Disclaimer: Any plotline, scene, dialogue, etc. that is familiar to the Harry Potter Universe belongs to the people who made them, especially J.K. Rowling, whatever isn't familiar is mine.
Two days later Severus stood painfully in front of Voldemort after being hit with a few Cruciatus curses. "Severus, explain to me why you didn't come when I called," the hissing cold voice said from above his bent head.
"I was near Dumbledore when you called helping him with a problem," Severus replied quickly.
"Crouch was not a problem. He was acting under my orders," Voldemort snarled at the man.
"I realized this after he was revealed but by that time Dumbledore was there and he has rarely left my side. The lunatic keeps popping up at random moments, to have come would have done great damage to anything I could have done for you."
"And why should I believe you? You have lived in the domain of my enemy since my unfortunate departure. You fought against Quirrel."
"I held my position in hopes that when you returned, my lord, that I could continue being useful to you as a spy on Dumbledore, and I have been able to keep valuable information hidden as well."
"And what would that be?"
"The woman you were with, the healer from St. Mungo's, though she did die in childbirth as the healers told us, what they failed to tell us was that members of the Order of the Phoenix were on hand to steal the child and take her to an orphanage."
Voldemort sprang forward until he was within inches of Severus's face, his rage coloring his normally pale face, "How did you not know this?"
"Dumbledore had not told anyone until a year after your disappearance, at that time the child had been adopted by American Muggles who returned to America with her after their business matters here were through, by that time she was a year old. From what I was informed she was two when the Muggles who had adopted her were killed in a head on collision with a drunk driver and the child was placed into foster care.
"Dumbledore has been using his connections in America, to place her with families, muggles mainly, as the wizarding families usually reject his proposals as soon as they learn her paternity.
"When he began placing her out at three years of age, he had me be her wizarding "social worker" and I have done this since then, while another lady is her official social worker."
Voldemort had been pacing as he listened to Severus and continued for a little while after. Severus stood quietly hoping that Voldemort would not see the lie that they had come up with for a background and the reason he was close to Sarah. Voldemort looked over at Severus after a few seconds of silence, "Do you know where she is?"
"Yes. In fact I know where she is at this exact moment."
"Take me to her." Severus bowed, and stepped with Voldemort into the fireplace and spoke the destination. Several minutes later they stepped out into a dark room, and Severus quickly did a glamor charm on Voldemort, as they heard footsteps heading towards them. He grabbed Voldemort's arm and apparated them outside a brick building.
Voldemort read the sign frowning, "A muggle school?"
"Dumbledore has ordered the family that she is with to place her in a muggle school for appearances and she is tutored by a wizard at night for all of her magical lessons." Severus replied as he headed toward a door to the building, he threw it open and turned left toward an open area littered with circular tables and chairs. He nodded toward a set of double doors where music could be heard and they walked in. Severus motioned to a row on the left of the stage and up front. The two men walked steadily down to the seats and sat.
A young man walked forward on the stage with a microphone, clapping for the dance group that had just left, before introducing the next group for the talent show. As the audience clapped a group of teenagers stepped out from behind the curtains, several with varying types of guitars and then a young woman stepped out holding a couple of sticks, Severus leaned over, "That is your daughter."
Voldemort sat up and looked at her, the young woman had blonde hair pulled back into a shoulder-length ponytail, and was wearing jeans, a blouse that was not tucked in, and black hiking boots. She sat down before adjusting a few of the angles of the drums, cymbals and the seat of the stool she was sitting on. When the music started up, she cocked her head to the left listening as she played with the band, and both men sat back to listen. Though the music style was something both men were not thrilled with, they were pleased with the skill she had with the instrument. When the band finished, the audience clapped and they watched her bow and walk off the stage with the rest of her group.
"She's musically talented I see." Voldemort remarked quietly, as they stood up to leave the auditorium.
"Indeed, and her academic skills are nothing to sneer at either, I have seen her progress reports that are sent to Dumbledore from her foster parents. She continues to be among the top five percent of her class, sometimes top of her class, which have included students from grade levels higher than her own, these include her speech, history and grammar classes," Severus informed him, and noted the look of pride that flashed across Voldemort's face at this knowledge.
"You must help bring her to my side," he ordered quietly, as the two men exited the auditorium and Severus led him to stand by a single door next to the auditorium. They could see down the hallway through the door and watched as the young woman came out talking and laughing with several people, before saying goodbye and heading in their direction head down, drumsticks banging away on the outer edges of her legs as she walked.
She looked up as she reached the upper portion of the hall. As she caught sight of Severus her grin widened considerably and she picked up speed plowing into him as she threw her arms around him. "Papa Sev, you came."
A small smirk spread across his face, as he gave her a loose hug in return, "Of course, foolish child, you harassed me enough through the owl post last month about this event, the last thing I need is to be harassed by howlers this month for not attending."
She pulled back, chuckling as she caught movement at the corner of her vision and looked over at Voldemort, she nodded to him before casting a questioning glance at Severus, who pulled away and motioned to Voldemort, "Sarah, this is Tom, he's a friend of mine. Tom this is Sarah."
Voldemort had shot an eyebrow up when Severus had called him his friend and used his childhood name, but he kept quiet realizing that even in America his name was feared. If there was any way he could get this girl to stand by his side willingly he was going to do it, even if he had to deal with that name. Part of him wanted to force her into doing his will or trick her into doing his will, but another part, the one that realized that this was his child, wanted her to follow his commands willingly.
Sarah smiled, "Nice to meet you, Tom." She stuck her hand out and Tom marveled at the small, calloused hand.
"Nice to meet you too," he said smoothly.
A woman walked up, "Sarah, it is time to go."
Sarah and Severus exchanged looks, before Sarah looked over at the lady, "Where are the McLeods?"
"Mrs. McLeod informed me that as she is sick again they need me to find a new family for you."
"She can stay with me," Voldemort interjected.
"I'm sorry sir, but she can't," the woman argued with him.
"Yes, she can and she will," Voldemort hissed, moving closer. "After all she is my daughter." Sarah's brown eyes flipped up to his eyes shock radiating from her. She tore her gaze from him and looked to Severus, who merely nodded his confirmation.
"She has no family, her mother died giving birth to her," the woman said coldly, glaring at Voldemort. Sarah cringed hearing this.
"I am her father. She is my daughter. It is my right to claim her," Voldemort lifted his wand at the woman.
Sarah's hand flew out and pulled down on his hand, Voldemort glared at her and Sarah moved back towards Severus. Voldemort forced his face into a softer look in hopes that it would waylay any worries she had about him.
"Very well sir. You may claim her." Sarah looked back at the lady confused, and then noticed Severus sticking his wand back into his jacket pockets.
"Come," Voldemort commanded as he turned around and headed toward the doors leading to the outside.
"But what about my clothes and stuff?" Sarah asked chasing after him.
"I'll buy you new ones. Now be quiet and follow me." She looked over at Severus and he nodded towards her, she turned her head forward and ran after her father, Severus's strides keeping up with her. When they reached a secluded spot, Voldemort took her arm and apparated with Severus following a few seconds after.