Chapter 1 - The Ties That Bind
"Severus . . . please."
He heard that voice again. The voice within his own head that he could not be rid of. The one person who believed in him, who trusted him was gone. The only person who still thought of him on the side of good was now. . . dead. Killed by his own hand.
He stood and faced his reflection through the broken pieces of glass once held together as a mirror. The scars from that battle were still there. It had been weeks, but the lines were still visible. No potion or spell would make them disappear all together. Another reminder of the cruel and terrible deed he had committed. He could no longer bare the image of his own face and looked away in shame.
The nearly broken grandfather clock chimed in the background. The time, at last, had come. He glanced out the window to the fallen night sky. He had to act quickly. Great things were planned, but very few knew. He dressed in his best attire, which included a black traveling cloak, and silently combed his greasy hair. He looked around the darkened room, known to him for the past few weeks as home, and sighed. The thought of returning never crossed his mind. He knew he would not be back. He picked up the few things needed of importance and took once last look around. He was finally ready.
He felt inside his front shirt pocket to ensure they were still there. Two letters received just days apart. He was unsure how the owls found him, but was grateful they did. The first was from a co-conspirator, Lucius Malfoy, congratulating him on a job well done and for his continued loyalty to the Dark Lord. Word of thanks was also included for the safe return of his son, Draco. His mother, Narcissa, was pleased to see them both when they apparated onto the steps of the Malfoy's mansion. "It is done." The only words he uttered to them both before disappearing into the night. He had just killed the great Albus Dumbledore. He must not be found.
The second letter, received a few days later, was more mysterious. The author unknown, the message was quite clear: "It is time."
Total darkness had settled upon the wizarding world as he reached the edge of the forbidden forest, the castle now in view. He looked around for any auroras on guard before walking onto the school grounds.
The corridors were stuffy and cold. The life had been sucked out of them, leaving behind a shell of a castle in its former glory. No one was there, not even the castle ghosts. The death of the headmaster had been hard on everyone. He made his way down to the very depths of the school, to the dungeons and office he once called home. For years he had taught there and used his knowledge of the school's defenses to easily gain access. The wards had yet to been changed.
He dashed about his office. The ingredients needed for future potions were collected and placed carefully inside his satchel for safe keeping. Notes and important documents were also gathered as well as various mementoes collected throughout his teaching career. One important item, a small book containing instructions of a secrete plan others must not see, was carefully tucked away into his cloak. He couldn't believe he had left it or that no one had yet discovered it. He took one last look at his former home before exiting and sealing the wards once more. No one would ever know.
He peaked inside the common room of his house. Green and silver in color, he walked through the various tables and sofas to reach the fireplace. He carefully removed a brick and took out two items of personal importance. One from his first year as a student, and the other from his first year as a teacher. Important they were to him, he couldn't bear to leave without them. He turned to face the common room one last time. He could never return; not to his house, his students, his home. His travel cloak billowed behind him as he swept through the chairs and sofas to the exit. Silently, he crept into the corridors once more, not looking back as the portrait closed behind him. Only the most difficult task remained.
He left the dungeons, headed north and reached the front entrance. He glanced into the main hall and remembered the many years he spent there, both as a student and as a teacher. He continued quietly towards the east wing and further until he reached his final destination: the gargoyle statue.
He touched the paw. It moved and he was able to step on and ride the moving staircase to the top. He carefully stepped inside. Little light flowed through the covered windows. The room felt empty without his presence.
He looked around. The sight of the sorting hat still perched on a shelf reminded him of better times. He looked about and recognized the Gryfindor sword and the pensieve. He walked to it and looked in. His mind raced with thoughts of his own when a voice from behind caught him off guard.
"Good evening Severus," the voice stated in a dismal, half-heartily voice.
"Good evening, Headmaster," the professor acknowledged, as he walked from the pensieve to the portrait which now hung along side the other former headmasters.
"I take it, we are off to plan B then," the portrait concluded when he realized the professor was alone.
"Yes, Headmaster. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it has come to this."
"Very well, Severus. Have you brought the needed supplies?"
"I have Sir," he replied as he sat his satchel onto to the desk of the former headmaster and began removing a few of the ingredients he had collected just minutes before.
"Very well then," the portrait replied. "Let us begin."
For now, this is a one-shot chapter/story I submitted for an online Harry Potter fanfiction contest. The purpose was towrite the best opening chapter for the final book. I didn't place, so I thought I would share it with fellow fans for their opinions. Please read and review. I may continuethe story if there is a lot of interest in it. Be sure to check out my other HP fanfiction, "The Elite Order." Thanks :)