and stepping away. "I'll explain inside." He walked quickly and Wraith struggled to keep up.

They were met by Severus at the top of the staircase within the entrance hall. Without a word, Snape fell into step behind the Dark Lord with Wraith. Voldemort led them to the sitting room on the sixth floor. With a flick of his wand, flames erupted in the fireplace, casting light into the previously dark room.

Striding along the length of the table, Voldemort stopped at the head of it and turned, placing his hands flat upon the table's surface. "We have discovered, at last, what it is that Potter and the Order took from the Ministry. Their purpose, it seems, involved a file within Rabastan Lestrange's office. Previously, I had set Rabastan and Yaxley with the task of tracking Talbot and his last band of rebels. The file that Potter took contained everything that we have discovered about Talbot, including his presumed location."

Wraith stepped forward, frowning thoughtfully. "But what would the Order of the Phoenix want with the rebels? Why are they seeking them out now?"

"That answer is why I am here, my Wraith," Voldemort said shortly. His red eyes turned to Snape. "Severus, I have need of your opinion. You know how I value it. You know Minerva McGonagall better than any other I could ask. What do you think she wants with this information?"

For a few moments, Snape was silent. "…It is actually hard to say," he said slowly, "My first instinct tells me that Minerva would seek an alliance with those already against you. However…"

"Yes?" Voldemort prompted.

"There are many within the Order who would…object to such an alliance," Snape said. "Many of those rebels had a hand in many deaths within the Order."

"But McGonagall herself? Potter?"

"There is little they wouldn't do to bring my Lord down," Snape said softly. He and Wraith shared a quick glance when the Dark Lord remained silent.

Then, with a sudden motion, Voldemort turned and his wand slashed through the air. There was a quick flash of light and one of the windows shattered instantly. Wraith and Snape froze as the shards of glass scattered across the floor with the force of the Dark Lord's spell.

In the terrible silence that followed, Wraith took a single step forward, placing her hand upon Snape's arm. He glanced at her, saw the quick shot of fear in her eyes, but also the strength beneath it.

"Go," she all but breathed the word. Snape shook his head just slightly, his eyes upon the Dark Lord's back. Wraith moved closer still and whispered into his ear. "I could make you leave, Severus," she told him.

Snape scowled briefly, turning his head again to meet her eyes. He longed to be able to speak openly, but did not dare. You don't need to protect me child, he thought as he turned from her again. I've been doing this a lot longer than you have.

He started forward, but Wraith's hand gripped at his sleeve, holding him back. He looked back at her sharply, saw the concern and worry clearly in her face. It surprised and touched him.

They both stopped when the Dark Lord turned towards them again. Her hand still upon Snape's arm, Wraith hurriedly stepped forward towards Voldemort.

"My Lord," she said softly, releasing Snape's arm and reaching her hand out to the Dark Lord. "Even together, what can they do?" She tentatively touched his face, moving closer. "They are but a pebble in your shoe," she spoke quietly, barely audibly over the roar of the fire behind them. "They cannot stand against you forever. You are too powerful. You will break them."

Voldemort pushed her hand aside, but he seemed calmer. "Such confidence, pet."

"Confidence is easy when you're on the winning side," she replied dryly.

"My Lord," Snape began cautiously, "I find I agree with the Wraith. The Order has no real chance, even allied with Talbot. They have been constantly on the defensive, they've not the power or skill to launch a true offensive attack. They may persist a while longer, but they will not gain any ground against you."

Once more, Voldemort was silent, but his silence this time seemed more contemplative. "Wraith," he said at last, "the locket. Bring it forth."

Frowning slightly at the sudden request, Wraith closed her eyes and held out her open hand. A moment later she held the golden locket the Dark Lord had placed into her protection. She held it out to her Lord, who took it from her.

Holding it up in the firelight, Voldemort's gaze seemed to sharpen. "Above all else, my pet," he said softly, his words for Wraith alone, "You must keep this safe. There is nothing of greater importance. Do you understand?"

Wraith nodded as he handed her the locket once more. "I understand, my Lord," she said, clutching the locket to her heart, "It will remain safe. As your loyal servant, you have my word."

Voldemort touched a hand to her cheek, leaning closer to her. "You are a blessing," he murmured to her. With that, he straightened and left the room with a bare nod to Snape as he passed. But at the doorway, he paused, looking back to Snape. "Be at the Manor, Severus, in three days time, at eight. I want your view of things to come."

"Yes, my Lord," Snape replied, bowing his head.

Then the Dark Lord was gone, closing the door behind him. Snape looked to Wraith. When she lifted her gaze to his and nodded that it was safe, he spoke at last.

"You've a gift for finding the right words with him," he told her.

"If my Lord has anything, it is pride," Wraith replied, "Pride I understand, for I also have it in abundance. Potter's attack on the Ministry hurt our Lord's pride…in more ways than one," she added dryly. "It is, perhaps, the only thing I truly understand about my Lord," she said softly, "For we've only that in common."

It was early the very next evening that the school owl that Wraith had borrowed returned to Hogwarts. Wraith was walking outside along the lake's edge when the owl found her. He fluttered down to land upon her shoulder, a return letter clutched in his beak.

Wraith felt a thrill run through her a she took the letter from the bird. Freed of its obligation, the owl took off, flying back to the Owlery. Wraith started back up to the castle herself, the letter pressed to her heart. She had only just reached the top of the staircase within when she saw Snape at the end of the hall.

"Janesch wrote back," she said at once.

The joy in her eyes was bright and Snape returned her small smile.

"Well, there you are. Have you read the letter?"

"Not yet," Wraith said, shaking her head. "I just got it. I was going up to my room so I could write a reply back once I had."

"A sound plan," Snape said. Hesitantly, he touched a hand to her shoulder. "Best get on with it. I will be in the library should you have any need of me."

"Thank you, Severus," she said. Still smiling, she hurried down the hall past him.

Snape waited a moment there, watching her go before he started for the library again.

Wraith reached her rooms to find that the house-elves had already stoked up her fire and her room was comfortably warm within. There was also a tray of tea and small sandwiches for her as well. She was pleased to see it, surprised that the elves had taken such initiative. Then she laughed at her own foolishness. Snape had probably told them to bring her food. He watched her eating habits more closely than the Dark Lord did.

Wraith sat at her table and poured a cup of tea before she finally opened the letter to read.

My Dearest Little Ghost, Janesch wrote, I was sorry to hear of your pain, but am glad that you are healing from it. You are right in the fact that I cannot be near you yet, but I am very glad to write, ma petite. I am still in Britain, though I won't say where just in case this letter falls into the wrong hands.

I was surprised and rather delighted to read what you had to say concerning one Severus Snape. I had thought to waylay him into obligation concerning your life and welfare, but to hear that he has become a true friend to you is astonishing…and makes for very glad tidings. You've a skill, my little ghost, for finding friends just when you have need of them.

As far as your…secret of the forest…Ma petite, I am rather impressed! How is it that even without me to goad you along you manage to find the most improper of first loves? You must tell me more of what happened there, I beg, I plead! Tit for tat, ma chéri, I'll even tell you about my new sweetheart in return.

And tell me more of Hogwarts. You sound so much happier there than I have ever felt from one of your letters.

With all the love I possess, Janesch.

By the time that Wraith had reached the end of the letter, her eyes were filled with tears. Reading his words, hearing the familiar turn of dark humor the vampire possessed, made her miss him all the more. It was almost a physical pain in the dead center of her heart. But even with the pain, she was so very glad he had written back. She immediately reached for a sheet of parchment and ink and quill and set to writing her own reply.

Janesch, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have you reply to my letter. I do promise that I am healing, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by everything I've gone through, and everything I've done, since the night you left.

I feel rather lucky to have Severus as a friend, although it is a rather odd friendship at best. I've never had someone to act as a father to me, Gavin never bothered and the Dark Lord…well. And Severus doesn't always manage to pull it off, either, I think because he's never actually been a father, but I appreciate the effort on his part. But he takes care of me, albeit from something of a distance. He does what the Dark Lord did not; he makes sure that I eat and that I sleep. He watches to see that I am actually healing, rather than just taking my word for it.

As far as my secret…as I said in my first letter, that path has run its course. Though I have to admit, I don't regret it in the least. I found what I was missing with the Dark Lord's touch, Janesch, and even if I never find it again, I'll at least have had it once.

So you've found a lover again, have you? I suppose he's young and innocent, or he was when you met him anyway. Maybe someday I will meet him.

I am happy here at Hogwarts, Janesch. Life is simpler here and there are no masks to wear. I will be sad to leave it, for I know that I cannot remain here forever.

Write back as soon as you get this, my dearest friend.

With love, your little ghost.

Much later in the night, Snape found Wraith curled up on one of the couches in the library. He thought that she must have snuck in earlier without his notice. She looked so very peaceful that he was tempted to let her sleep there, but it was better that she slept in her own bed.

With a sigh, Snape knelt beside the couch and reached out a hand to gently shake the girl's shoulder. "Wraith," he spoke softly, but firmly, "Child, wake up."

She made a stubborn sound of protest and sleepily shook her head. Again, Snape sighed, this time with impatience.

"Wraith, wake up."

Her only reply was to turn her head away from him. Snape closed his eyes and wished for further patience.

"Fine then," he said, thinking that it was a good thing that the girl was so tiny. He stood and as gently as he could, lifted her up from the couch into his arms. To his surprise, the girl turned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. He moved slowly carefully, as he left the library and carried her up the stairs to her own rooms.

It wasn't until he had reached her door that she began to stir. "Severus?" she murmured sleepily, not opening her eyes.

"Yes, Wraith?" he replied dryly, pushing her door open with his shoulder.

"You're my friend, aren't you?"

He paused, closing his eyes. "Yes, Wraith."

"You wouldn't leave me, would you?" she asked, her words slurred by the fact that she wasn't really awake. "You wouldn't hurt me?"

Snape was silent as he crossed to her bedroom, and as he gently laid her in the bed. He took up her blanket and threw it over her. Then he touched his hand to her cheek, brushing aside a strand of raven hair.

"Goodnight, Wraith," he told her. It was his only reply.

Description
Chapter Twenty-three: Pretender

"The best way to keep one's word is not to give it."

Moving quickly, Wraith ran back to where she had tossed her shoes and slipped them back on. As soon as Hagrid had taken Fang back inside where she was sure that they'd be safe, Wraith hurried down the path towards the gate, just as she saw it start to open. Looking down at herself, she snapped her fingers impatiently. The mud and dirt that Fang's paws had smeared on her vanished as if it had never been.

Lord Voldemort stepped through the gate, unsurprised to see his Wraith coming towards him. "Pet," he said with a nod of his head.

Even at a distance, Wraith saw immediately that her Lord was in a foul mood. "My Lord," she said, her voice even.

He reached her and absently touched a hand to her cheek as he passed. "I've come to speak with Severus," he told her as they walked up to the castle side by side.

"He's likely in his office," Wraith said. "Would you like me to run up and let him know that you're here?"

"No," Voldemort said, glancing at her and coming to a step at the bottom of the front steps. "Give me your arm."

She offered her left arm to him and he pushed back her sleeve. Wraith winced only slightly when he touched his finger to the Mark on her skin and made it burn. Still holding her wrist, Voldemort seemed to frown down at her Mark. Wraith glanced down, but saw nothing for her Lord to frown at.

"My Lord?" she said hesitantly.

He lifted his eyes to her face and she saw how deep his ire truly went. It shook her to even imagine it could be taken out on her.

"M-my Lord, what has happened?" she asked swiftly.

"Nothing has happened," Voldemort snapped, releasing her and stepping away. "I'll explain inside." He walked quickly and Wraith struggled to keep up.

They were met by Severus at the top of the staircase within the entrance hall. Without a word, Snape fell into step behind the Dark Lord with Wraith. Voldemort led them to the sitting room on the sixth floor. With a flick of his wand, flames erupted in the fireplace, casting light into the previously dark room.

Striding along the length of the table, Voldemort stopped at the head of it and turned, placing his hands flat upon the table's surface. "We have discovered, at last, what it is that Potter and the Order took from the Ministry. Their purpose, it seems, involved a file within Rabastan Lestrange's office. Previously, I had set Rabastan and Yaxley with the task of tracking Talbot and his last band of rebels. The file that Potter took contained everything that we have discovered about Talbot, including his presumed location."

Wraith stepped forward, frowning thoughtfully. "But what would the Order of the Phoenix want with the rebels? Why are they seeking them out now?"

"That answer is why I am here, my Wraith," Voldemort said shortly. His red eyes turned to Snape. "Severus, I have need of your opinion. You know how I value it. You know Minerva McGonagall better than any other I could ask. What do you think she wants with this information?"

For a few moments, Snape was silent. "…It is actually hard to say," he said slowly, "My first instinct tells me that Minerva would seek an alliance with those already against you. However…"

"Yes?" Voldemort prompted.

"There are many within the Order who would…object to such an alliance," Snape said. "Many of those rebels had a hand in many deaths within the Order."

"But McGonagall herself? Potter?"

"There is little they wouldn't do to bring my Lord down," Snape said softly. He and Wraith shared a quick glance when the Dark Lord remained silent.

Then, with a sudden motion, Voldemort turned and his wand slashed through the air. There was a quick flash of light and one of the windows shattered instantly. Wraith and Snape froze as the shards of glass scattered across the floor with the force of the Dark Lord's spell.

In the terrible silence that followed, Wraith took a single step forward, placing her hand upon Snape's arm. He glanced at her, saw the quick shot of fear in her eyes, but also the strength beneath it.

"Go," she all but breathed the word. Snape shook his head just slightly, his eyes upon the Dark Lord's back. Wraith moved closer still and whispered into his ear. "I could make you leave, Severus," she told him.

Snape scowled briefly, turning his head again to meet her eyes. He longed to be able to speak openly, but did not dare. You don't need to protect me child, he thought as he turned from her again. I've been doing this a lot longer than you have.

He started forward, but Wraith's hand gripped at his sleeve, holding him back. He looked back at her sharply, saw the concern and worry clearly in her face. It surprised and touched him.

They both stopped when the Dark Lord turned towards them again. Her hand still upon Snape's arm, Wraith hurriedly stepped forward towards Voldemort.

"My Lord," she said softly, releasing Snape's arm and reaching her hand out to the Dark Lord. "Even together, what can they do?" She tentatively touched his face, moving closer. "They are but a pebble in your shoe," she spoke quietly, barely audibly over the roar of the fire behind them. "They cannot stand against you forever. You are too powerful. You will break them."

Voldemort pushed her hand aside, but he seemed calmer. "Such confidence, pet."

"Confidence is easy when you're on the winning side," she replied dryly.

"My Lord," Snape began cautiously, "I find I agree with the Wraith. The Order has no real chance, even allied with Talbot. They have been constantly on the defensive, they've not the power or skill to launch a true offensive attack. They may persist a while longer, but they will not gain any ground against you."

Once more, Voldemort was silent, but his silence this time seemed more contemplative. "Wraith," he said at last, "the locket. Bring it forth."

Frowning slightly at the sudden request, Wraith closed her eyes and held out her open hand. A moment later she held the golden locket the Dark Lord had placed into her protection. She held it out to her Lord, who took it from her.

Holding it up in the firelight, Voldemort's gaze seemed to sharpen. "Above all else, my pet," he said softly, his words for Wraith alone, "You must keep this safe. There is nothing of greater importance. Do you understand?"

Wraith nodded as he handed her the locket once more. "I understand, my Lord," she said, clutching the locket to her heart, "It will remain safe. As your loyal servant, you have my word."

Voldemort touched a hand to her cheek, leaning closer to her. "You are a blessing," he murmured to her. With that, he straightened and left the room with a bare nod to Snape as he passed. But at the doorway, he paused, looking back to Snape. "Be at the Manor, Severus, in three days time, at eight. I want your view of things to come."

"Yes, my Lord," Snape replied, bowing his head.

Then the Dark Lord was gone, closing the door behind him. Snape looked to Wraith. When she lifted her gaze to his and nodded that it was safe, he spoke at last.

"You've a gift for finding the right words with him," he told her.

"If my Lord has anything, it is pride," Wraith replied, "Pride I understand, for I also have it in abundance. Potter's attack on the Ministry hurt our Lord's pride…in more ways than one," she added dryly. "It is, perhaps, the only thing I truly understand about my Lord," she said softly, "For we've only that in common."

It was early the very next evening that the school owl that Wraith had borrowed returned to Hogwarts. Wraith was walking outside along the lake's edge when the owl found her. He fluttered down to land upon her shoulder, a return letter clutched in his beak.

Wraith felt a thrill run through her a she took the letter from the bird. Freed of its obligation, the owl took off, flying back to the Owlery. Wraith started back up to the castle herself, the letter pressed to her heart. She had only just reached the top of the staircase within when she saw Snape at the end of the hall.

"Janesch wrote back," she said at once.

The joy in her eyes was bright and Snape returned her small smile.

"Well, there you are. Have you read the letter?"

"Not yet," Wraith said, shaking her head. "I just got it. I was going up to my room so I could write a reply back once I had."

"A sound plan," Snape said. Hesitantly, he touched a hand to her shoulder. "Best get on with it. I will be in the library should you have any need of me."

"Thank you, Severus," she said. Still smiling, she hurried down the hall past him.

Snape waited a moment there, watching her go before he started for the library again.

Wraith reached her rooms to find that the house-elves had already stoked up her fire and her room was comfortably warm within. There was also a tray of tea and small sandwiches for her as well. She was pleased to see it, surprised that the elves had taken such initiative. Then she laughed at her own foolishness. Snape had probably told them to bring her food. He watched her eating habits more closely than the Dark Lord did.

Wraith sat at her table and poured a cup of tea before she finally opened the letter to read.

My Dearest Little Ghost, Janesch wrote, I was sorry to hear of your pain, but am glad that you are healing from it. You are right in the fact that I cannot be near you yet, but I am very glad to write, ma petite. I am still in Britain, though I won't say where just in case this letter falls into the wrong hands.

I was surprised and rather delighted to read what you had to say concerning one Severus Snape. I had thought to waylay him into obligation concerning your life and welfare, but to hear that he has become a true friend to you is astonishing…and makes for very glad tidings. You've a skill, my little ghost, for finding friends just when you have need of them.

As far as your…secret of the forest…Ma petite, I am rather impressed! How is it that even without me to goad you along you manage to find the most improper of first loves? You must tell me more of what happened there, I beg, I plead! Tit for tat, ma chéri, I'll even tell you about my new sweetheart in return.

And tell me more of Hogwarts. You sound so much happier there than I have ever felt from one of your letters.

With all the love I possess, Janesch.

By the time that Wraith had reached the end of the letter, her eyes were filled with tears. Reading his words, hearing the familiar turn of dark humor the vampire possessed, made her miss him all the more. It was almost a physical pain in the dead center of her heart. But even with the pain, she was so very glad he had written back. She immediately reached for a sheet of parchment and ink and quill and set to writing her own reply.

Janesch, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have you reply to my letter. I do promise that I am healing, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by everything I've gone through, and everything I've done, since the night you left.

I feel rather lucky to have Severus as a friend, although it is a rather odd friendship at best. I've never had someone to act as a father to me, Gavin never bothered and the Dark Lord…well. And Severus doesn't always manage to pull it off, either, I think because he's never actually been a father, but I appreciate the effort on his part. But he takes care of me, albeit from something of a distance. He does what the Dark Lord did not; he makes sure that I eat and that I sleep. He watches to see that I am actually healing, rather than just taking my word for it.

As far as my secret…as I said in my first letter, that path has run its course. Though I have to admit, I don't regret it in the least. I found what I was missing with the Dark Lord's touch, Janesch, and even if I never find it again, I'll at least have had it once.

So you've found a lover again, have you? I suppose he's young and innocent, or he was when you met him anyway. Maybe someday I will meet him.

I am happy here at Hogwarts, Janesch. Life is simpler here and there are no masks to wear. I will be sad to leave it, for I know that I cannot remain here forever.

Write back as soon as you get this, my dearest friend.

With love, your little ghost.

Much later in the night, Snape found Wraith curled up on one of the couches in the library. He thought that she must have snuck in earlier without his notice. She looked so very peaceful that he was tempted to let her sleep there, but it was better that she slept in her own bed.

With a sigh, Snape knelt beside the couch and reached out a hand to gently shake the girl's shoulder. "Wraith," he spoke softly, but firmly, "Child, wake up."

She made a stubborn sound of protest and sleepily shook her head. Again, Snape sighed, this time with impatience.

"Wraith, wake up."

Her only reply was to turn her head away from him. Snape closed his eyes and wished for further patience.

"Fine then," he said, thinking that it was a good thing that the girl was so tiny. He stood and as gently as he could, lifted her up from the couch into his arms. To his surprise, the girl turned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. He moved slowly carefully, as he left the library and carried her up the stairs to her own rooms.

It wasn't until he had reached her door that she began to stir. "Severus?" she murmured sleepily, not opening her eyes.

"Yes, Wraith?" he replied dryly, pushing her door open with his shoulder.

"You're my friend, aren't you?"

He paused, closing his eyes. "Yes, Wraith."

"You wouldn't leave me, would you?" she asked, her words slurred by the fact that she wasn't really awake. "You wouldn't hurt me?"

Snape was silent as he crossed to her bedroom, and as he gently laid her in the bed. He took up her blanket and threw it over her. Then he touched his hand to her cheek, brushing aside a strand of raven hair.

"Goodnight, Wraith," he told her. It was his only reply.