Hello! This is my first fanfiction, though not my first time writing. I thought I would try this out and see where it goes, if anyone is interested in reading.

I am also looking for a beta reader, if anyone reads this and wants to tackle my grammar errors and the like, I'm all ears. (Constructive criticism is more then welcome by PM)

DISCLAIMER: I'm clearly not J.K Rowling, therefore none of these characters are of my own creation.

R&R Let me know what you think.

He stood before the Dark Lord, his eyes downcast with Sybill Trelawney's words, the words of the prophecy, spinning in his head.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches.

"What are you asking of me, Severus?" Voldemort sneered, his voice echoing in the dark, dusty room. Circling his servant, his arms folded behind his back and his head held high. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies.

Severus Snape trembled as he spoke, aware of the consequences his request could incur, "Spare her" he pleaded, "Spare her life. She is not the one you want my Lord, we know it's the boy." He looked up into the pale, unforgiving eyes of his master, his own eyes pleading him, saying what he dare not say out loud.

"And do you believe," the Dark Lord replied, amusement dripping from his voice "that Lily and James Potter will allow me entrance to their home, and step aside as I kill their only child?" Voldemort bellowed, letting out a chilling laugh. "No, Severus. They must all die."

And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not.

"She's just one more Mudblood." He continued airily. "Three more lives to end. Do you not find their lives worthy of our cause?" Coming to a stop in front of his servant, Voldemort looked into his eyes. Unfolding his arms, he took his wand from his pocket. "Don't you, Severus?" he asked calmly.

The hair on Severus' neck stood on end, Voldemort's words now echoing along with the prophecy in his head, blending and becoming one voice, taunting him.

And either must die at the hand of the other,

"Of course, my Lord" Severus replied, "H-however, what if she doesn't fight back, if we could..." he hesitated as the Dark Lord took a step forward, staring back at him. "If we could remove her from the home before we attack, then we can spare her! Then she won't have to die!"

"Enough!" Voldemort shouted, stepping closer. "What exactly are you saying? That I spare a disgusting muggle born, that I allow her to live?"

Severus lowered his head, fear washing over him. With his heart racing and his mouth dried up, he could barely catch his breath to utter a single word. Voldemort turns away from him as if he could not bear the sight of the pitiful man before him.

"Why are you begging for the life of filth?"

Clutching his hands into fists at his side, Severus slowly raised his head, his eyes scanning over the dark robes and pale bony skin of his master standing before him. Lifting his chin in defiance, he looked the Dark Lord in the eyes, glaring at him, shook the hair out of his face and with as much force and courage as he can muster he proclaimed, "Because I love her."

The silence that filled the room seemed physical, like a touchable force pressing down on Severus' ears. He wanted nothing more then to rip free of it, but he stood his ground, refusing to back down. After what felt like an eternity, Voldemort slowly turned towards him, and raised his wand.

"And I had such hope for you, Severus."

For neither can live while the other survives.

He closed his eyes and waited for the blow.