A/N: I've often wondered (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) how Voldemort and Nagini came together. This is my little take on it.
Weekly Character Appreciation: Nagini week
Restricted Collection Challenge: 41. No mention of Hogwarts in a pre-Hogwarts fic
Nagini senses something in the forest. Something moves among the trees, weak but still formidable. The creatures she hunts can sense it as well. They are becoming harder and harder to find again, sticking close to their nests and burrows. Hiding from the sinister presence as they did before.
It was there when she was born, this thing in the forest. For many years, it was a constant in her life, and while she was curious about it, it was something akin to the rising of the sun or the rustling of leaves in the wind - something that was just there, something that was and always would be. She never had a reason to seek it out.
And then it was gone. Just as she could feel the life being snuffed out of a mouse as her venomous fangs sunk into its flesh, Nagini felt the loss of the nameless thing that had been there her whole life. She almost felt lost without it, like a part of the forest had died. Contrary to this feeling, though, the forest seemed to spring to life. Prey became more plentiful, trees grew taller and greener. Life became easier. And yet, Nagini felt restless.
But now, it is back. It has only been gone a short time. Nagini knows that now is the time to seek it out. Before it leaves again. She has to know why she feels so lost without it.
Nagini slithers through the forest, dead leaves and grass barely making a whisper of sound as she moves over them. She is drawn to the center of the forest, where it is darkest and mostly undisturbed by humans. The presence is strongest here.
Nagini stops short when she sees it. A wispy, shapeless something drifting among the trees. She has never seen anything like it before. It should frighten her and yet it doesn't.
The thing must sense her because it shifts direction and drifts towards her. Nagini waits, tongue darting in and out of her mouth. It stops in front of her, just out of reach of her tongue. Even though it doesn't have eyes, Nagini feels like it is watching her. Sizing her up. She stares back unblinkingly.
"You aren't like the others." The serpent-like voice is in her head and all around her at the same time. "Even the serpents flee from me. Why do you not follow their example?"
Nagini ponders this. She has never given any thought to the fact that she alone seems to be unafraid of this thing. It has never given her any reason to be afraid. "I do not know," she hisses. "But I do not fear you."
Nagini's answer triggers a response from it. She suddenly feels as thought it is inside her head. It is a strange feeling, like she has no control over herself, and yet she is still unafraid. This being could kill her if it chose, she knows this, but it hasn't.
Images flash through her mind. Images of humans. This thing was a human male before it came to the forest, defeated by its enemies. Even though he was a man of great power, other humans joined together to defy him. As his life passes before her eyes, Nagini doesn't feel pity for him. She doesn't think he wants anyone's pity. Instead, she feels anger. She wants his enemies to feel the pain they've inflicted on him.
Nagini feels him leave, control of her body returning to her. A cold, high-pitched laugh comes from the wispy thing before her. "Perfect," it whispers. "Join me, Nagini. Help me get revenge on my enemies. You will be rewarded far and above any other followers I gain along the way."
Nagini knows that she must help him. His presence has always been a part of her life. She must stay with him, come what may. She must trust him just as he trusted her enough to show her his life before the forest. "I am yours, Master."