加载中…[HP同人][未授权翻译][连载]Ashes of armageddon战争之灰<二>
(2013-10-13 12:00:00)
标签：
同人nc-17哈利·波特战争snarry休闲 |
原著：Emily
Waters 译者：-韩嫣-
2. Details
2.详谈
2. Details
2.详谈
Severus
was still stunned when the guards came to lead him out of his cell.
He felt ridiculously out of place when, still wearing his thin,
drab prison robe, he was brought to a brightly-lit conference room,
where Harry Potter was waiting for him, along with several others.
All were formally dressed. Severus saw Kingsley Shacklebolt, Percy
Weasley, Amos Diggory, and, to his surprise, a young woman whom he
instantly recognized as Hermione Granger.
直到守卫将他领出牢房，西弗勒斯依然处于眩晕之中。当穿着他单薄邋遢的狱袍走进一个明亮的会议大厅时，见到哈利·波特正与几个包括赫敏·格兰杰在内的熟人在其中等着他时，西弗勒斯心中不由地升起了一种荒唐的违和感。
“Professor,” she said quietly, not meeting his eyes.
“教授，”她小声说，甚至不敢看西弗勒斯的眼睛。
He nodded to her slightly.
他微微向她点了点头。
“Shall we get started?” Harry said calmly, in a voice that was almost friendly. “Have a seat, please, Severus.”
“我们可以开始了么？”哈利以一种几乎可以形容为友好的声音平静地说。“请坐吧，西弗勒斯。”
Severus sat down automatically, lifting his eyes.
西弗勒斯机械地坐下，抬起了他的双眼。
“The purpose of this meeting is to explain the details of your bond,” Harry said peacefully. “This meeting will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.”
“这次会议的目的是向你详细解释你即将面临的契约，”哈利不动声色地说。“会议亦将为你提供一次提出你可能会有的问题的机会。”
“Very well,” Severus said, keeping his voice absolutely impassive. “Though I fail to see the purpose of this charade. It is what it is, and you have made it abundantly clear that I have no say in the matter.”
“很好，”西弗勒斯保持着一种绝对无情的语调表达着。“尽管我没能明白你们这次猜谜游戏的目的。但我明白事情如今只能是这个样子，并且你也早已很清晰的告知我我在这件事上毫无发言权。”
“True,” Harry agreed with a wry smile. “However, I thought you might be interested in hearing the details before ... diving into this new adventure.”
“确实，”哈利带着一种扭曲的微笑赞同了他的说法。“然而，我仍认为你也许会对了解一下细节感兴趣，在你……坠入新的冒险之前。”
Severus had to admit that Harry Potter had a point, and nodded again.
西弗勒斯不得不认同，哈利波特说对了一次，他点了点头。
“The slave-bond is based on an ancient law, known as Sub Corona Vendere,” Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke tensely, and almost apologetically. “Do you know the meaning of it?”
“这种奴隶契约以一种被称为代死售卖的古老法律为基础进行签订，”金斯莱·沙克尔以一种近乎带着歉意的状态紧绷着说。“你知道这其中的意义么？”
“Yes,” Severus said instantly. “It applies to the prisoners of war. The literal translation is Sold Beneath the Crown, referring to...”
“是的，”西弗勒斯立即接口。“它适用于战俘。字面意义可以译为战俘赎买，具体内容可以参看……”
Percy Weasley waved him off in a dismissive manner. “No need to recite an entire encyclopedia, Severus. As long as you understand your position...”
珀西·韦斯莱不屑一顾地挥挥手打断他。 “没有必要背诵整个百科全书，西弗勒斯。只要你理解你的处境…… “
Severus shut his mouth dutifully, but watched Hermione Granger with fascination, as red blotches appeared on her face. She bit her lip furiously, but made no sound. A brief silence followed, and then Kingsley continued impatiently, as if eager to get it over with:
西弗勒斯尽职地闭上嘴，但却看见赫敏·格兰杰好像如魔一样，脸上泛出两片殷红。她狠狠地咬着唇瓣，却不肯发出任何声音。紧接着是一段短暂的安静，而之后金斯莱·沙克尔连忙继续，好像很希望令这件事尽快过去一样：
“This particular slave-bond is of a permanent nature, and not transferable. You cannot be sold, given away, or released. Additionally, there will be a mark of ownership placed on your person, that will be permanent as well.”
“这种特殊的奴隶契约是永久性的，不得转让。你不能被出售，转增，或者释放。此外，你还将被烙上一个代表着主人所有权的永久性标记。”
“A brand,” Severus said bluntly, having no tolerance for euphemisms. He was going to be branded like ... well, even cattle did not get branded in the wizarding world, most animal owners relied on tracking spells and identification charms.
“一个标记，”西弗勒斯讲得十分坦率，未曾试图用任何委婉的语言进行逃避。他将被烙印，就好像一个……好吧，在魔法界即使牛羊之类的牲畜也不曾打上烙印，对此，人们更多时候倚赖于跟踪法术和识别魔法的魅力。
“Yes,” Kingsley confirmed. “For everyone's safety, including your own, you will be required to remain in your owner's household, under his supervision. Your wand has been burned, and you will not acquire another under any circumstances. Finally, the slave-bond will ensure your owner's safety, by ... dissuading you from causing him any harm.”
“是的，”金斯莱确认到。“为了人们的安全，包括你的主人，你将被要求留在你主人的房子中，在他的监督之下。你的魔杖已被烧毁，你同样不可能在任何情况下获得另一个。最后，奴隶契约将会保证你主人的安全，通过……阻止你对他造成任何伤害。”
Severus fought to conceal his amusement at the statement. “That is fine, although unnecessary. I mean my owner no harm.”
西弗勒斯努力演示着他被这些语句娱乐到的事实。“这很好，尽管并无此必要。我的意思是我不会对我主人造成任何伤害。”
“Then we have nothing to worry about,” Harry said serenely. “Any questions, Severus?”
“那我们就没什么可以担心的了，”哈利安祥地说。“有什么问题么，西弗勒斯？”
“Yes,” Severus said firmly. “What are my rights?”
“是的，”西弗勒斯坚定地说。“我的权力是什么？”
A long pause followed. Hermione Granger looked like she was wishing for the ground to swallow her whole. Kingsley Shacklebolt was studying the surface of the conference table as if it was the most amazing and fascinating thing on the face of the earth. Percy Weasley was smirking, just a little bit. Eventually, Harry broke the silence:
一次长长的停顿随之而来。赫敏·格兰杰看起来像是希望大地能把她整个吞噬。金斯莱·沙克尔则研究会议桌的表面，好像他是在面对地球上最神奇和迷人的东西。珀西·韦斯莱默默傻笑。最终，哈利打破了沉默：
“Your rights will be defined by me. We can discuss your needs in private. However, you can relax a bit, knowing that your life, while technically at my mercy, in no danger. After all, my Vow protects me from causing you deadly harm.”
“你的权利将被我决定。我们可以私下里讨论你的需求。当然,你可以放松一点,毕竟你知道你的生活,尽管从理论上来讲是取决于我的仁慈,但这没有实质性的危险。毕竟,我的誓言保证了我不能对你造成致命的伤害。”
“How incredibly comforting,” Severus said dryly.
“多么令人难以置信的安慰啊， ”西弗勒斯冷冷地说。
Harry issued an amicable chuckle. “Well then. Now that your peace of mind is assured, let's proceed with the mark of ownership.”
哈利友好地吃吃笑了。 “那么。现在，您已安心，放心，让我们继续所有权烙印的程序吧。 ”
Percy Weasley nodded standing up, and motioning for Severus to do the same. Severus complied instantly.
珀西·韦斯莱点点头站起来，示意西弗勒斯同样做。西弗勒斯立即照办。
“Where?” Percy asked.
“在哪里？ ”珀西问。
“On his forehead,” Harry said firmly.
“在他的额头上，”哈利坚定地说。
“Harry!” Hermione snapped. “It shouldn't be on his face.”
“哈利！”赫敏厉声说。 “你不该把标记烙在他脸上。 ”
“Where else would I put it?” Harry asked with a casual shrug. “It needs to be prominent, and not easily concealed.”
“我还能选择哪里呢？ ”哈利毫不在意地耸耸肩，问道。 “这标记需要很突出，不容易隐瞒。 ”
“A hand will do just fine,” Hermione advised him in an icy voice.
“印手上就好， ”赫敏以一种冰冷的声音劝告他。
“Too easily concealed by wearing gloves,” Harry countered. “Hermione, don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be.”
“太容易掩盖了，戴手套，”哈利反驳。 “赫敏，不要令这件事比它本身所需的更困难。”
“How could it be any more difficult?” Hermione inquired bitterly. “Please tell me, Harry, I would really like to know.”
“怎么会是更加困难呢？ ”赫敏恨恨地询问。 “请告诉我，哈利，我真的想知道。 ”
“Enough,” Severus said suddenly, surprising himself, and it seemed, the others as well. He was already nauseated beyond words, and he couldn't stand another second of Granger-Potter ethical debate. “It doesn't make any difference to me where you put it.” He pulled his hair back, baring his forehead. Percy's wand pointed to it, and Severus felt a faint, discomforting sensation, as a trace of energy parted his skin and bound itself to it. Percy surveyed the image with satisfaction and stepped back. Severus resisted the urge to touch it and guess at what the image was.
“够了,”西弗勒斯突然说,这个反应令他自己惊讶,似乎,其他人也一样。 他已经恶心地难以言表,他无法忍受另一个格兰杰-波特伦理争论。 “你把它烙在哪里对我都没有什么影响了。 ”他把他的头发拨开,露出额头。珀西的魔杖指着它,连带着一个微弱的,令人不安的感觉,一丝能量分开他的皮肤并绑定其上。 珀西调查图像与满意度之后后退。西弗勒斯抑制住触摸它的冲动并猜测这个图像的内容。
“All done,” Harry said with surprising softness in his voice. “Well, this wasn't so bad, was it?”
“全部完成，”哈利说，他的声音惊人的柔和。 “嗯，这并没有那么糟糕，不是吗？ ”
“No,” Severus said, not permitting his face to betray any expression. Just lovely - if you don't mind parading around with a slave-brand on your forehead, that is, he thought with disdain, but kept his mouth shut. He did not survive two decades of spying on the Dark Lord by picking fights over irrelevant details in situations where he was clearly at a tactical disadvantage.
“ 不，”西弗勒斯说，不允许他的脸出卖任何情绪。如果你不介意带着一个奴隶标记到处晃悠，这个标记就只是会显得可爱了，而那标记就在你的额头上，他不屑地想，但嘴却倔强的闭合着。以他二十年来在黑魔王刺探下通过获取无关的细节了解战争计划并生活着的经验来讲，这种情况下，他显然是在战术劣势。
“Well then,” Harry said, standing up. “Unless there is anything else, I am ready to take him home.”
“那么， ”哈利说着，站起来。 “没别的事的话，我准备带他回家。”
“There is something else,” Hermione said absently. “I should complete full medical scans on him, and ensure he is not contaminated, before I release him into the outside world.”
“还有一件事,”赫敏心不在焉地说。 “我应该给他完成全部医疗扫描,在我把他释放到外面的世界之前,我要确保他不被细菌感染。”
“Contaminated,” Harry repeated, clearly amused. “You are such a paranoid nut, Hermione.”
“感染， ”哈利重复，显然被逗乐了。 “你是如此偏执的一个护士啊，赫敏。 ”
“I know,” she said contritely, with a small smile on her lips. “However as the Assistant Secretary of Public Health and Safety, I would be derelict in my duty if I allowed him out without full precautions. Not with the recent breakout of blood-tainting fungus in Azkaban – I am not too keen on trying to treat the entire Muggle population of Gordic's Hollow if he is a carrier.”
“我知道,”她说,一个小小的微笑带着懊悔在她的唇边描画着。 “但是作为公共健康和安全部长助理,如果我允许他出去而却没有完成充分的预防措施,那将是我的失职。这全都是托最近在阿兹卡班爆发的血液污染真菌的福——如果他是一个病菌携带者，我真的不太热衷于治疗整个魔法界的人口。”
“Very well,” Harry said. “Do what you need to do. I'll wait here. This meeting is adjourned.”
“很好， ”哈利说。 “做你需要做的。我会在这儿等着。本次会议休会。 ”
Kingsley, Percy and Amos left promptly. Hermione nodded to Severus and led the way, and he followed her absently.
金斯莱，珀西和阿莫斯迅速离开。赫敏对西弗勒斯点了点头，走在前面，他心不在焉地跟着她。
She brought him to a smaller room that looked like it was set up for medical examinations. Severus sat up on the medical cot, and she stood right in front of him, gazing at him with her eyes wide open. She had not moved to reach for her wand and perform any scans on him.
她把他带到一个较小的房间，那里看上去就像是为体检设立的。西弗勒斯在医疗床坐下，她站在他的面前，眼睛睁得大大的凝视着他。她没有去拿她的魔杖，以对他进行任何扫描。
“There is no breakout of blood-tainting fungus in Azkaban, is there, Miss Granger?” he asked wryly.
“在阿兹卡班没有爆发血液污点真菌感染，不是吗，格兰杰小姐？ ”他挖苦地问.。
“Of course there is,” she said very quietly. “At least, on record. I made sure of it before I spoke.”
“当然有，”她非常平静地说。 “至少，记录上有。在我说话之前我已经确信。 ”
His lips twitched into a faint resemblance of a smile. “It just occurred to me, Miss Granger. Five years is an unusually long time to spend in a coma,” Severus said, very casually.
他的嘴唇似于淡淡的笑容般抽搐着。 “这只是我所想的，格兰杰小姐。毕竟将五年花在处于昏迷状态上是一个非一般漫长的时间， ”西弗勒斯很随便地说。
“It is,” she agreed. “In fact, had you stayed in a coma any longer, there might have been an investigation... focused on the person who was coming to visit you once a month, over the past four and a half years.”
“确乎如此,”她同意。 “实际上,如果你继续昏迷,就有可能会引发调查…… 关注到那个,在过去的四年半中，每月来看你一次的人。”
“You kept me in a coma,” Severus said, astounded by her admission. “How? Why?”
“是你让我处于昏迷状态， ”西弗勒斯说，被她的坦诚震惊。 “你是如何做到的？又为什么？”
“Discreet spells... untraceable potions...” she whispered meekly. “Some that I myself developed.... As for why: I was terrified for what would happen to you when you woke... and, I was looking for proof. Both me and Ron. Something concrete; something – anything, other than the Pensive. Anything that Dumbledore might have left behind. I was also looking for ... alternatives to ... this...”
“通过谨慎的法术…… 不可言的药水…… ”她低声温顺地说。 “一些,我自己....开发的方式，至于为什么:了解到当你醒来,会发生什么事,我吓坏了… 我正在寻找证据。 我和罗恩都是。一些东西——任何东西,除了冥想盆中那些。 任何邓布利多可能留下的证据。 我也在寻找…… 替代…… 这个……”
“Ah yes. This.” Severus thought it was amusing how she refused to use the word slavery. “I am surprised you found Sub Corona Vendere in the first place. It is a rather obscure law.”
“是啊。 这。“西弗勒斯认为这很有趣，她怎么会拒绝使用奴役这个词。 “我很惊讶你能发现战俘赎买契约。这是一个相当晦涩的法律。 “
She shook her head. “I didn't find it. At least, not on my own. When we... cleared out Dumbledore's... personal quarters following his death, we found an old book sitting out. It had a page on Sub Corona Vendere marked. We didn't understand why – then. But then, afterwards... we understood. He must have foreseen something like this, and left a way for you to stay alive. Well, at least Ron and I understood.... We also understood that it meant you were acting on Dumbledore's orders. But Harry... he...”
她摇了摇头。 “不是我找到的它。至少，不是我自己的。当时我们……搜索了邓布利多的……个人宿舍，他去世后，我们发现那里放着一本老书。其中一页被单独标记，页面全部用来阐释战俘赎买。当时我们不明白这是为什么。但后来，后来……我们明白了。他一定已经预见到这样的事情，为你留下了活路。嗯，至少我和罗恩明白……我们也明白，它的意思是你在邓布利多的命令下行事。但哈利……他…… ”
“He doesn't believe me,” Severus said bluntly. “I am not surprised.”
“他不相信我， ”西弗勒斯直截了当地说。 “对此我并不感到惊讶。”
“You should be,” she said tersely. “He did at one point. He went to the Forbidden Forest to die, based on nothing but your memory that you had shared with him.”
“你确实会被他这样认为”，她简洁地说。 “他做这一切都基于一点。他当年去禁林赴死的行为，就是基于你与他分享的记忆，除此之外再无其它。”
“Really? He did?” Severus gasped in astonishment. “But then... what happened?”
“真的？他竟这样做了？ “西弗勒斯惊讶地感叹。 “但后来……发生了什么事？”
“Voldemort struck him with the Killing Curse. And then – he remembers nothing after that, until he awoke with Narcissa Malfoy checking on him. After the war was over, everything was well... He ended up the Master of the Elder Wand. So at the end of it all, he placed the Elder Wand in Dumbledore's Tomb. He didn't want to have this much power, you know. All he ever wanted was just to be ... normal. For a while, he was so happy. We all were.... for about a month or so.”
“伏地魔用死咒攻击他。然后 - 他什么都不记得了，直到他在纳西莎·马尔福来检查他时他才醒来。战争结束后，一切都很好……他结果了长老魔杖的主人。在这一切结束后，他曾把长老魔杖放回邓布利多的墓。他不想要这样大的力量，你知道。他所想要的是……做一个普通人。有一段时间，他非常高兴。我们都非常高兴……着持续了大约一个月左右的时间。 “
“What happened then?” Severus asked.
“之后发生了什么事？ ”西弗勒斯问。
“Then... he started... brooding. Thinking. Trying to figure it all out... Like, if what you had conveyed to him was true, why he didn't die, but Voldemort was defeated anyways. Mind you, we all tried to figure it out as well... but we have no idea. Even now we don't know what happened. Eventually... he decided that... you just... faked your memories, and sent him to die because you hated him...” She sniffled miserably, in a way that was almost childish. “Then..... he was really angry. He withdrew... he started going back to the Forbidden Forest, day after day. Looking for it... trying to find it again....”
“然后……他开始……冥想。思考。试图找出这一切的真相……就像，如果你向他转达的信息都是真实的，为什么他没有死，反而被打败的是伏地魔。你要知道，我们都试图弄明白……但我们不知道。即使是现在，我们仍不知道发生了什么事。最终……他决定相信……你只是……伪造你的回忆，并送他去死，因为你恨他……”她抽泣着，几乎是以孩子气的方式， “然后……他是真的生气了。他退出……他开始回到禁林，日复一日。寻找它……试图再次找到它……”
“Find what, Miss Granger?”
“找什么，格兰杰小姐？ ”
“The Resurrection Stone,” she said with a stifled sob. “It took him three months to find it... Then... another month later, he went to Dumbledore's tomb, and retrieved the Elder Wand...” she caught her breath and whispered. “And that's when I got really scared for you... for what would happen if you were to wake.... that's when I decided to buy us some time...” She cast him a plaintive look. “I never thought it would get worse...”
“复活石”，她说着呼吸一窒， “他花了3个月的时间找到它……然后……再过一个月后，他去了邓布利多的坟墓，找老魔杖……“她屏住了她的呼吸，低声说道。 “那个时候我真的很担心你……担心你会发生什么，如果你是清醒的……就是在那个时候我决定为我们争取一些时间……”她一付哀怨的样子看着他。 “我从来没有想过事情会变得更糟......”
Severus shrugged. “Not to sound trite, but power changes people, Miss Granger.”
西弗勒斯耸耸肩。 “听起来很老套,但总有力量在改变人,格兰杰小姐。”
He knew that all too well, and so did Albus, and he must have foreseen this turn of events. And still, with his careful manipulation, Albus all but bequeathed Severus Snape to the Savior of the Wizarding World, to become his personal property – and Severus knew all too well, why.
他太了解这一切了，阿不思也一样，而且他也一定遇见了这一变故。并仍小心地与他操纵着这一切，阿不思将西弗勒斯斯内普完全赠与物是世界的救世主，成为他的个人财产-并且西弗勒斯也完全了解这一切，为什么。
Hermione saw the expression on his face and said weakly: “I know this isn't the greatest way to live. But... Dumbledore did save you, in his own way.”
赫敏看到了他脸上的表情，有气无力地说： “我知道这不是你未来最好的生活方式。但是……邓布利多确实拯救了你，以他自己的方式。”
“Ah,” Severus mused. “You misunderstand, Miss Granger. This bond is not to my salvation.”
“啊，”西弗勒斯若有所思地说。“你误会了，格兰杰小姐。这个契约并不是我的救赎。”
She gazed at him speechlessly.
她盯着他无话可说。
“It is my penance,” he said softly.
“这是我的忏悔， ”他轻声说。
He stared into her eyes deeply, seeing his own reflection in them, sharp and clear, even the brand on his forehead. Three dark stylized lines were clearly marked, merging together to form an unmistakable shape: the image of the Phoenix.
他深深地盯着她的眼睛，看到自己的倒影，那很清晰，甚至能看清在他的额头上的烙印。三个简单的线条被勾画地鲜明，绞合在一起，形成一个明确无误的形状：凤凰。
直到守卫将他领出牢房，西弗勒斯依然处于眩晕之中。当穿着他单薄邋遢的狱袍走进一个明亮的会议大厅时，见到哈利·波特正与几个包括赫敏·格兰杰在内的熟人在其中等着他时，西弗勒斯心中不由地升起了一种荒唐的违和感。
“Professor,” she said quietly, not meeting his eyes.
“教授，”她小声说，甚至不敢看西弗勒斯的眼睛。
He nodded to her slightly.
他微微向她点了点头。
“Shall we get started?” Harry said calmly, in a voice that was almost friendly. “Have a seat, please, Severus.”
“我们可以开始了么？”哈利以一种几乎可以形容为友好的声音平静地说。“请坐吧，西弗勒斯。”
Severus sat down automatically, lifting his eyes.
西弗勒斯机械地坐下，抬起了他的双眼。
“The purpose of this meeting is to explain the details of your bond,” Harry said peacefully. “This meeting will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.”
“这次会议的目的是向你详细解释你即将面临的契约，”哈利不动声色地说。“会议亦将为你提供一次提出你可能会有的问题的机会。”
“Very well,” Severus said, keeping his voice absolutely impassive. “Though I fail to see the purpose of this charade. It is what it is, and you have made it abundantly clear that I have no say in the matter.”
“很好，”西弗勒斯保持着一种绝对无情的语调表达着。“尽管我没能明白你们这次猜谜游戏的目的。但我明白事情如今只能是这个样子，并且你也早已很清晰的告知我我在这件事上毫无发言权。”
“True,” Harry agreed with a wry smile. “However, I thought you might be interested in hearing the details before ... diving into this new adventure.”
“确实，”哈利带着一种扭曲的微笑赞同了他的说法。“然而，我仍认为你也许会对了解一下细节感兴趣，在你……坠入新的冒险之前。”
Severus had to admit that Harry Potter had a point, and nodded again.
西弗勒斯不得不认同，哈利波特说对了一次，他点了点头。
“The slave-bond is based on an ancient law, known as Sub Corona Vendere,” Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke tensely, and almost apologetically. “Do you know the meaning of it?”
“这种奴隶契约以一种被称为代死售卖的古老法律为基础进行签订，”金斯莱·沙克尔以一种近乎带着歉意的状态紧绷着说。“你知道这其中的意义么？”
“Yes,” Severus said instantly. “It applies to the prisoners of war. The literal translation is Sold Beneath the Crown, referring to...”
“是的，”西弗勒斯立即接口。“它适用于战俘。字面意义可以译为战俘赎买，具体内容可以参看……”
Percy Weasley waved him off in a dismissive manner. “No need to recite an entire encyclopedia, Severus. As long as you understand your position...”
珀西·韦斯莱不屑一顾地挥挥手打断他。 “没有必要背诵整个百科全书，西弗勒斯。只要你理解你的处境…… “
Severus shut his mouth dutifully, but watched Hermione Granger with fascination, as red blotches appeared on her face. She bit her lip furiously, but made no sound. A brief silence followed, and then Kingsley continued impatiently, as if eager to get it over with:
西弗勒斯尽职地闭上嘴，但却看见赫敏·格兰杰好像如魔一样，脸上泛出两片殷红。她狠狠地咬着唇瓣，却不肯发出任何声音。紧接着是一段短暂的安静，而之后金斯莱·沙克尔连忙继续，好像很希望令这件事尽快过去一样：
“This particular slave-bond is of a permanent nature, and not transferable. You cannot be sold, given away, or released. Additionally, there will be a mark of ownership placed on your person, that will be permanent as well.”
“这种特殊的奴隶契约是永久性的，不得转让。你不能被出售，转增，或者释放。此外，你还将被烙上一个代表着主人所有权的永久性标记。”
“A brand,” Severus said bluntly, having no tolerance for euphemisms. He was going to be branded like ... well, even cattle did not get branded in the wizarding world, most animal owners relied on tracking spells and identification charms.
“一个标记，”西弗勒斯讲得十分坦率，未曾试图用任何委婉的语言进行逃避。他将被烙印，就好像一个……好吧，在魔法界即使牛羊之类的牲畜也不曾打上烙印，对此，人们更多时候倚赖于跟踪法术和识别魔法的魅力。
“Yes,” Kingsley confirmed. “For everyone's safety, including your own, you will be required to remain in your owner's household, under his supervision. Your wand has been burned, and you will not acquire another under any circumstances. Finally, the slave-bond will ensure your owner's safety, by ... dissuading you from causing him any harm.”
“是的，”金斯莱确认到。“为了人们的安全，包括你的主人，你将被要求留在你主人的房子中，在他的监督之下。你的魔杖已被烧毁，你同样不可能在任何情况下获得另一个。最后，奴隶契约将会保证你主人的安全，通过……阻止你对他造成任何伤害。”
Severus fought to conceal his amusement at the statement. “That is fine, although unnecessary. I mean my owner no harm.”
西弗勒斯努力演示着他被这些语句娱乐到的事实。“这很好，尽管并无此必要。我的意思是我不会对我主人造成任何伤害。”
“Then we have nothing to worry about,” Harry said serenely. “Any questions, Severus?”
“那我们就没什么可以担心的了，”哈利安祥地说。“有什么问题么，西弗勒斯？”
“Yes,” Severus said firmly. “What are my rights?”
“是的，”西弗勒斯坚定地说。“我的权力是什么？”
A long pause followed. Hermione Granger looked like she was wishing for the ground to swallow her whole. Kingsley Shacklebolt was studying the surface of the conference table as if it was the most amazing and fascinating thing on the face of the earth. Percy Weasley was smirking, just a little bit. Eventually, Harry broke the silence:
一次长长的停顿随之而来。赫敏·格兰杰看起来像是希望大地能把她整个吞噬。金斯莱·沙克尔则研究会议桌的表面，好像他是在面对地球上最神奇和迷人的东西。珀西·韦斯莱默默傻笑。最终，哈利打破了沉默：
“Your rights will be defined by me. We can discuss your needs in private. However, you can relax a bit, knowing that your life, while technically at my mercy, in no danger. After all, my Vow protects me from causing you deadly harm.”
“你的权利将被我决定。我们可以私下里讨论你的需求。当然,你可以放松一点,毕竟你知道你的生活,尽管从理论上来讲是取决于我的仁慈,但这没有实质性的危险。毕竟,我的誓言保证了我不能对你造成致命的伤害。”
“How incredibly comforting,” Severus said dryly.
“多么令人难以置信的安慰啊， ”西弗勒斯冷冷地说。
Harry issued an amicable chuckle. “Well then. Now that your peace of mind is assured, let's proceed with the mark of ownership.”
哈利友好地吃吃笑了。 “那么。现在，您已安心，放心，让我们继续所有权烙印的程序吧。 ”
Percy Weasley nodded standing up, and motioning for Severus to do the same. Severus complied instantly.
珀西·韦斯莱点点头站起来，示意西弗勒斯同样做。西弗勒斯立即照办。
“Where?” Percy asked.
“在哪里？ ”珀西问。
“On his forehead,” Harry said firmly.
“在他的额头上，”哈利坚定地说。
“Harry!” Hermione snapped. “It shouldn't be on his face.”
“哈利！”赫敏厉声说。 “你不该把标记烙在他脸上。 ”
“Where else would I put it?” Harry asked with a casual shrug. “It needs to be prominent, and not easily concealed.”
“我还能选择哪里呢？ ”哈利毫不在意地耸耸肩，问道。 “这标记需要很突出，不容易隐瞒。 ”
“A hand will do just fine,” Hermione advised him in an icy voice.
“印手上就好， ”赫敏以一种冰冷的声音劝告他。
“Too easily concealed by wearing gloves,” Harry countered. “Hermione, don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be.”
“太容易掩盖了，戴手套，”哈利反驳。 “赫敏，不要令这件事比它本身所需的更困难。”
“How could it be any more difficult?” Hermione inquired bitterly. “Please tell me, Harry, I would really like to know.”
“怎么会是更加困难呢？ ”赫敏恨恨地询问。 “请告诉我，哈利，我真的想知道。 ”
“Enough,” Severus said suddenly, surprising himself, and it seemed, the others as well. He was already nauseated beyond words, and he couldn't stand another second of Granger-Potter ethical debate. “It doesn't make any difference to me where you put it.” He pulled his hair back, baring his forehead. Percy's wand pointed to it, and Severus felt a faint, discomforting sensation, as a trace of energy parted his skin and bound itself to it. Percy surveyed the image with satisfaction and stepped back. Severus resisted the urge to touch it and guess at what the image was.
“够了,”西弗勒斯突然说,这个反应令他自己惊讶,似乎,其他人也一样。 他已经恶心地难以言表,他无法忍受另一个格兰杰-波特伦理争论。 “你把它烙在哪里对我都没有什么影响了。 ”他把他的头发拨开,露出额头。珀西的魔杖指着它,连带着一个微弱的,令人不安的感觉,一丝能量分开他的皮肤并绑定其上。 珀西调查图像与满意度之后后退。西弗勒斯抑制住触摸它的冲动并猜测这个图像的内容。
“All done,” Harry said with surprising softness in his voice. “Well, this wasn't so bad, was it?”
“全部完成，”哈利说，他的声音惊人的柔和。 “嗯，这并没有那么糟糕，不是吗？ ”
“No,” Severus said, not permitting his face to betray any expression. Just lovely - if you don't mind parading around with a slave-brand on your forehead, that is, he thought with disdain, but kept his mouth shut. He did not survive two decades of spying on the Dark Lord by picking fights over irrelevant details in situations where he was clearly at a tactical disadvantage.
“ 不，”西弗勒斯说，不允许他的脸出卖任何情绪。如果你不介意带着一个奴隶标记到处晃悠，这个标记就只是会显得可爱了，而那标记就在你的额头上，他不屑地想，但嘴却倔强的闭合着。以他二十年来在黑魔王刺探下通过获取无关的细节了解战争计划并生活着的经验来讲，这种情况下，他显然是在战术劣势。
“Well then,” Harry said, standing up. “Unless there is anything else, I am ready to take him home.”
“那么， ”哈利说着，站起来。 “没别的事的话，我准备带他回家。”
“There is something else,” Hermione said absently. “I should complete full medical scans on him, and ensure he is not contaminated, before I release him into the outside world.”
“还有一件事,”赫敏心不在焉地说。 “我应该给他完成全部医疗扫描,在我把他释放到外面的世界之前,我要确保他不被细菌感染。”
“Contaminated,” Harry repeated, clearly amused. “You are such a paranoid nut, Hermione.”
“感染， ”哈利重复，显然被逗乐了。 “你是如此偏执的一个护士啊，赫敏。 ”
“I know,” she said contritely, with a small smile on her lips. “However as the Assistant Secretary of Public Health and Safety, I would be derelict in my duty if I allowed him out without full precautions. Not with the recent breakout of blood-tainting fungus in Azkaban – I am not too keen on trying to treat the entire Muggle population of Gordic's Hollow if he is a carrier.”
“我知道,”她说,一个小小的微笑带着懊悔在她的唇边描画着。 “但是作为公共健康和安全部长助理,如果我允许他出去而却没有完成充分的预防措施,那将是我的失职。这全都是托最近在阿兹卡班爆发的血液污染真菌的福——如果他是一个病菌携带者，我真的不太热衷于治疗整个魔法界的人口。”
“Very well,” Harry said. “Do what you need to do. I'll wait here. This meeting is adjourned.”
“很好， ”哈利说。 “做你需要做的。我会在这儿等着。本次会议休会。 ”
Kingsley, Percy and Amos left promptly. Hermione nodded to Severus and led the way, and he followed her absently.
金斯莱，珀西和阿莫斯迅速离开。赫敏对西弗勒斯点了点头，走在前面，他心不在焉地跟着她。
She brought him to a smaller room that looked like it was set up for medical examinations. Severus sat up on the medical cot, and she stood right in front of him, gazing at him with her eyes wide open. She had not moved to reach for her wand and perform any scans on him.
她把他带到一个较小的房间，那里看上去就像是为体检设立的。西弗勒斯在医疗床坐下，她站在他的面前，眼睛睁得大大的凝视着他。她没有去拿她的魔杖，以对他进行任何扫描。
“There is no breakout of blood-tainting fungus in Azkaban, is there, Miss Granger?” he asked wryly.
“在阿兹卡班没有爆发血液污点真菌感染，不是吗，格兰杰小姐？ ”他挖苦地问.。
“Of course there is,” she said very quietly. “At least, on record. I made sure of it before I spoke.”
“当然有，”她非常平静地说。 “至少，记录上有。在我说话之前我已经确信。 ”
His lips twitched into a faint resemblance of a smile. “It just occurred to me, Miss Granger. Five years is an unusually long time to spend in a coma,” Severus said, very casually.
他的嘴唇似于淡淡的笑容般抽搐着。 “这只是我所想的，格兰杰小姐。毕竟将五年花在处于昏迷状态上是一个非一般漫长的时间， ”西弗勒斯很随便地说。
“It is,” she agreed. “In fact, had you stayed in a coma any longer, there might have been an investigation... focused on the person who was coming to visit you once a month, over the past four and a half years.”
“确乎如此,”她同意。 “实际上,如果你继续昏迷,就有可能会引发调查…… 关注到那个,在过去的四年半中，每月来看你一次的人。”
“You kept me in a coma,” Severus said, astounded by her admission. “How? Why?”
“是你让我处于昏迷状态， ”西弗勒斯说，被她的坦诚震惊。 “你是如何做到的？又为什么？”
“Discreet spells... untraceable potions...” she whispered meekly. “Some that I myself developed.... As for why: I was terrified for what would happen to you when you woke... and, I was looking for proof. Both me and Ron. Something concrete; something – anything, other than the Pensive. Anything that Dumbledore might have left behind. I was also looking for ... alternatives to ... this...”
“通过谨慎的法术…… 不可言的药水…… ”她低声温顺地说。 “一些,我自己....开发的方式，至于为什么:了解到当你醒来,会发生什么事,我吓坏了… 我正在寻找证据。 我和罗恩都是。一些东西——任何东西,除了冥想盆中那些。 任何邓布利多可能留下的证据。 我也在寻找…… 替代…… 这个……”
“Ah yes. This.” Severus thought it was amusing how she refused to use the word slavery. “I am surprised you found Sub Corona Vendere in the first place. It is a rather obscure law.”
“是啊。 这。“西弗勒斯认为这很有趣，她怎么会拒绝使用奴役这个词。 “我很惊讶你能发现战俘赎买契约。这是一个相当晦涩的法律。 “
She shook her head. “I didn't find it. At least, not on my own. When we... cleared out Dumbledore's... personal quarters following his death, we found an old book sitting out. It had a page on Sub Corona Vendere marked. We didn't understand why – then. But then, afterwards... we understood. He must have foreseen something like this, and left a way for you to stay alive. Well, at least Ron and I understood.... We also understood that it meant you were acting on Dumbledore's orders. But Harry... he...”
她摇了摇头。 “不是我找到的它。至少，不是我自己的。当时我们……搜索了邓布利多的……个人宿舍，他去世后，我们发现那里放着一本老书。其中一页被单独标记，页面全部用来阐释战俘赎买。当时我们不明白这是为什么。但后来，后来……我们明白了。他一定已经预见到这样的事情，为你留下了活路。嗯，至少我和罗恩明白……我们也明白，它的意思是你在邓布利多的命令下行事。但哈利……他…… ”
“He doesn't believe me,” Severus said bluntly. “I am not surprised.”
“他不相信我， ”西弗勒斯直截了当地说。 “对此我并不感到惊讶。”
“You should be,” she said tersely. “He did at one point. He went to the Forbidden Forest to die, based on nothing but your memory that you had shared with him.”
“你确实会被他这样认为”，她简洁地说。 “他做这一切都基于一点。他当年去禁林赴死的行为，就是基于你与他分享的记忆，除此之外再无其它。”
“Really? He did?” Severus gasped in astonishment. “But then... what happened?”
“真的？他竟这样做了？ “西弗勒斯惊讶地感叹。 “但后来……发生了什么事？”
“Voldemort struck him with the Killing Curse. And then – he remembers nothing after that, until he awoke with Narcissa Malfoy checking on him. After the war was over, everything was well... He ended up the Master of the Elder Wand. So at the end of it all, he placed the Elder Wand in Dumbledore's Tomb. He didn't want to have this much power, you know. All he ever wanted was just to be ... normal. For a while, he was so happy. We all were.... for about a month or so.”
“伏地魔用死咒攻击他。然后 - 他什么都不记得了，直到他在纳西莎·马尔福来检查他时他才醒来。战争结束后，一切都很好……他结果了长老魔杖的主人。在这一切结束后，他曾把长老魔杖放回邓布利多的墓。他不想要这样大的力量，你知道。他所想要的是……做一个普通人。有一段时间，他非常高兴。我们都非常高兴……着持续了大约一个月左右的时间。 “
“What happened then?” Severus asked.
“之后发生了什么事？ ”西弗勒斯问。
“Then... he started... brooding. Thinking. Trying to figure it all out... Like, if what you had conveyed to him was true, why he didn't die, but Voldemort was defeated anyways. Mind you, we all tried to figure it out as well... but we have no idea. Even now we don't know what happened. Eventually... he decided that... you just... faked your memories, and sent him to die because you hated him...” She sniffled miserably, in a way that was almost childish. “Then..... he was really angry. He withdrew... he started going back to the Forbidden Forest, day after day. Looking for it... trying to find it again....”
“然后……他开始……冥想。思考。试图找出这一切的真相……就像，如果你向他转达的信息都是真实的，为什么他没有死，反而被打败的是伏地魔。你要知道，我们都试图弄明白……但我们不知道。即使是现在，我们仍不知道发生了什么事。最终……他决定相信……你只是……伪造你的回忆，并送他去死，因为你恨他……”她抽泣着，几乎是以孩子气的方式， “然后……他是真的生气了。他退出……他开始回到禁林，日复一日。寻找它……试图再次找到它……”
“Find what, Miss Granger?”
“找什么，格兰杰小姐？ ”
“The Resurrection Stone,” she said with a stifled sob. “It took him three months to find it... Then... another month later, he went to Dumbledore's tomb, and retrieved the Elder Wand...” she caught her breath and whispered. “And that's when I got really scared for you... for what would happen if you were to wake.... that's when I decided to buy us some time...” She cast him a plaintive look. “I never thought it would get worse...”
“复活石”，她说着呼吸一窒， “他花了3个月的时间找到它……然后……再过一个月后，他去了邓布利多的坟墓，找老魔杖……“她屏住了她的呼吸，低声说道。 “那个时候我真的很担心你……担心你会发生什么，如果你是清醒的……就是在那个时候我决定为我们争取一些时间……”她一付哀怨的样子看着他。 “我从来没有想过事情会变得更糟......”
Severus shrugged. “Not to sound trite, but power changes people, Miss Granger.”
西弗勒斯耸耸肩。 “听起来很老套,但总有力量在改变人,格兰杰小姐。”
He knew that all too well, and so did Albus, and he must have foreseen this turn of events. And still, with his careful manipulation, Albus all but bequeathed Severus Snape to the Savior of the Wizarding World, to become his personal property – and Severus knew all too well, why.
他太了解这一切了，阿不思也一样，而且他也一定遇见了这一变故。并仍小心地与他操纵着这一切，阿不思将西弗勒斯斯内普完全赠与物是世界的救世主，成为他的个人财产-并且西弗勒斯也完全了解这一切，为什么。
Hermione saw the expression on his face and said weakly: “I know this isn't the greatest way to live. But... Dumbledore did save you, in his own way.”
赫敏看到了他脸上的表情，有气无力地说： “我知道这不是你未来最好的生活方式。但是……邓布利多确实拯救了你，以他自己的方式。”
“Ah,” Severus mused. “You misunderstand, Miss Granger. This bond is not to my salvation.”
“啊，”西弗勒斯若有所思地说。“你误会了，格兰杰小姐。这个契约并不是我的救赎。”
She gazed at him speechlessly.
她盯着他无话可说。
“It is my penance,” he said softly.
“这是我的忏悔， ”他轻声说。
He stared into her eyes deeply, seeing his own reflection in them, sharp and clear, even the brand on his forehead. Three dark stylized lines were clearly marked, merging together to form an unmistakable shape: the image of the Phoenix.
他深深地盯着她的眼睛，看到自己的倒影，那很清晰，甚至能看清在他的额头上的烙印。三个简单的线条被勾画地鲜明，绞合在一起，形成一个明确无误的形状：凤凰。
...To
Be Continued...
待续……
译者有话说:恢复更新!!!!
待续……
译者有话说:恢复更新!!!!
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