England - The Unknown Headquarters (2014)

[Hollywood Heidi]

The Unknown Headquarters

An abandoned cathedral in the West Country of England that has been occupied for decades by a secret wizarding society called The Unknown. It's enchantments originating from magic of the dark arts protects it's visibility against The Ministry Of Magic and Muggles - only members initiated into the society by ritual can see and enter the headquarters.

[Ariel]

The Unknown...a society of presumed dead, hidden from the eyes of the living. Yet, their leader never wanted death to visit his doorstep. In fact, immortality was his reigning goal. And he was willing to do whatever it took to fulfill the prophecy and claim what was his inheritance, even if it meant world domination. But there was another among their little coven, one that Odin had even spared from becoming deceased from this world, that showed signs of defiance against his plans. And Odin was adamant to face the fellow wizard's challenge, even if it meant putting an unfortunate end to the very life he had saved. His tattered, long cloak dragged along the cobblestone floor as he floated solemnly through the aisles aligned with sanctimonious candles and pews, making his way to the status of the Grim. Odin keeled before the shrine and bowed his head, thanking the Grim for sparing his life another day as he sought out the key to the prophecy. In chanting he remained, yet he knew that the one who would challenge him would come to this very place to confront him. His subject and friend, Severus Snape.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus had been observing Odin for quite a while already, actually ever since this non-namable feeling of a presentiment had been changing into a feeling of distrust and a little bit of jealousy even. In all those years they had been part of the same society, Odin still gave him the feeling that they were not. He was withholding something, and Severus was sure it was something of great importance.

Quiet as a snake, Severus followed each of their leader's steps in a safe distance by only depending on his sense of hearing, for everything he could see weren't more than blurry silhouettes. Every now and then he was hiding behind a pillar, reorientating and waiting for Odin's wary steps to go on. Little did he know that Odin already knew that Severus had made it his mission to see through his game, even was expecting him.

And so did he wait behind another pillar, knowing that they had reached the shrine room. First, there was a total silence but then someone was starting a chant. Severus exhaled a toneless breath for he had feared to have gotten detected for a moment. But what was happening here? Was Odin holding some kind of ritual? If Severus just never had lost his eyesight, he would be able to see what was going on here.

[Ariel]

Odin brought his chanting to a stop, and then the whole room came to a stand still. He reveled in the eerie silence, almost as if his energy was feeding off of it, the sizzling of the candlewax melting down to the cobblestone floor and the whistling of the wind trying to pry into the hall through the cracks in the windowpanes was all that could be heard for a few minutes. Odin could feel Severus's presence in the room, could hear the gentle whisper of breath that escaped from behind the pillar. 

"Severus," Odins's voice echoed through the darkened hall, yet he spoke as if speaking to a friend, "Why do you hide among the shadows with lingering spirits? You're in the world of the living, are you not grateful for such a blessing?" Odin slowly moved from his crouched position in front of the shrine to come to standing, and removed his hood.

[DarkSideCookie]

"Severus,"

At the sudden calling of his name, Severus held his breath. Not like someone who pretended to be not there, as he was sure that even if Odin couldn't see him he must have heard or simply sensed his presence, but like someone who needed a moment of letting time stand still yet couldn't.

"Why do you hide among the shadows with lingering spirits? You're in the world of the living, are you not grateful for such a blessing?"

Grateful? This life surely was nothing to be grateful for, yet he always had seen it as a possibility to find a way back into what life really was about. He would never talk about it to anyone, but his only motivation for consenting to this new life had been just her. It always had.

"Odin.", Severus started to address the man who had given him this possibility, as he came out of his hiding behind the pillar. In his voice, there was the same tone as if he was speaking to a friend. But then again, a friend he had become; A friend who was about to become a foe as well.

"I didn't mean to spy on you, for I know you're looking to have only the best in mind for everyone here." Sentences like this always were followed by a but though, just as this was going to be. "But... lately, these people are starting to grow with concern about you and your... motives." Severus said these peple as if he wouldn't see himself as one of them but rather as someone who had responsibility for them as well. Was that because deep down inside he already knew what he had to do when he wanted to be a free man again? A man who would be able to finally carry out his own plans and dreams. "You wouldn't keep secrets from them... or would you?" And yet again, Severus' choice of words could be interpreted as he wasn't seeing himself on equal terms with everyone else who was no more than an underling of Odin - the man who had given all of them a second life.

[Ariel]

"But... lately, these people are starting to grow with concern about you and your... motives." "You wouldn't keep secrets from them... or would you?"

"You are worried that I would keep secrets from The Society....or from you?" Odin didn't scoff in anger at Severus's words, nor did he spew into a laughter of denial. A collective smile grew under the cloaked face as he stood upright from the shrine. He had an idea as to where this conversation was about to lead to, and he figured that if he was open about the prophecy that most wouldn't understand. Perhaps it was time that he shed light on his true life's path, a revelation that would put trust to test between him and Severus Snape, "I have never lied, nor have I kept secrets from any of my people," Odin unveiled himself as he lifted the cloak off of his head and allowed it to fall behind him. He pivoted his body around in the candle lit hall to face Severus directly, "Tell me, Severus, when I brought you here, I told you that you were going to amount to great things, did I not?" Odin inquired curiously.

[DarkSideCookie]

"You are worried that I would keep secrets from The Society....or from you?"

Odin knew exactly how and which questions to ask to push everyone's buttons. This upcoming task surely would be nothing Severus was proud of. Odin had done so much for them, but on the other side, always had kept so many secrets from them as well. Secrets, Severus may not have come to unveil yet, but he would, and to him, there was no doubt there were secrets to unveil - maybe even a lot, and if not a lot then at least one that was of great significance.

"I have never lied, nor have I kept secrets from any of my people,"

Now, that was the biggest lie already. Everybody lied and everybody had their secrets. And the fact that he was assuring this so bluntly was just showing how good of a lier Odin was. Severus didn't need to see to guess that his face probably was clear from any sign of shame or tension at all.

Severus heard something falling onto the ground, something that sounded like a cloak of sorts.

"Tell me, Severus, when I brought you here, I told you that you were going to amount to great things, did I not?"

"You did.", Severus replied matter-of-factly. Empty promises that had been though. He did not yet figure out what was in it for Odin himself, for he was sure he was just playing the caring leader, but he bet it must be something of a vast extent. "So, did you amount to great things yourself... in all these years of leading The Unknown?" Severus brought to question in return, feeling the tension between them rising with only this question already, since this was the first time anyone had dared to ask Odin about a personal matter like this. Severus was curious about the answer, although almost sure it would be just another lie.

[Ariel]

"So, did you amount to great things yourself... in all these years of leading The Unknown?"

"The Unknown Society has been a success of mine within itself. I've been blessed to give the gift of a second chance to some of the greatest witches and wizards of our time, help them make purpose of their lives once more. Yet...," Odin began to lead onto something else beyond his boastful accomplishments, and allowed a pause to exist in the silence for a few moments to lead Severus on before continuing, "...There has always been something more to my purpose than this Secret Society. Something that was once in my grasp...and then regrettably lost," Odin held his hand out in front of him as to dramatically reach for something in the air, before allowing his hand to slowly float back down by his side,  "I have been watching for it behind closed doors for years, waiting for my moment to obtain it again. Since my brother died decades ago, I've never spoken about it with anyone. Until now. This is where your mount to greatness comes in, my dear friend...do I have your interest?" Odin inquired, a slight smirk could be heard even through the tone of his voice as he spoke to Severus Snape, his most trusted member and friend.

[DarkSideCookie]

"The Unknown Society has been a success of mine within itself. I've been blessed to give the gift of a second chance to some of the greatest witches and wizards of our time, help them make purpose of their lives once more. Yet...,"

At first, Severus had been truly suprised about Odin's plain speaking since he actually had been expecting some kind of prevarication. But then there was following a yet, which made him believe would become the introduction into another veiling of the truth. He seemed to come up with something faithfully though.

"...There has always been something more to my purpose than this Secret Society. Something that was once in my grasp...and then regrettably lost,""I have been watching for it behind closed doors for years, waiting for my moment to obtain it again."

And yet, words and words were following without really making clear what he was talking about.

"Since my brother died decades ago, I've never spoken about it with anyone. Until now. This is where your mount to greatness comes in, my dear friend...do I have your interest?"

Was he trying to make Severus feel guilty for his plan to bring him down to become the leader of The Unknown himself? He was pretty sure that Odin had seen through him ever since this bad feeling had started to feed on Severus. Still, was that even a good idea? Of course, Severus had his doubts, all the more because Odin had grown a dear friend to him after all this time. And yet, there was something about him that Severus simply couldn't trust and even thought to see as a threat, not only to himself but also to everyone else.

"We both know how good of a preacher you are," he finally broke the awkward silence between them. "but I think it's time to stop talking in riddles, Odin. So, what is this offer about?"

[Ariel]

"but I think it's time to stop talking in riddles, Odin. So, what is this offer about?"

Odin allowed an audible sigh to escape his lungs, and allowed it to linger in the air silently. He appreciated a decant challenge, and although he had admired Severus as a friend he would also be just as worthy as an opponent. After working in the presence of some of the greatest wizards of their time, it would be difficult not to respect his counselling.  Yet, this was more than just a council visit. Odin knew the time would come for Severus to challenge his position, so he had a proposition to offer.

"I once had a twin, a brother. An inevitable prophecy had been passed down to us, one that entailed ruling this world and making it our own. Yet," Odin paced the floor towards Severus slowly, his gaze dropping as his tone slipped into a solemn place, "My dear twin brother had a change of heart. And after he passed, the prophecy died with him," Odin stopped for a moment in front of Severus and blankly stared at his dimly lit complexion amidst the candlelight before carrying forward towards a large windowpane, "The prophecy has been reborn, Severus. I feel it in the ground...I feel it in the air around us...It's calling me to find it. And I choose you to help me fulfill it," Odin whipped around in anticipation as he waltzed back up to Snape.

"What if we could complete what your Dark Lord could not? Together, we can make this world our own...I couldn't imagine doing this without you, my friend. What do you say?" Odin was almost gleeful as his booming excitement echoed through the hall. He looked upon Severus with a menacing smile as he awaited his answer.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus was listening to Odin's every word of his storytelling. And yet again did Odin surprise him with his plain-speaking, especially as this time Severus was pretty sure that his friend was saying the truth - probably opening up to anyone in a long time. And the fact that he was opening up to him was even adding to his doubts about this whole challenging-your-master-thing being the right thing to do. Sure, Severus hadn't done anything yet, but ever since he'd made up his mind, Odin must have known about it, just like he seemed to know about anything that was going on within these walls. Almost as if he was part of them. But what was all this about? Was all this letting Severus in on it a trick? But to achieve what?

Also, he was no fool and perfectly able to read between lines. Odin had mentioned a change of heart as he spoke of his twin brother and also had talked about him having passed in no more than an accessory sentence. Severus wondered about his brother's cause of death. In every history, a prophecy had not seldom been to drive a wedge between dear friends and family, not even sparing twin siblings.

And then something in Odin's next words made him raise his head.

"What if we could complete what your Dark Lord could not? Together, we can make this world our own...I couldn't imagine doing this without you, my friend. What do you say?"

Oh, he was misgauging him, if he thought that Severus could be taken on board his little plans with any mention about the Dark Lord and his plans to complete. Odin should know him better.

But yet again, Severus was no fool. And so he decided that it probably was wiser to play along for a while, at least long enough to get more information about this mentioned prophecy.

"You have drawn my interest.", he finally said calm and collected, and in hopes that this would be enough to make Odin continue without the need of a promise. And yet, Severus had already given quite other promises in the past. As long as he wouldn't be forced to do the unbreakable vow.

[Ariel]

"You have drawn my interest."

Odin did not want to seem overly joyed, yet his excitement was hard to contain. He would finally fulfill his life's purpose and would become whole once more. Severus Snape, one of the most influential wizards of their time, would be right at the side of his throne and reshaping the Wizarding World to their ideal paradise would only be just the beginning. "Good...very good, my friend. You have made a wise choice," Odin drew back slightly in composure of his buzz of elation as a mischievous grin draped across his face. His hands before him formed a prayer-like gesture in front of his cloaked chest as his fingertips tapped each other simultaneously in his plotting, "Though, I do believe this massive of a commitment will need a sort of...permanent seal," Odin waved his finger in the air in a matter-of-fact mannerism as a grave look washed over his face as if he would be apologetic as to what was about to come, "This isn't a lack of trust, Severus. It's just business. I trust you will not have any issues with an Unbreakable Vow?" Odin inquired, as he tried to play things off nonchalantly, as if it wouldn't be a big deal. Yet, the Unbreakable Vow was one of the biggest deals in wizard history, one that could cost the life of the one who decides to break it.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus didn't have to see to perceive the vision that was piecing itself together in Odin's head while silence was covering the two friends up for another while until his voice was breaking through it once more. Severus had a sense of foreboding, although he tried his best to not let it show on his features. Yet, to him, there was no doubt that his friend had taken on a path that Severus surely wouldn't be about to follow - not twice in his life and especially not after this second chance he had gotten.

"Good...very good, my friend. You have made a wise choice,"

He kept silent. It was just then though that he started to question his own way of proceeding. Was it really wise pretending to be side with him - a man who once had saved his life and had become a dear friend, but also a man who was dangerous and so much deeper down on the dark path than Severus could have imagined?

"Though, I do believe this massive of a commitment will need a sort of...permanent seal,"

He still kept silent, though this time he couldn't suppress just a little twitch of the muscles around his face. He wondered if Odin would notice that; if he already knew that Severus was bluffing.

"This isn't a lack of trust, Severus. It's just business. I trust you will not have any issues with an Unbreakable Vow?"

A slight smile of bitterness appeared on Severus' lips as he made steps closer in Odin's direction. He knew these walls good enough to walk blindly around them, just as he was used to Odin's way of breathing to know when he was standing close enough to come to a halt right in front of him. It was on time to end this charade.

"Tell me, Odin," he finally spoke up with a superior tone all of a sudden. "If it was me demanding the highest act of faith from you... in return for dubious and possibly empty promises... would you do it?"

[Ariel]

"Tell me, Odin,""If it was me demanding the highest act of faith from you... in return for dubious and possibly empty promises... would you do it?"

A moment of silence fell between the two friends as Severus had asked for a statement of verification. Although his expression could not be seen by the eyes of Severus Snape, it was conveyed in the sounds the movements of his body made and the tone that echoed through the vast shrine room. It was Odin who had finally broke the silence as he let out a sharp chuckle before returning serious once more. He was starting to feel displeased, and if anything, he almost felt challenged. "You're not starting to doubt me now, Severus, are you? Me, the highest leader and creator of The Unknown? The very man who saved your life?" Odin placed a hand over his chest as his voice took on an accent of offense, as if Severus was trying to do an old friend wrong.

[DarkSideCookie]

The tension between two old friends was reaching the peak in this very moment as silence was covering them up, making both their breaths sound like blasts of air until it was Odin who finally broke with it. At first, it wasn't more than a quite yet sharp chuckle before he launched into an answer. But although seriously, there was another tone in his voice that Severus couldn't easily interpret.

"You're not starting to doubt me now, Severus, are you? Me, the highest leader and creator of The Unknown? The very man who saved your life?"

Severus had known that he'd bring that up. Of course, he would, for it was so much easier to play the guilt card than reflecting a man's own actions and motives. Severus couldn't help but smile at that - a joyless smile that contained rather sympathy than anything else. He had enough of Odin's games, just as he had enough of pretending he wouldn't.

"So, what if I do?" was everything he asked in return, regretful and, at the same time, challenging. If that was what this was going to become - a challenge - then it shall be. Severus would be ready just as prepared.

[Ariel]

"So, what if I do?"

Odin was afraid that things would come to this unfortunate circumstance. Being met with disapproval for his actions in leadership wasn't foreign to him. His own brother had tried to put a stop to his malevolent behavior once before, before Odin eliminated him. The old stories about Severus Snape, one of the greatest servants to bow to Dark Lord Voldemort, were any of them even true? Was he truly a loyal man? Or was he a corrupted double crosser like Odin had feared? Odd silence filled the air between the two wizards before Odin broke into a chuckle that grew into maniacal laughter, as if someone had just told him the greatest joke of all time.

"So for how long have you been planning to overthrow my rule over the Society for, friend? Or should I even call you that anymore?" Odin's wand dropped from his cloak sleeve, into the palm of his hand, just in case things turned ugly. He predicted that they would. And he was ready to remove the wizard that was about to get in his way.

[DarkSideCookie]

If he'd believed that they had already reached the peak before, he learned how wrong he'd been in the very moment when suddenly Odin broke into maniacal laughter, one that had nothing to do with joy. Quite the contrary - it was one of the darkest things Severus had ever heard, and he had been with the Dark Lord for quite a while. This laughter also confirmed to him how right his bad feeling about him had been. Odin Markell was bad as well as certainly insane to the bone.

"So for how long have you been planning to overthrow my rule over the Society for, friend? Or should I even call you that anymore?"

Of course, Severus couldn't see how Odin was preparing for a fight already, yet he knew that both of them must be aware of what would be coming. A duel was unavoidable by now. There was no chance of making a step back anymore. And so Severus wouldn't.

He slowly drew his wand as well, as he spoke to Odin in a calm yet determined way. "Don't make this personal."

[Ariel]

"Don't make this personal."

Underneath the dim candlelight that decorated the Shrine, Odin smirked at Severus's remark. If Snape had figured out Odin's lifelong intentions by now, every movement, step and breath that he took had been dedicated to the prophecy in one way or another. To Odin, everything he curated up until this point was most definitely personal. Even his relationship with Severus had drawn dear to him at a point in time, in hopes of grooming him to be one of the few successors to share the prophecy's rewards with. Odin was disappointed to say the least, but he was going to fulfill his destiny with or without Snape. He would not fail again.

"Such a shame...you were a great wizard once, Severus. Yet...I guess it's true, what they used to say. Love made you soft," Odin spoke in a downbeat tone, as if he was letting Snape down with some grave news. Picking his feet up from underneath his dark cloak, Odin began to circle widely around his newfound opponent as he continued to ramble onward to poke the lion where he stood, "Love is weakness, it's what nearly killed you during the Battle that day," Odin continued to move slowly around Snape, his wand at the ready in case Severus strikes first, "Don't think that I didn't know, Severus. I am all powerful, I see everything...I've even seen your heart and what lies within. If only you would have allowed the girl to fade from your memory and handed her boy over to the Dark Lord, you would have amounted to becoming one of the greatest wizards that ever lived. How...wasteful," Odin smiled so wide in the dark that anyone would have expected a booming laughter to fill the room to follow. He was truly a menace, and had desired to creep under Severus's skin for quite some time.

[DarkSideCookie]

"Such a shame...you were a great wizard once, Severus. Yet...I guess it's true, what they used to say. Love made you soft,"

Severus wasn't too surprised as he listened to Odin's words, except for the last. He had never talked about Lily, not even with one word. How did he...?

"Love is weakness, it's what nearly killed you during the Battle that day,", Odin went on while he began circling him.

Severus might not see him, but he could hear him well enough to let his head follow the changing direction that menacing voice was coming from as if his eyes were still intact. But even if they weren't, there was something each wizard and each witch learned already in the early stages of development - never turn your back on somebody who held a wand in their hand. He really didn't want to fight a duel with the man who had grown a dear friend to him, or so he had believed, but that seemed to be something unavoidable by now.

"Don't think that I didn't know, Severus. I am all powerful, I see everything...I've even seen your heart and what lies within. If only you would have allowed the girl to fade from your memory and handed her boy over to the Dark Lord, you would have amounted to becoming one of the greatest wizards that ever lived. How...wasteful,"

"Expelliarmus!"

Without any forewarning, Severus stroke first, although with just the disarming charm. He never believed Odin would stick to any rules, after all. Severus was, however, not yet anxious to harm or even kill him, no matter how tempting it had been for a moment, using something more powerful. If there was still a chance that Odin would come to his senses during this battle, Severus was willing to take it. After all, Odin was just trying to provoke him; something he wasn't going to even react to. He had enough of power gaming and any sort of manipulation. Everything he wanted in these days was his peace.

[Ariel]

"Expelliarmus!"

The shrill of Severus's incantation vibrated through the room as he threw the first strike. Though, it wasn't much of a strike as it was a mere charm. Odin flicked his wand rapidly to deflect the spell with not much of a wince. He saw it coming from a mile away, as there was no way he would have suspected Snape to allow him to get away with pushing his limits. "Come on, Severus, I know that isn't your best. I can feel the darkness boiling from within you," Odin began to take some steps closer towards Severus, feeling anything but threatened,  "I would have showed you the way...yet the way you chose was death." On the final, daunting note Odin allowed both of his hands to lay at each side of his torso. Closing his eyes, he drew in an energizing breath through his nostrils as he began to mentally command the darkness around them. Suddenly, Odin began to lift the palms of his hands on each side of his body and the flames of the candles dripping with wax began to rise until the room was engulfed with a crimson blaze.

"Enough of the child's play," Odin uttered, his hands still raised as he gaze Severus one last sneering glance before turning his body around to face the statue of the Grim that he had been praying to earlier, "Piertotum Locomotor," Odin's deep voice trembled with the command as he pointed his wand directly at the statue of stone. A rumble followed by a loud cracking sound echoed through the hall as the platform that the Grim sat upon began to break away. Odin continued to point the wand at the Grim and uttered a few words. The statue's wings spanned outward as it began to move off of the crumbling stone, and with a giant leap over it's master controller's head the Grim landed itself right in front of Snape.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus hadn't been expecting a simple disarming charm to work, so he wasn't surprised when it didn't. Instead, this had been more like an opening move, demonstrating that he had enough of Odin's speeches. Yet still, he had to listen to them again just a moment later. Severus had never really understood this habit from great wizards and witches, especially those who had gone a dark path. They all seemed to have, at least, one thing in common. They liked to hear themself speaking.

"Come on, Severus, I know that isn't your best. I can feel the darkness boiling from within you," Once again, his blind eyes were following each of Odin's steps around him. "I would have showed you the way... yet the way you chose was death."

"You think I needed someone to show me a dark path?" Severus asked in a way that already gave away the wrongness of that. "Then you know nothing about me." He had been there, and it had been just another path. He was done with people who longed for power, expecting to find some kind of fulfillment in the Dark Arts. It was not that Severus' own interest in those had altered or something, but, especially nowadays, he just didn't see anything else in them than what they were. Arts.

It was when Odin's steps trailed off that an uneasy feeling came over him. Odin knew that he wouldn't be able to see things coming with his eyes, and Severus knew that Odin wouldn't hesitate to use that to his advantage. Severus though, wouldn't allow his opponent to read the nervosity on his features. And so he tried to stay as calm as possible, while he tried to find out what was going on around him.

"Enough of the child's play,"

"Piertotum Locomotor,"

Severus knew this spell all too well, as it had been used a lot within the walls of Hogwarts - one time even against himself when he had been Hogwarts' headmaster, pretending to be once again on the Dark Lord's side. This time though, he had this handicap of not being able to see what was coming, now even from several directions at the same time. When he heard Odin uttering words towards the Grim, Severus focused on the direction the flapping noises came from to keep his guard up.

"Protego!"

He was still not seeking after a duel to the death, for none of them. However, Odin wouldn't fight fair, so the first Severus did, was to cast a shield around him. It might not keep all of Odin's attacks away, but it would give him some time to get rid of the other problem first. The Grim.

"Expulso!"

Severus tried his luck with an explosion charm directed at the nearing creature, although he had never used it against something lively.

[Ariel]

"Protego!"

A barely visible protected field surrounded Severus as the Grim approached him. The battle had only just begun as both Severus and Odin defensively stood their grounds. With his sight and expert advantages, Odin had a much higher ground than Snape and would be vastly shocked if he was to be beaten at his own game. His hands still raised, Odin controlled the living statue as it lunged forward to take a swing at the wizard with it's claws of stone.


"Expulso!"

Suddenly, the giant claw that reached to squeeze the life out of Severus exploded into a million pieces of rubble. Odin narrowed his dangerously smug complexion at the ground where his puppet's hand crumbled down to before flickering his eyesight back up at the Grim. He didn't expect weakened Severus to fight back so soon, perhaps he misjudged the wizard's rusty capabilities. This only motivated Odin to fight even harder, as his hand gestures in the air commanded the giant statue to become more physical. The Grim began to angrily tear the shrine room apart as it uprooted one of the candlelit pews straight from the stone tiled floor and began to strike Severus away with it's makeshift weapon.

[DarkSideCookie]

The loud sound of bursting stone told him that the explosion spell must have worked on the artificially created lifeform. It might be better, though, to not take any more risks like that. Odin had an unfair advantage, and he was using it to the full extent.

Severus knew his spell had only hit parts of the Grim, yet still, he was surprised when he heard the growling sound of it again so quickly. He tried to concentrate on his guard, expecting the creature to attack him at any moment. As composed as Severus usually was, there was slight panic flashing over his features when something seemed to got teared out from ground level. The candlelit pews came to his mind, for he knew this room better than anyone else in the ranks of The Unknown, except for Odin himself, of course. This community had become Severus' new life, and if meant to be, also his second death. But he wouldn't give in just now. This man was dangerous, and he had to be stopped.

Still, there was no way Severus would be able to cast another spell before the Grim would have reached him with its makeshift weapon to strike again, especially not as sightless as he was, just as his protected field could not stop a physical attack like that. And so he saw no other chance but to appeal to Odin's better nature, hoping that there was one - somewhere deep inside. They once had been friends, after all.

"I WILL DO!" Severus shouted in his direction with his hands raised into the air, knowing the Grim being only meters away from him. This was still not about giving in, but would Odin comprehend that, as narcissistic as he was? Or would he see a friend who has come to his senses, knowing that not giving in would mean his death?

But if you didn't fear your own death, then what was left to lose?

[Ariel]

Seeing Severus panic greatly, knowing that his demise was near, made Odin feel very powerful. He saw himself towering over the quivering coward, weak and powerless. His vision flashed back to the mere moments before his own brother's death. Odin forgot just how much he enjoyed to feed off of the power of taking a life from this world. As the Grim raised the pew over it's side to strike Severus, Odin closed his eyes and took in the moment as he could practically feel the life force draining from his old friend and into his own veins...

"I WILL DO!"

Odin's eyes ripped open just in time to forcefully raise a commanding hand in the air to halt the Grim mid swing. He stared at Severus with eyes filled of bewilderment as he had thrown his quaking hands in he air beside each temple in his surrender. Odin's jaw unhinged slightly at the drop of surprise that Severus had just laid on him. 

"You...concede?" Odin heavily questioned Severus, for he was not yet convinced that his old friend had suddenly been swayed to accept the deal. He would have a lot of courage to be able to pull the wool over Odin's eyes. So Odin treaded carefully as he took some steps forward to perch broodingly beside the Grim that had been transformed into a frozen statue once again, "What has given you a change of heart all of a sudden?"

[DarkSideCookie]

Of course, Severus wasn't able to see a reaction on his opponent's face, so all he could do was waiting for either death or mercy. When the nearing creature came to a sudden halt only a short distance away from him, he finally released the breath that he'd been holding for a felt eternity. Silence was filling the air between them until, eventually, Odin spoke up again.

"You...concede?"

Severus was no fool, and he knew Odin wasn't either. He heard the disbelief in his former friend's voice, same as the little hope underneath that he surely wasn't going to reveal. They both couldn't deny, though, that they once had been friends indeed. For many years, Severus had been a loyal member of this society, if not the most loyal of them all. There had been a time when he had truly believed in this man's vision, but either that vision had changed, or Severus had finally started to see clearly - metaphorically spoken, of course. However, Odin must be aware of the sacrifice Severus' dead would mean. The other members of the society had started to question their leader as well. And, over the years, they had placed a lot of trust in Severus as well. Another fact Odin probably was aware of. He might not be reliant on them, but it was always better to have people's back instead of their breath down your neck. Yet still, Severus knew that all of this knowledge was not enough to make it out alive of here. He would need more - a story.

Severus made no move and no sound, at all, until, eventually, steps were telling him that Odin came closer. He was sure that he still had his guard up, so he had to keep up the conversation and to rebuild trust. And if not trust, then, at least, interest.

"What has given you a change of heart all of a sudden?"

With showing no more signs of fear, Severus tried to live up to the old days where any act of hesitating would have meant death and destruction. Maybe those times would be coming back if he failed to put an end to this already now. Maybe Odin was the new generation of those who once had gotten defeated. Back in those days, Severus had made everyone believe to be on their side, all for the greater good. It was on time to put on a mask again, for the greater good of their society.

"My friend," he started in a casual tone. "I take it my acting hasn't lost on credibility if I could make you believe that I really had moral scruples with anything you said. It is true that I don't see myself on the same level with everyone else in this community, yet not in the way you might think. You, from all people left in my life, still have my loyalty." Severus paused, and even if he couldn't see Odin's face, he was sure his words would make a difference, maybe not enough to gain his full trust back, but, at least, to play out time. "But before I would just consent, I wanted to be really sure that I know the man I'd commit to. I had to find out how... far he would go to... remove... obstacles in the way." At the end of his little speech, Severus added a joyless smile. A cold smile. One of those he had used a lot back at the time with the Dark Lord.

[Ariel]

"But before I would just consent, I wanted to be really sure that I know the man I'd commit to. I had to find out how... far he would go to... remove... obstacles in the way."

"Severus," Odin suddenly stretched a smile across his hardened face. He allowed himself to soften slightly, while not allowing his guard to let completely down, as his arms raised warmly by his side, "I will always accept you as you are...as long as you agree to the terms of the new life you are about to live. The new order you are about to command," Odin stood so tall where he stood, he nearly grew a few inches higher as he stepped closer towards his old, dear friend, "...As long as you obey to the new oder. You know...the one in which you will help me enforce upon all who live. For the greater good!" Odin rejoiced, and couldn't help himself. He invaded Severus's personal space and cupped his cheeks lovingly in his hands, "You accept this of course, yes? Well...," Odin's hands slowly removed themselves from each side of Severus's face, "...I guess true loyalty lies within the unbreakable vow...what do you finally say, Severus?" Odin asked desperately, his hand stretched out to Snape's.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus hung on Odin's every word whilst thinking about a way to make it out of this alive, and not only alive but also victorious. He knew that Odin would insist on the unbreakable vow and that it was the only option to gain his full trust, but, of course, Severus would not be doing that. Not again. Things were different this time. Still, he had to come up with something very soon.

There was not the slightest sign of discomfiture on his face, not even when Odin was invading his personal space and cupping his cheeks in his hands while speaking of a greater good. Severus knew exactly what was going to come, but times had changed, especially him. He might still see a greater good, but he surely was no hero because, first of all, he saw a path to find himself peace. But for that, he had to survive just a little longer.

"... what do you finally say, Severus?"

"I say we have no time to spare, my friend," Severus replied without a pause or any other sign of hesitation, but instead with a slight smile of excitement that was to ensure how much he wanted this. Inwardly, he was balancing the pros and cons of all scenarios that were coming to his mind before he would stretch out his hand towards Odin's. And then, as if in slow motion, Severus felt both their hands meeting with each other's lower arms. And yet again, on the outside, he remained calm and collected, but on the inside, he was harried. He had a plan, but he had only the little time Odin would need to cast the spell. The vow required him to utter the exact terms. That would be his time limit.

[Ariel]

"I say we have no time to spare, my friend,"

"Then, my friend, let us make haste," Severus was no longer hesitating on the matter which made Odin pleased. Yet, he also grew mildly suspicious as Severus's hardened complexion made it appear as if the gears in his brain were turning over something. If he were to blindside Odin, there would be no second chances. No grace. Only instant death. If he were to make a mockery of the very mission Odin claimed was his destiny, the world would spin and all Hell would be unleashed upon this man that stood before him. Odin was deceived once, he swore he would never fall victim again.

Odin rolled down the cuff of his cloak to reveal the pale slate of his forearm that would soon be tainted with a forever promise. With his wand in the other hand, he looked to Severus who had his sleeve rolled up almost instantly. A giddy smile played along Odin's darkened features as each pointed claw began to wrap around Severus's wrist. Odin's firm grasp adjusted his wrist over his friend's before raising his wand above their joined limbs.

"I trust you know how this works, Severus?" Odin's gaze still pointed at their wrists as his eyes flickered up at Severus as he spoke, "Once the mark of the vow is sealed on us both, you cannot break it unless you would like to meet the Grim. Understood?" Odin forewarned as he studied Severus's expression and waited for an answer.

[DarkSideCookie]

Severus tried to hide his concentration as good as possible and instead covered it up with just the right amount of excitement he would show on his features naturally, which was not so much. Yet still, he knew Odin was wary and not to fool. It was all about timing, yet time it was, that was running out any fraction of a second. If only Severus would be able to make use of his eyesight. But just as they say, each of your other senses intensified once one malfunctioned. And so he had to trust his ears and haptics to out-do his opponent in the right moment. A moment, early enough to elude a great mistake that would not only cost his own life while, at the same time, late enough to gain the highest possible amount of trust from an old but dangerous friend. Time was ticking.

He was barely breathing when Odin spoke up again, surely about to ask him one more time. Not to prove Severus' readiness, but instead his level of stress. He knew this was the last time his friend would ask him before there would be no turning back. On the other hand, there already wasn't. It had been an all-or-nothing clause ever since Severus had made the decision to betray his friend.

"I trust you know how this works, Severus?"

This first question Severus didn't bother to answer, especially as it had been rhetorical anyway. That, and because he still had to keep up his concentration while looking like he was all sure and confident about this.

"Once the mark of the vow is sealed on us both, you cannot break it unless you would like to meet the Grim. Understood?"

"Please...," Severus sneered at him as if among friends who dared to mock each other after the other one had asked a ridiculous question. Although he couldn't see the look on Odin's face, he was sure that it made no difference what kind of answer he was giving anyway. The only thing that did was if Severus would be showing confidence. And so he did. All or nothing. Now or never. Not for himself. Not even for the people who lived in these halls among them. But for one single person.

For Lily.

[Ariel]

"Please...,"

A spark of excitement jolted within Odin as Severus's counter strike abolished his patronizing efforts, yet he concealed his reaction with a stern, momentary stare down. The wizard was finally allowing his strength to overturn his weakness, and Odin was relieved that perhaps his old friend was returning to some sensibility. Either that, or he was concocting a way to blindside him just as his brother had done. Odin didn't want to believe this fact, yet he still kept his guard up as a precautionary measure.

The tip of Odin's wand hovered over their exposed wrists as their hands were wrapped around one another. Two silver strands protruded from the wand and began to wrap around their arms like two slithering snakes. The room grew ice cold as the energy shifted into something peculiar. If one were to read the room, the feeling could have been described as if the entire world had their eyes on the two wizards that stood before each other. Odin's voice cut through the thick silence like a knife as he began to speak out loud.

"Do you, Severus Snape, promise to remain loyal by my side as we attempt to fulfill the prophecy together?" Odin spoke in question as his eyes shifted from their bonded hands up to the wizard whose answer would seal the first part of the unbreakable vow.