Obligatory Disclaimer: Characters that are not obviously mine belong to J.K. Rowling.

Author's Note: Rated M for adult content later in the story. Although it's not explicit, I didn't want to take a chance with a T rating. Also, please review; both comments and criticisms are welcome. I'm kind of taking this fic for a test drive, so to speak, to see what kind of responses I get.

Thanks,

~Lady Galadriel

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"Time for dinner, Nagini…"

The great snake slithered onto the large wooden table and gulped down the remains of Charity Burbage. The Death Eaters seated at the table watched in repressed revulsion as the snake fed and then slid away into the shadows, its body engorged.

"Such is the fate for all who oppose us," Lord Voldemort spoke in a soft, lethal voice. His red eyes gleamed in malice as he observed the faces of his followers and took pleasure in their obvious nervousness.

"Now go, all of you—except for Snape."

Severus Snape remained in his seat next to the Dark Lord, his expression passive but his mind questioning. What did the Dark Lord want of him? he wondered.

When the Death Eaters had left the room and the doors were shut, Voldemort leaned back in his chair languidly, tracing a long fingernail along the ornate design carved in the table. "You are one of my most loyal servants, Severus," he stated. "Despite your close relationship to that fool Dumbledore, I have never had any reason to doubt your service to me."

"I'm glad you are pleased, my Lord," Snape replied.

Voldemort continued: "With the Ministry in my grasp, I will be able to extend my power fully into Hogwarts. I am going to have you appointed as Headmaster."

Snape looked genuinely surprised, as if he had not expected this. "My Lord, I am honored."

Voldemort gave a chilly smile. "You should not be so surprised, Severus. Whom else would I trust for such an important task? Besides, I cannot afford to let McGonagall take over. Hogwarts must be controlled, especially those who are still loyal to Potter.

"No doubt you will be able to control quite a bit of the rebellion on your own, but I would not put you into such a position, especially when I will have other…important tasks for you. I will be placing the Carrows at Hogwarts as professors."

Snape's black eyes glittered. "What of Draco Malfoy, my Lord? I'm sure the boy may prove some use in reporting any resistance and unwanted activity among the students."

The Dark Lord made a dismissive gesture with his hand. "The Malfoys grow more out of my favor and less useful. I can no longer trust them with the simplest task—not even their boy." He fell silent for a moment, then his eyes seem to alight, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "No, Severus, you will be given more suitable aid than that arrogant, foolish child."

***

Two weeks had passed when Snape was once again summoned to Malfoy Manor. The sun was just beginning to set below the horizon when he arrived. When he entered the front hall, he felt an intense anger wash over him. Clearly, the Dark Lord was still enraged over yet another failed attempt at killing Harry Potter. He gave a brief nod to the Death Eaters stationed like sentries at the drawing room doors and entered the dimly lit room.

Voldemort was again seated at the head of the drawing room table, Nagini curled around his shoulders. Lucius Malfoy, his wife Narcissa, and Bellatrix Lestrange also sat at the table, their faces tight and pale with fear. Snape saw that, once again, the seat to the right of Voldemort was left empty, and he took his place next to the Dark Lord.

"Well, Severus, I have once again failed to kill Potter," said Voldemort in a low voice, his tone barely suppressing his rage. He threw the broken pieces of Lucius Malfoy's wand onto the table in contempt. Snape watched as Lucius' face contorted in dread.

"Meanwhile, you have failed me yet again, Lucius," Voldemort hissed. "I am beginning to question whether or not you are loyal to me at all."

"M-my Lord," Lucius stuttered, his face drawn and haggard. "Please, I had no idea this would happen—"

Voldemort held up his hand and silenced him. "Do not grovel, Lucius. It's pathetic." It was obvious, however, that he took great pleasure in seeing Lucius in such a weak position. "Since I can no longer trust your ability to serve me well, I will not be sending your son to Hogwarts to help Severus."

Bellatrix's head shot up, her expression full of horror and dismay. "My Lord," she implored, "please do not disregard our service to you. Allow us to once more prove our loyalty!"

Voldemort gave her an icy smile. "So eager, Bellatrix, and yet you continue to fail me. But do not fear, perhaps soon you shall have a second chance. This task, however, I have given to another."

At that moment, a commotion erupted from the hallway beyond the drawing room. A woman's angry voice was heard: "Back away, you fools; this house belongs to me just as much as Lucius."

The doors to the drawing room flung open, revealing a tall, imposing woman, with several confused Death Eaters standing behind her. She was blonde and pale, with dark hazel eyes. She entered the room, her emerald robes and black cloak billowing around her as she walked, and with a casual wave of her hand shut the doors again. She stopped before the ornate table, opposite of the Dark Lord, and bowed reverently.

"My Lord," she greeted humbly.

"Ah, Morticia," Voldemort responded, clearly pleased. "I am glad you were able to answer my summons so quickly. I hope it did not cause you any inconvenience."

"No service to you is ever an inconvenience, my Lord," Morticia said—a clear display of flattery.

Bellatrix glared darkly at the woman, while Lucius seemed to become increasingly anxious. Snape did not immediately recognize the woman, but her resemblance to Lucius was apparent: she was Morticia Blackwood, Lucius' older sister.

"Of all my followers, Morticia, you and your husband have always been among the most faithful," Voldemort said. "I have never doubted your loyalty, and your service has always exceeded my expectations."

Snape could see the glowing pride in Morticia's eyes, but she stood passively as the Dark Lord spoke. Meanwhile, Bellatrix's glowering increased tenfold.

Voldemort paused for a brief moment, then asked softly, "How does your daughter fare, Morticia?"

"She is well, my Lord," Morticia replied. "She is currently abroad in Germany."

"I understand that she works in the field of potions."

"Yes, my Lord."

"And where does her allegiance lie?" His red eyes glinted.

"I cannot speak for her personally, my Lord, but I have taught her to remain faithful to her pure blood."

Voldemort nodded. "No doubt you have heard of your brother's numerous failures?"

Morticia appeared to clench her jaw. She cast a withering glance at Lucius. "I have."

"I wish to bring your daughter into my services, Morticia. I have important plans at Hogwarts that I cannot trust your nephew, nor indeed anyone else, to fulfill."

"Of course, my Lord. When do you wish to speak with her?"

"Bring her before me in three days. I am sure that will be enough time, yes?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Voldemort smiled in satisfaction. "Good. Your service is much appreciated, Morticia. Now leave, I wish to speak to Severus."

The Malfoys and Bellatrix stood and left the room. Morticia was the last to leave and closed the doors behind her. When she faced her brother Lucius in the hallway she immediately slapped him across the face.

"You imbecile," Morticia hissed. "You have disgraced our family name again and again—you and your wife's ill-bred family," she added, casting glares at both Narcissa and Bellatrix.

Lucius gritted his teeth. "Enough, Morticia," he replied. "It has not been easy—"

"Do not feed me that load of shit, Lucius," Morticia spat. "You have brought this upon yourself; you have always claimed more loyalty than you were willing to prove to the Dark Lord. Now you must suffer for it, and I am left to clean up the mess."

She took a deep breath and composed herself, quelling her anger temporarily. "Have a care in your actions from now on, Lucius," she warned. "The Dark Lord will only tolerate so much of your foolishness. Next time, I will stand back and allow you and your family to be fed to the wolves." With a smirk, she added, "Perhaps one of them will be your new nephew, Narcissa." Without another word, she left the Manor.

***

The argument was easily heard in the drawing room through the closed doors. Voldemort gave an amused chuckle.

But the Dark Lord's expression became quite solemn as he started to speak to Snape. "I have endured many failures at the hands of Potter, Severus," he began. His red eyes glowed like coals in anger. "My every attempt to kill him has either been foiled through either my own blunder or by sheer luck. I can suffer it no longer."

Voldemort remained silent for a few moments. When he spoke again, his voice was barely above that of a hissing whisper. "The failure of Lucius' wand was, indeed, unexpected. Yet the wand was a reflection of its owner: weak and easily broken under pressure. I must find another wand, one that will be powerful enough to defeat Potter." He paused yet again, then looked directly at Snape. "Severus, you know of my link to Potter. Is it possible that he is using it to his advantage?"

Snape's expression was calm but slightly puzzled. "What do you mean, my Lord?"

"Is it possible that Potter is using the link to drain my power from me?"

"I honestly do not know, my Lord."

Voldemort studied Snape's face for several moments. Snape remained as placid as ever; he was indeed being truthful. Satisfied, the Dark Lord gave a brief nod.

"I cannot be certain, but I believe that is what's happening. Every day that passes, I feel as though my strength has diminished, while Potter seems to only grow stronger. I want to end this, Severus. I have heard of potions that will block one's strength from being stolen. It is commonly used in defense against vampires. That is what Potter is, Severus, a vampire on my power. I want you to devise a potion that will block him from stealing what is rightfully mine."

Snape nodded. "I have heard of such potions, my Lord. But it might prove difficult to create such a powerful potion in a short time, especially now with my obligations as Headmaster."

"That is why I have summoned Morticia Blackwood's daughter," Voldemort said. "I have heard she is quite skilled in potion-making. She will work with you in creating this potion for me.

"Be here again in three days, Severus. I want you to meet the girl."

As Snape left Malfoy Manor, he mulled over in his mind the Dark Lord's order. He could hardly fathom where the Dark Lord had come up with such an idea; it was ridiculous. Even if the possibility existed, Potter certainly did not have the wits to use it to his advantage.

Furthermore, he did not need some chit of a girl "helping" him with his work. No doubt she would prove no more useful than Draco Malfoy.

He returned to Hogwarts, his mood now fouled.

***

Three days later, Snape waited in the drawing room with Lord Voldemort for the arrival of Morticia Blackwood and her daughter. Though it was only midday, Snape could see that the Dark Lord was getting increasingly impatient.

Finally, Snape heard their arrival in the front hall. A knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," Lord Voldemort responded.

The doors opened and Morticia Blackwood entered, followed by a young woman, the hood of her cloak drawn over her face.

"My Lord, allow me to introduce my daughter, Selene."

The young woman stepped forward and pulled back her hood. She was extraordinarily beautiful. She bowed to Voldemort.

"My Lord."

Voldemort beckoned her forward with a long, pointed finger. Snape, though his expression was nonplussed, could not help but watch Morticia's daughter as she gracefully walked across the room and stood at Voldemort's side. He had never been so taken aback by a woman's beauty; he'd always looked upon women with either indifference or disdain. She was young, perhaps in her early twenties, slender, with long ebon hair and smooth, pearly skin. She wore robes of dark violet embroidered with silver thread. But the most captivating feature of this young woman was her eyes: pools of icy silver-blue, like the moon on a winter's night.

"Please, sit down, Miss Blackwood," Voldemort said softly. "Morticia, please leave us."

Morticia smiled, bowed, and left the room, closing the doors behind her.

The young woman, Selene, sat down and met Lord Voldemort's gaze, her expression surprisingly calm. The two stared at each other for several long moments, until Voldemort gave a sinister chuckle.

"You are quite skilled in Occlumency, Miss Blackwood," he said. "Where did you attend school?"

"Durmstrang, my Lord," she replied. Her voice was clear and melodious.

"What areas did you specialize in?"

"I excelled in Potions and the Dark Arts."

Voldemort held out his hand. "May I see your wand, Miss Blackwood?"

Selene removed her wand from her sleeve and handed it to him. The Dark Lord held it to the light and examined it. "What is its core?"

"Dragon heartstring, my Lord. Willow, thirteen inches."

As Voldemort examined her wand, Snape also carefully studied the young woman herself, seated across from him. Her calmness had not broken at any time while Lord Voldemort questioned her—impressive for a woman her age. She seemed to possess an exterior of ice that not even Voldemort could penetrate.

After several moments, Voldemort handed Selene back her wand. "A very fine wand, Miss Blackwood."

She nodded. "Thank you, my Lord."

"Ah, but where are my manners?" Voldemort gestured to Snape. "Miss Blackwood, this is Severus Snape, Headmaster of Hogwarts and one of my most loyal Death Eaters."

Selene's ice-blue eyes met Snape's black ones. He held her gaze for only a brief moment before giving a curt nod of greeting.

"As Headmaster, Snape will be carrying out my plans at Hogwarts," Voldemort continued. "Although two of my other Death Eaters will be joining him, I'm quite sure their authority will be frequently challenged by those who do not support us. Unfortunately, your cousin is too mentally incapable to handle such a task, let alone complete his education. I would like you to take his place instead, Miss Blackwood, and join my service."

Selene did not hesitate. "I accept, my Lord. I offer my service to your will."

The Dark Lord grinned wickedly. "Very good, Miss Blackwood. Very good indeed." He stroked the top of Nagini's head as the snake curled around his arm.

"I also require something else of you, Miss Blackwood. Your mother has told me a great deal of your skills with potions. In fact, you do a great deal of commission work as your means of employment. It would seem at the very least, Severus, that she is your equal," Voldemort added.

"My Lord, I feel my mother may exaggerate my skill—" Selene began. She stopped short when Voldemort held up a small glass vial filled with a bluish liquid that shimmered strangely. Snape raised an eyebrow, unsure of what the contents of the vial were. He had never seen a potion of such color before.

"Given what this potion is capable of doing, I sincerely doubt your mother was exaggerating, Miss Blackwood," Voldemort replied in a low, deadly voice. For a brief second, Snape saw a flicker of nervousness cross Selene's face, but it was gone in an instant.

"I am entrusting to both of you a task that is of the utmost importance to me," the Dark Lord said quietly. "As I have already told Severus, I fear my power is being drained from me, Miss Blackwood. I have a strange, personal link to Harry Potter, and I think he may be using it to weaken me. While you are at Hogwarts, I want you and Severus to procure a severing potion, one that will close the link and block Potter."

Selene's eyes flickered to meet Snape's. "I'm certain we can come up with something that will please you, my Lord."

Voldemort smiled, his thin lips stretched across his snakelike face. He reached out and caressed Selene's face with a long finger. She did not even flinch. "Such a beautiful pureblood creature, wouldn't you agree, Severus? Even in her youth she knew the weakness and brutality of Muggles; she understood that they are pathetic and worthless creatures. Yes," he continued, his voice almost purring with satisfaction. "I believe you will be most useful to me, Miss Blackwood.

"Severus, see to it that you bring Miss Blackwood to Hogwarts as soon as the arrangements for her stay are made. Miss Blackwood, I expect that you will stay here until that time."

Both Selene and Snape nodded in acquiescence to Voldemort's commands. He dismissed them and they exited the room. The Manor was quiet and cold, almost lifeless, like a tomb. Even the warm sunshine and the open air of the outside could hardly chase away the gloom that had settled over the Manor.

Snape and Selene walked out of the Manor and through the front gardens, side-by-side.

"I will arrive on the twenty-fifth to bring you to Hogwarts," Snape told her, his voice devoid of any emotion. "I trust that gives you plenty of time to prepare yourself."

"More than enough," she responded. "Given the nature of my work, I keep myself ready to leave at a moment's notice, if I must."

"Don't underestimate the difficulty of this task, Miss Blackwood," he said sharply in a voice that he often used with his students. "A severing potion of this magnitude is extremely complex, almost impossible to achieve, and the Dark Lord requires perfection. Cockiness amounts to nothing if you are not equal to the task."

Selene stopped walking and turned to face Snape. She looked up and held his gaze as boldly as she had held Voldemort's, her eyes shining strange and ethereal.

"And don't underestimate me, Professor Snape," she replied, her voice low and cool, "simply because of my age."

The two stared at each other for a few moments until Snape bowed his head and spoke. "Very well," he said softly. "Good day, Miss Blackwood."

"Good day, Professor." She turned and Disapparated.