I'm back everyone! hehe. Let's get into Chapter 2 :)
"Disappeared? That arrogant, unbearable, good-for-nothing child? How very convenient," sneered Snape, disdain written across his face.
"Severus, this is a matter of high importance. You must put aside your differences with him, for we have reason to suspect the Death Eaters are responsible for this," Dumbledore responded calmly, his face imploring Severus to understand.
"Oh wonderful. Am I now supposed to go out and save The Boy-Who-Lived from the very clutches of Voldemort?" Snape's voice hissed, laced with sarcasm.
But Dumbledore was very, very serious. "Yes, my boy. That is exactly what you will do."
"What?" Snape spluttered, his self-control slipping dangerously. "Are you suggesting that I compromise my life and my position in the Dark Lord's Inner Circle to rescue a half-baked boy who can't stay still for a second?" A dangerous glint appeared in Snape's eyes as he spat out the last words.
Dumbledore's voice lost some of the warmth as he replied tonelessly, "Yes, Severus. I'm sorry it had to come to this, but you are really the only one in a position to rescue Harry."
"Right. I'll go rescue your precious Gryffindor. Consequences be damned, let's cast aside everything we have worked for this past decade to save the Boy-Who-Lived." Snape's voice was bitter and cold.
Seeing he was in a dangerous position, Dumbledore warmed his voice and softened his features as he replied, "Thank you Severus. Truly. The Order of the Phoenix and Harry are extremely grateful to you."
"I don't want their pity or gratitude or ridiculous friendship. I''m not doing it for them. I'm doing it so you can get off my back and I can resume my potion brewing. I know the esteemed Order doesn't care for my wellbeing. They'll just be grateful to have their saviour back." With that, the Potions Master turned on his heel and reached the door in few, purposeful strides. Right now, the only thing on his mind was a long, hot bath.
"I care for you, Severus," offered Dumbledore, lacing each syllable with sincerity.
Snape paused before he opened the door, eyes glinting. "Oh, I'm sure you do, Dumbledore. But I won't compete with your concern for the Potter Boy or any of your other precious Gryffindors. You care for me Dumbledore, because I am useful to you, and that is all."
The door clicking shut was all that followed.
Dumbledore sighed sadly. It was hardly true. Yes, he admitted; at first, his care for Severus was due to his usefulness, but over time he had come to appreciate the Slytherin's sly sense of humour, his skills and ultimately, his unwavering loyalty. Turning slowly, Dumbledore thrust a handful of green Floo powder into the fireplace and left for Hogwarts.
Easing himself into the bath, Snape removed the Glamour charms with a flick of his wand. As he felt the pains of the day slowly leeching off his skin, he gave a contented sigh. After a few minutes, he slowly opened his eyes, only to frown disapprovingly as he realised he had promised to be at Hogwarts in less than an hour. What had been a promising few hours to himself had been rudely interrupted by Dumbledore's arrival.
Always about the Potter boy. Always risking my life for him. He's no better than his good-for-nothing father. Feeling white-hot anger bubbling up inside him, Snape calmed himself by forcing those thoughts into a corner of his mind, and thought of Lily. By the time he had calmed down, he quickly dressed into his heavy black robes and apparated outside Hogwarts.
Crossing the anti-apparition wards, Snape walked briskly up to the gates, ignoring the way the newly-healed cuts on his back twinged uncomfortably.
Traversing the many halls in Hogwarts, Snape caught a glimpse of himself in one of the glass window-panes. Looking around; despite the fact it was the Christmas holidays and the hallways were completely deserted, save for an occasional pigeon, Snape cast another quick Glamour charm to hide the dark circles around the eyes and some remaining bruises, which were fading rapidly thanks to a potion he had invented.
He was walking down the corridor which led to the entrance of the Headmaster' office, when he felt a familiar burning sensation on his left forearm. Cursing under his breath, Snape sent his patronus to Albus with the message he had been summoned.
Twice in one night? Snape mused. It would seem he has captured the Potter boy after all.
Transfiguring his robes into Death-Eater attire, the spy composed himself and touched his wand to the burning Mark, then felt the lurch of apparition as he was taken to the meeting-area, steeling himself for what was to come.
((and a little snippet of next chapter, to keep you all on your toes!))
The first thing Snape was aware of when he landed on solid ground was that only the Inner Circle had been summoned.
Interesting, he mused, as he stepped forward and kneeled down to kiss the hem of the Dark Lord's robes.
"My Lord," he murmured reverently, then with great care and precision, slowly made his way back into the circle, feeling every members' eyes boring into the back of his head.
Voldemort seemed to be in a good mood. Instead of doling out his usual doses of Crucios to those with inadequate information or results, he began his speech almost immediately. The words he uttered next were to Severus' immediate horror and dismay, and to the Death Eaters' utmost delight.
"My faithful followers! I give you, the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter!"
Hey everyone! So maybe that wasn't the best cliff-hanger ever, seeing as you knew Harry had been captured already, but I thought it made for a nice dramatic exit. Besides, it was just giving you all confirmation that Harry had actually been captured and wasn't just wandering off, destroying Horcruxes or something.
Next chapter there should be plenty more action. This chapter was just developing Snape's relationship with Dumbledore, with a little bit of angst.
Also, I wrote this entire chapter whilst listening to very loud music *cringes*. So if there's any idiotic mistakes I missed in my quick edit, I apologise!
Once again, reviews are much appreciated. :)
See you soon for the next chapter.