Disclaimer: Seeing that this place is called I don't own any of the characters or locations you recognise from the Potterverse. I just borrowed them to have some fun and will give them back unharmed…mostly anyways.
Severus was just grabbing his black Death Eater robes when the door opened and a young man entered. "He called." he said without looking up. The other smiled sadly, "And thus we will face the end off the world." At that he did look up, "How poetic," he answered dryly, "I just don't think that HE is in a mood to listen to poetry right now I'm afraid. He wants to finish this once and for all. Don't underestimate our opponents. They can be rather…unpleasant when cornered." "I will keep that in mind, however, I wanted you to take this." the other man answered and held out his hand.
Severus stared first at the object in the other's hand and than in his eyes, "But…this is…" He shook his head, "I can't take this, it's…" "Severus!" the man said firmly, "This was always meant to be yours; it's practically screamed your name since I recovered it!" But Severus just looked at him in disbelieve, "That's impossible…no…" he could feel the object's 'heartbeat' like only its true owner could, but he didn't understand…
It was trust into his hand carefully and he closed his fingers around it gently- he could feel the magic radiating from it, interlacing with his own until they were in perfect harmony. He looked up when the other spoke again, "Within there is hidden your true self; it will show when you are ready to step out of the prison you've built for yourself. Just remember that real power will never be gained by force but by facing your fears and weaknesses and turning them into strength." With that he left Severus to stare at the object in apprehension.
After moments of silence Severus shook his head once again before fastening its chain around his neck and hiding it beneath his shirt, closing his cloak and securing his mask after pulling on his gloves. Taking a deep breathe he took control over his thoughts so as to not alert HIM to his nervousness; thankful that the mask obscuring his face hid any other signs about his feelings which, contrary to common believe, he still had. And with a last check on himself and making sure he could easily reach his wand he left to follow Lord Voldemort's call for the final battle…
A/N: Yes, it was short. But it was just supposed to get your interest. It wouldn't do to explain who the young man was and what he gave Severus for it will become clear (much) later and telling you now would ruin the surprise. grinnes
Chapter one will take some time I'm afraid, I only have one half of a page written yet, not for lack of ideas though, I just don't have much free time.
Encouraging reviews and clever ideas are always welcome though, as is any pointer at mistakes I might make (I'm not English and might have some problems with that) Celes