A/N: Yay! I've figured out a plot! Actually, a couple of plots! I think it's time to change the summary...

R&R and I'll give you cookies :-)

After all the older students had taken their seats, the mob of first years made their way up to the front of the Hall. McGonagall led, as always, shepherding the children into two lines in front of a rickety old stool. In her left hand was the ancient Sorting Hat, in her right was the list of names.

"Ackart, Laurel." McGonagall called. The first years parted to let the child through.

Snape, who had been lightly dozing, glanced up at the first name to be called. When he caught sight of the girl, he nearly fell out of his chair. Red. Beautiful red hair. The same orange-red as…

He leaned in, trying to see the girl's face, but he could only see her back, shifting slightly upon the stool. Dumbledore, who was watching the Sorting and smiling, turned his head and caught Snape's eye. A moment of comprehension, and Dumbledore knew exactly what Snape was thinking. God, Snape hated that.

"Ravenclaw!"

Just then, there was a shooting pain in his left arm. He snatched his forearm, gripping it tightly. He held his breath, and tried not to make a sound or commotion. Snape got up from the table and quickly walked out of the Great Hall, following between the wall and the Slytherin table. When he finally reached the Entrance Hall, he let out his grunt of pain. Forcefully pulling back his sleeve, he watched the snake on his arm weave in and out of the skull's mouth. He began to breathe heavily. Why now? He was not ready for this at all. There was nothing to report. He had done nothing to prepare! The Dark Lord was going to be disappointed, and he couldn't afford to be injured—mentally or physically. It was the beginning of term. The first night! How was he going to get out of being here? Or there? He knew Dumbledore would understand, but everyone else wouldn't. After a few more moments of internal arguing, Snape had decided.

He threw open the tall double doors, and ran outside. He followed the ridiculously long path to the Entrance Gates, and the second he was out of bounds, Disapparated.

Snape found himself in an open field. It was extremely silent; no signs of life anywhere. No houses, no lights, not even the sounds of animals. He looked around. Suddenly he spotted the black silhouette of a person approaching. The man did not seem to walk, but ominously glide forward, his robes whipping like black smoke behind him.

Once they were face to face, Snape spoke.

"Where are the others, Lord?" he asked, not feeling all that safe standing alone in a deserted field with the most dangerous man on the planet.

"I wished to speak only to you," the Dark Lord's voice was like the sound of water pouring into fire. "I have a request."

Snape bowed his head slightly downward. "Anything, my Lord."

"You have heard of Duo Corporis Secretum?

Snape's head shot up and his wide eyes met the Dark Lord's red ones. "The Draught of Two Bodies? My Lord, that potion is—"

"Very dark magic. Very dark, indeed. If you do not feel that you are capable, then I can certainly—" The Dark Lord turned to leave. Snape jumped, speaking quickly.

"I-I am perfectly capable, my Lord, although there are a few…major…problems. I have never actually mixed this potion before, only learned about in theory. It is quite disastrous if done incorrectly."

The Dark Lord smirked and bore into Snape's eyes. "Then perhaps it would be wise to not mess it up."

Snape bowed his head again quickly, and looked up. "Of course, my Lord, but even without any mistakes, the potion will take four months—at the very least." The Dark Lord put up his hand.

"I can wait. These plans will not be put into action until much later. That is why I am telling you about them now."

Snape paused. "And what are the plans, my Lord?"

The Dark Lord began to pace. "You know how—at least in theory—Duo Corporis Secretum works?"

"It creates a copy of one's body, able to be controlled by wand or mind."

The Dark Lord stopped and looked at him. "Exactly. Imagine the horror and confusion that would be brought about by two Lord Voldemorts!"

Snape closed his eyes. "Ingenious, my Lord, however, there are still a couple of…setbacks." He looked in time to see the Dark Lord's eyes glint with anger. Snape spoke faster. "Two of the major ingredients are a recently dead human body, and a…a Horcrux of the one whose body is being reproduced."

The Dark Lord rolled his head, which seemed to be his equivalent of rolling his eyes. "I have a Horcrux." He pulled out a gold pendant. It was in the shape of a snake and completely studded in emeralds, except for the eyes, which were two blood red rubies. "And why is the body a problem? I have complete faith that you will find a suitable person and kill them when the time comes."

Snape felt his stomach tighten. He kept calm and said, "Of course. You're right, my Lord. In that case, I will get started on the potion straightaway."

The Dark Lord smiled. "Very good." He held out the snake pendant. "You must keep this with you at all times. Guard it with your life, or there will be consequences."

Snape nodded and took the pendant carefully. "I will, my Lord." He turned to leave, but the Dark Lord caught his arm.

"I hate to be untrustworthy," he said, smiling, "But I must err on the side of caution." The Dark Lord raised his wand. Snape braced himself, but nothing happened. Suddenly there was a pop, and Peter Pettigrew stood before them.

"You summoned me, my Lord?" Pettigrew asked, bowing uncontrollably.

The Dark Lord looked repulsed. "Yes. Would you please Bond us in an Unbreakable Vow?"

Pettigrew's eyes grew wide, as though this was the greatest honor he had ever received. He began bowing once more. "Yes, yes! Of course!"

Snape felt as though he had been thrown against a wall. His stomach was now tying itself into knots, and it took more effort this time to keep his face straight. The Dark Lord held out his right hand. Snape grasped it with as much confidence as he could muster. The Dark Lord's bony fingers were ice-cold and seemed to crush and cramp Snape's hand.

Pettigrew rushed in, placing his wand carefully on top of their linked hands.

"Will you, Severus Snape, keep what has transpired here to yourself, telling and or hinting to no one the plans discussed?"

Snape bit his tongue. "I will."

A red flame erupted from the end of Pettigrew's wand.

"And will you protect the object you have just received with your life, not allowing it to leave your possession?"

"I will."

A second flame.

They released hands. "Thank you Peter, that is all." The Dark Lord did not even turn to look at him, and said to Snape. "A meeting will be held soon." And he disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

Snape stood alone in the dark field, wondering how his poor life could be thrown into terror so often, so quickly, again and again.