Disclaimer: I am not and never will be JK Rowling. I just like to borrow her characters every once in a while.
Chapter 1
Slughorn swallowed nervously as he walked towards the new Headmaster's office. He had always known that this day would come, ever since Dumledore had been murdered mere months ago at the top of the Astronomy tower. He shook his head quickly, trying to dispel his sudden tears at the thought of his wise and courageous friend. Yes, he had been expecting this meeting, yet still he was terrified. And he had every right to be, he reasoned with himself. All too soon, he reached the revolving staircase moved far too quickly and soon he was in front of the Lion's Head door handle.
"Come in" He heard the soft voice of Severus Snape before he even knocked. Slughorn entered and, even though he had expected this, his blood grew still as he saw Voldemort sitting at the headmaster's desk, Severus pacing around the office. Voldemort offered him a thin smile, his red eyes boring into his own.
"Leave us, Severus." He commanded. Snape faced him, surprised.
"My Lord?"
"Now."
Snape turned and left, his robes billowing out behind him. Silence prevailed in the room until he could hear the revolving staircase stop, indicating they were now alone. Voldemort smiled coldly again at Slughorn.
"Sit down Horace," He indicated the chair opposite the Headmaster's desk. Though Slughorn wanted to refuse, his legs disagreed, and he almost collapsed into the chair indicated.
"Such a long time it has been Horace, you have evaded me for quite some time now." The Dark Lord began, his long white fingers tapping the edge of the desk softly.
Slughorn could not speak. Though he had known Tom Riddle for a long time, had taught him and favoured him above all others for many years, this man in front of him in no way resembled the boy he used to be. The Dark Lord continued.
"You know of course why you are here? I cannot have you living while I live. Who knows who you could tell my little secrets to? Although of course Dumbledore is dead, the only one who could have tried to do something about it." At this he laughed softly. Slughorn gasped.
"Please, no. Don't kill me. I... I haven't told anybody. I won't tell anybody, I swear."
Voldemort looked into his eyes. Slughorn knew he was searching his memory- he did not try to stop him. This was his proof that he had not told anyone. The only way his life might be spared.
Voldemort looked away and smiled a self-satisfied smile. "Ah so you have kept my little secret Horace, but can I trust you to keep it still?" he queried.
"Yes, yes of course I will." Slughorn panted. "Please, please don't kill me."
The other man looked at him, considering. There was a silence in the room. Horace could hear his breath coming in fast ragged gasps.
"Well you have kept it thus far. Very well, you shall not die… for the moment." Slughorn sighed in relief. "Thank you, thank you, I won't breathe a word," he promised fervently.
"I will let you live, but if you do let any of this slip to anybody then you shall die without a second thought. Now just as a reminder this is between you and me…" Volemort raised his wand
"Crucio," He intoned in a cold clear voice, and allowed himself a small smile as he watched the older man writhing in agony in front of him.