Author's Note: This story will probably hold a special place in my heart throughout its creation. Though I have been a writer for over ten years, including writing professionally now, it has been a long time since I wrote something for myself. I am a romantic at heart, but it has been at least five years since I wrote a story that was purely romance, and at least six years since I wrote fan fiction. This story is my own solace, the start of a daily sojourn I have taken for myself. I hope it will bring something to you, as it has done for me.

Rating: I'm rating this M throughout. Certain aspects of the Harry Potter universe are extremely dark, and with Snape as the main character, darkness is a given. Though it may not be present in every chapter, this story will contain scenes involving adult language, violence, and sexual situations. More explicit warnings will be placed where applicable.

Reviews: I am very appreciativee of reviews and respect criticism. All questions will be answered via email, and all reviewers will be given a nod when the next chapter is posted. You have my thanks.

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and the characters found therein do not belong to me. Ligistra Silvirin does.

Chapter One: A Lesson in Mediocrity

Severus Snape sat with his arms folded neatly in his lap, a placid gaze fixed on the headmaster. His body was rigid, his posture perfectly severe as his back barely brushed the wooden chair. As always, he was a picture of complete contrast from his colleagues who leaned in with piqued interest, exchanging warmly receptive questions and answers with the aged wizard. Some even went so far as to pleasantly sip tea, while Severus' cup sat, untouched and growing frigid beside him. Had the situation been anything but disgustingly common and predictable, Severus would have spared a moment to muse that they were quite foolish, expending energy on something so very droll. But such as it was, he could not muster the effort to care.

"… Defense Against the Dark Arts post will be filled once again by Remus Lupin. I am certain you will all help him make his return as seamless as possible." Dumbledore's blue eyes flicked briefly to Severus.

Perhaps several years ago, Severus would have flinched at this news; just the slightest, involuntary reaction. But he had come to expect the announcement would be severely underwhelming this year, just as it had been each and every previous year. The fact that Lupin was to once again occupy the post, however, left a bitter taste in his mouth. Countless hours of his life were to be wasted brewing the git's Wolfsbane Potion yet again.

"… would also like to announce the return of Non-Magical Defense, to be offered to students in their fifth, sixth, or seventh years who have received marks of E or better in all previous Defensive Magic classes." Severus scowled – an E was far too lenient for something which Dumbledore clearly believed to be a privilege. Even the most bumbling of dunderheads could manage an E. "Some of you may remember that this class was offered some time ago before being… removed from the curriculum. Seeing no further need of the Ministry's advisement in this matter, I have procured a skilled professor for this course, Miss Ligistra Silvirin. She is likely to arrive on the grounds this evening…"

The return of such a course offering would not please the Ministry. Severus could not hide the vicious smirk that twitched at the corner of his lip. He very much doubted this 'skilled professor' would be able to properly instruct such a course, though it was not as much of a travesty as the Defense Against the Dark Arts position being filled by a werewolf.

"Severus?"

He inclined his head slightly, the mention of his name pulling him back into the conversation. "Yes, Headmaster?"

"If you would be so kind as to escort Professor Silvirin to her chambers once she arrives, as they are fairly near to your own."

His lips pursed in annoyance, the words sliding through them. "A pleasure." Somehow their rooms always seemed to be conveniently near to his own. He briefly wondered if Dumbledore was taking some sort of security measure in making such a placement. The mark engraved in his flesh seemed to pulse at the prospect. Not strong enough to be a summons, no. Merely his own mind playing wicked tricks on him.

The meeting in the Hogwarts staff room concluded soon after, much to Severus' relief. He excused himself from more tea, biting back a remark on the stupidity of such an offer, considering his cup remained untouched, and strode out into the Great Hall, making for the passageway down to the dungeons.

The halls were barren, and Severus was quite thankful for the absence of the students who would not return for another week. Though he quite enjoyed catching them in situations which could warrant the docking of house points or possibly detention, he needed the solitude. The Dark Lord had been ever persistent over the last few weeks.

"Come here, my boy."

As Severus appeared in Voldemort's inner chambers his demeanor slid into one of complete and unquestionable loyalty to the Dark Lord. He strode to approach him in an obedient but prideful manner, walking the line of arrogance and fidelity with which he knew all Death Eaters were enamored.

He inclined his head, taking note of a familiar figure kneeled at Voldemort's side. She wore the mask, just as she always did, even in the company of her brethren. He had been surprised that the Dark Lord had allowed her such a liberty of concealment, even during her initiation. But when talk grew, Voldemort had made a point of publicly humiliating her by removing it in the presence of every Death Eater he could muster, revealing a face so horribly scarred by flames that it was all Severus could do to keep his gaze upon her, not out of revulsion so much as pity. He had not seen her without the mask since that day.

"Term begins soon, and I will be requiring your full participation once again, Severus. I need not remind you what will happen should I not receive it."

Severus knew he would be reminded regardless. "Of course, my Lord."

"In the meantime, you and Vera will draw the attention of Dumbledore's pets."

There was a time in which he would have reveled in the chance to prove his mastery of the Dark Arts against some Mudblood vermin, let alone the chance to do so in an attempt to draw out the Aurors. Now the thought, however disconnected, only made him think of Lily, and his stomach lurched.

"I will take immense pleasure in the task, my Lord."

The woman, Vera, voiced something to the same effect, her words muffled behind the mask. He couldn't be sure what she said. Likely it was something that would win her a lusty stare from the Dark Lord. She seemed to be one of his favorite whores. Regardless, she moved to kneel beside Severus, knowing full well what was to come.

Crucio.

Severus' body was wracked with a sudden onslaught of pain which, though its damage was externally invisible, was bound to be wreaking havoc internally. He felt a rib shatter, not for the first time, and was certain his blood was boiling within the confines of his arteries, causing their walls to deteriorate. No matter how much he steeled himself for the frequent curse, it never seemed to get any less painful. He attributed this to the fact that the perverse and sadistic pleasure Voldemort took from harming his followers never ebbed.

He muttered a password, entering into his personal chambers. Dark and dank, devoid of any sense of comfort or sanctity, it was the second place in which he felt most at ease, ousted only by the lake on the school grounds. The same lake where Lily had come to him to apologize, in her kind, sincere manner, for the behavior of her Gryffindor peers. The same lake where her soft hand had settled over his, lending it a gentle squeeze that sent a delicious shiver up his spine. The same lake to which his mind had often wandered, despite his best efforts to control it, playing and replaying images of two bodies entangled together, making a soft imprint where they lay in the grass.

Severus scowled. The days of naïve, love-sick adolescence were at an end, and he was convinced they had not been worth it while they lasted. Lily had married Potter and bore his son. He had come to Dumbledore, told him everything to protect her. Bloody lot of good that had done.

He crossed the room to a cabinet, pulling it open to display rows upon rows packed full of his personal potion stock. Grabbing one flask he swished its liquid a bit before removing the stopper and drinking its contents, warmth instantly sliding over his body, soothing the pain still lingering from the Cruciatus Curse.

Severus watched impassively as the flames licked up the two-story flat, hungrily consuming the wood-covered exterior of the old building. The thin layer of siding was peeling away, crumbling under the might of the fire to reveal a brick exterior underneath. He swore impatiently under his breath. Muggle architecture was costing him far too much time. With another mumbled spell, flame erupted from the tip of his wand, swirling into a concentrated burst toward the wall where it slammed raucously, having the effect of several rounds of explosives nestled inside the brickwork.

He sent up a signal from his wand, knowing Vera would be waiting. He would let her handle the dirty work, under the guise of being a proper gentleman and allowing her to thoroughly enjoy herself before he took any such pleasure. The truth was that Severus had no interest in killing the young wizards that would soon flee from the flat, nor did he have an interest in provoking the Order, which seemed to be the Dark Lord's full intent. He would need to get word to them rather swiftly, he realized. Perhaps the Aurors could spare a few lives. He deapparated with a pop of fleeting magic, appearing outside of Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

His solitude didn't last long. The accented voice of Minerva McGonagall entered the finite existence of his memories, and for a moment he wasn't certain if she had somehow managed to pick up and project some form of Legilimency. But as his eyes snapped open, he realized the fire had crackled to life. He also realized the dungeon had grown a great deal colder; the sun must have set.

"Severus?" She repeated, a bit more cautiously than before. She wasn't used to the Potions Master not answering on the first call.

He moved before the fireplace, staring down at the disembodied head formed fairly accurately by the flames. "Minerva." He answered flatly, as though he had been there all along.

"Professor Silvirin has arrived – Albus is with her in the Great Hall."

"Very well." He responded coolly. He gave her no thanks; merely turned in a billow of robes and strode from his chambers.

Chapter Two: A Steel-Tipped Tongue will be up in a few days and is set to introduce the new Professor, Ligistra Silvirin, a woman who takes an immediate disliking to our dear Severus. And the Death Eater flashbacks continue.

If you've enjoyed this story and would like to track its progress and read some insights from the author, you can visit my blog here:

http://hopelessseeker. always you have my sincerest gratitude for taking the time to read.