Chapter One

It all began with an ever so slight tingling sensation on the left arm just above the wrist. To most, it would have seemed arbitrary, something to go unnoticed. Though to a select few, it was without a doubt, the most fearsome yet telling aesthesis. Going just as quickly as it had come; it left many questioning its return at all. Perhaps it had just been an odd spasm brought on by the dark magic branded onto the skin. However, the wisest knew that after fourteen years of silence, this new awakening meant something more than that.

Deep within the dark walls of the cold dungeons below an impressive castle, a tall man had stopped breathing. His body rigid with fear and confusion he stood stock still until the acrid scent of burning metal registered in his mind. Letting out the air he had been holding, the man strode across the room with two long steps and pulled the burning iron cauldron off the fire. He hardly heard the metal crash against the stone floor as he grasped the wooden edges of the sturdy table for support.

How could this be happening? Fourteen years had passed with not so much as a whisper. Alright perhaps a slight hint had been given of the Dark Lord's return. Especially after the arrival of that Potter boy four years ago. Still, for him, Severus Snape, to feel the stirring of the Dark Mark meant something entirely different. Lord Voldemort was returning for good and he was making sure his servants would be ready.

It took a few moments for Severus to realize that the cauldron he had so thoughtlessly dropped on the floor was leaking a tarry black substance that had begun to eat up the soles of his shoes. With shaking hands, he quickly vanished the mess with a flick of his wand and ran out of the cluttered work room without a second thought.

By the time he slammed open the polished wooden door to the circular office, Severus was panting heavily and a film of perspiration had formed on his upper brow. An aged man with white hair and half moon spectacles looked up from a heavy volume perched on the edge of large mahogany desk with a raised eyebrow.

"Severus I-"the man began lightly before he was quickly cut off.

"Headmaster it's as you feared. I felt it just minutes ago, he's back." Severus exclaimed in a rush as he clumsily yanked back the sleeve of his black coat to reveal an oddly shaped tattoo of a twisted snake extending out of the mouth of a skull. The tattoo itself was disturbing enough though it was not the nature of its appearance that seemed to bother the elderly man. Rather, the quickly fading red hue was precisely what seemed to cause the Headmaster's bright blue eyes to instantly lose their good natured twinkle. For a moment, both men stood completely still without uttering a single word before the Headmaster sat down heavily in the beautifully wrought chair behind the desk.

"I had hoped" he began slowly, "that Wormtail would have the sense not to go back to him. I suppose you and I both knew that was inevitable though. However, I do not believe Wormtail could have possibly managed to revive Voldemort completely. It would take a great deal of magic to heal that sort of damage. Magic, you and I both know, Wormtail could never dream of completing himself."

"Albus," Severus said quietly, "Perhaps he does have help. This was the first time I myself noticed the mark but what if Wormtail has already managed to find help from another old supporter? There are still countless out there that would do anything for the chance to help bring the Dark Lord back into power. The Lestrange family for example or perhaps the Malfoy's even the Yaxley's, all purebloods with enough intelligence to aid the Dark Lord in his return."

"Ah Severus," replied Albus after a moment, "It's only been three months since Wormtail escaped. Had he managed to contact one of the more powerful wizarding families I am sure you would have heard something by now. No, I believe they are attempting to be evasive. However, I am quite sure we can also safely assume he will attempt to find a means to access Harry Potter though. What with the Triwizard Tournament being hosted this year I do believe he will have multiple means of infiltrating Hogwarts school with a spy."

It was true, Severus thought, the tournament provided a perfect opportunity for someone to get into the castle without question and harm that idiot boy. Just as Severus was about to protest, Albus stood quickly and crossed the room to retrieve a silvery quill and parchment.

"I believe we are in luck however," Dumbledore continued as he began to unstop a small ink well, "Harry does not meet the age requirement for the tournament this year and therefore will at least be safe in that regard. The Champions from both Beauxbatons academy of Magic and Durmstrang institute must be carefully monitored as well as their Headmasters. I trust you know Igor Karkaroff? He was appointed Headmaster of Durmstrang two years ago."

"Yes," replied Severus with a sneer, "unfortunately I do have the pleasure of being acquainted with him. However, he really is a pathetic sort of man. I don't see him being much of a threat to Potter anyhow."

"Yes well, I would rather have him under a close watch either way Severus. Things that go unnoticed have a disturbing way of creeping up on us at the worst of times." Dumbledore replied with a wry smile, "Even if Karkaroff does prove to be completely useless I would prefer if you kept a sharp eye on him. Will you be able to do that?"

"Yes of course Professor but-"replied Severus hastily before the Headmaster smoothly cut off his protest.

"Excellent, and If I remember correctly you also spent two years in Belgium did you not? When the students from Beauxbatons arrive, I would greatly appreciate it if you would so kindly keep a close watch on their students, and once announced, especially their champion. As you are the only one who understands a substantial amount of their language and has reason to be around them I am afraid you are the only person qualified for that job. I realize I am asking quite a bit from you Severus, do you think you will be able to manage?"

The knowing glint in the Headmaster's eyes told Severus that his answer was already expected and that no matter how much he detested the answer he was about to give, he would never refuse anything Albus set him up to. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Severus gave an audible sigh of defeat and replied,

"Yes Albus, of course I will watch Karkaroff and babysit the French brats if that's what you desire." With that, Severus turned on his heels and sulked out of the room shutting the door with a sharp snap behind him.