Howdy y'all! This is greenliberace telling you that the first chapter is the hardest, and I really hope that stands to truth once I start on the next chapter. I had a bunch of ideas, but they just weren't working…anyway we'll see how this works! I am open to any and all suggestions, but flames are not going to be accepted. This is my first fic, so I really don't want a bunch of "wow this sucks" type of comments. Most of you write fics yourself, you understand, right? Anyway, this may or may not be a romance…still thinking on that, tell me what you want! Umm…I don't believe there will be slash/rape/mpreg, nothing too terribly gory. The rating might go up later, just depending on what happens in the story. For now, fairly safe and I hope you all enjoy it!

Chapter One: Plans

"I won't."

"Please, Severus-"

"NO."

Albus Dumbledore sighed and leaned back to survey his Potions Master. He seemed even paler than usual, though it was well into June. Dark circles had grown beneath his eyes, and he resembled nothing so much as a man who'd lain ill for a very long time. All due, of course, to Voldemort.

After the incident at the Ministry, Severus had had a rough time at the Death Eater gatherings. They'd all suffered for the failure to retrieve the prophecy, but especially those in Voldemort's inner circle, like Severus himself. Such is the price of rank…Dumbledore mused. But there were more immediate things to think about now, and his mind quickly snapped back to pleading with the Potions Master.

"Severus, please consider. This woman is a Dueling Master, and excellent at wandless dueling, you wouldn't be bored. And the students could truly benefit from the lessons. I'm sure you'll remember a few times that the knowledge of dueling has saved your own life…?"

A muted flush grew upon Severus' cheeks. Now the old windbag was trying to make him feel guilty! And for some snot-nosed brats who might get hurt in the future… Well, it wouldn't work. Not on Severus Snape.

"Headmaster, as you've already seen fit to tell me countless times that this person is a…Master," (he emphasized the master-it was probably a hag from the streets, knowing Dumbledore), "I see no reason why I would possibly be needed to demonstrate. More likely, it would be a waste of both of our time and certainly my talent. I have a hard enough time as it is teaching the dunderheads how to make a Calming Potion, never mind something that actually requires a brain." With an air of finality hanging on his little speech, Severus was ready to leave when a broad smile grew on Dumbledore's face. The professor was instantly wary.

"Oh, but Severus!" he said cheerfully, "you haven't let me finish! I knew, of course, you'd rather have an idea of her skill before dueling in front of the students. Which is why I've invited her here today, so you two can go on and duel." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly at the flabbergasted look on Severus' face, serving to make Severus suddenly quite self-righteous.

"Albus! I'm not even ready-you can't just tell me to go duel a Master, I haven't even practiced-"

"Severus, my boy, you're a Master yourself! Certainly you shouldn't have any problems-and against one who is younger than yourself, as well…but if you truly think you aren't quite that good-"

"I can beat any woman!" growled Severus.

"Good!" Then you can show us at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The duel will take place in the East Garden. I'm rather excited to see you duel, and especially wandless, actually-I've not seen you duel for a while, and the last time we were both in quite a dire predicament. Now, I'm sure you've got to prepare…"

Severus swore silently to himself through the entire long walk down to his dungeons. How did he let Dumbledore talk him into these things? Damn! He really wasn't ready to duel now, he had things to do for his "other master". Though in truth, a break would be nice…and a wandless duel…Severus could feel the anticipation rise up in his blood. He'd always been good at wandless dueling. It had taken many stolen hours from both Voldemort and the Order to achieve the level of Master, and it had been one of the proudest moments of his life when he'd gone to show his old teacher what he'd accomplished. And it had saved his life, many times during the years he had acted as spy. Fighting another true Master now had quite an allure to it…the fact that he'd be fighting a woman truly had no consequence, no matter what he'd said. He'd learned that women could be just as potentially lethal as men. But in reality, it was the magic that chose the winner. In a wandless duel, a person's body and in-born magic had to work in tandem. Some people were naturally better than others, for learning required patience and hard-work. Severus had to smirk to himself. He was definitely better than most…and with that smug thought in mind, he swooped off to his chambers to warm up.

Dumbledore waited until Severus had left the room to let the smile drop from his face. Then he let his face drop into his hands and sighed. He was getting too old to be "influencing" people the way he did, however necessary it was. And he believed it was necessary. Severus truly needed a break. Not many realized just how much of a burden had been placed on his Potions Master-for that matter, Severus seemed to think he could bear the world on his shoulders, if he so chose. It was time he had a chance to breathe, a bit of relaxation, if you could call it that. The only time Dumbledore had ever seen Severus in a truly good mood was when he talked about his Mastery of all dueling. Not even his potions could put a smile on his face. He was fantastic at potions, of course-he had a brilliant mind and a natural talent. But it wasn't a passion for him-it was a job. Surely he deserved a few opportunities during the year to relieve some stress. And who knew? Perhaps he'd get along with the new Dueling Master-doubtful, but if nothing else he'd have someone else to complain about other than poor Lupin, who was resuming his position as Defense professor in the coming year. Much encouraged, Dumbledore got up to leave. He had things to do and people to greet…

Peter Pettigrew inwardly shuddered as he fixed his watery gaze on his Master. The visage of the Dark Lord was horribly contorted into, of all things, a smile. But it held no promise of good will or happiness, it was borne of anticipation-of what, Pettigrew was not anxious to know. His attention snapped back to reality when the Dark Lord's eyes gleamed, and he spoke.

"Can you imagine, Pettigrew, a world without magic? No, I don't suppose you can…try, then, to imagine a world without wands…without broomsticks and potions…the only magic coming from a wizard's inborn magic and creatures who can naturally harness it…" Voldemort slowly sank back, but still retained the gleam in his blood red eyes. Rather daunted, Pettigrew remained standing as he was, not sure whether to respond. The world his lord spoke of sounded like the muggle world, but why…?

Voldemort, too engrossed in his thoughts to care for the ideas racing through hi s servants mind, was instead focused on the vulnerability and unease that had crossed Pettigrew's face when the thought of not having a wand had tried his brain. It was perfect, exactly what he'd known to be true. Wizards were dependent on their wands, to a fault. Even he could attest to that…but soon, it wouldn't matter…there would be no wands to save them.