The Dark Lord's Decision

A/N: OOH! OOH! I can't WAIT to write the next chapter! Thank you guys SOOO much for all the awesome reviews! Keep 'em coming! Enjoy!

Three years had passed since graduation, and their world was very different now. The Death Eaters, emboldened by Lord Voldemort's rising, had become much more open with their attacks. The Ministry had all but crumbled from within as more of the Ministry officials fell under the Imperius curse. Dumbledore had formed the first organization against the Dark side, naming it the Order of the Phoenix, shortly after Lily and James' small wedding. They along with Sirius, Severus, Remus, and Peter spent every waking moment working against Voldemort, although Severus detested his part in the plan, working his way into the exclusive inner circle of Death Eaters. At Dumbledore's request, no one outside of James, Sirius, and Lily knew of Severus' double agent role. He never went to Order meetings, as Alastor Moody's magical eye could see through almost any disguise they could think of.

On one dreary September night, Severus felt the accursed tattoo burn and Apparated to Lord Voldemort's side. He had steadily worked his way into the inner circle, and swiftly kneeled to kiss the hem of the Dark Lord's robes to indicate his servitude. He allowed his mind to wander as the Dark Lord ranted and raved about the Order foiling another one of his projects again, especially the Longbottom and Potter "brat couples", as he referred to them. His strangely blurred features and creepy, almost-inhuman eyes scanned the crowd. Severus felt the Dark Lord cast the Legilimency charm and shielded his mind, thinking about puttering aimlessly around Spinner's End. Satisfied, the Dark Lord moved on to another Death Eater and Severus allowed himself to relax slightly. Bellatrix grunted slightly when she felt Lord Voldemort sift through her memories, her heavy-lidded eyes half closed as though she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

He thought over the last fatal attack, thankfully over a year ago. He had told Lord Voldemort that the Prewett brothers would be easy to take down while Dumbledore was out of the country, but of course, oops-a-daisy, Dumbledore never left… Dumbledore and the rest of the Order showed up moments after the Death Eaters launched an attack on Gideon and Fabian Prewett. Unfortunately, the Order lost track of Antonin Dolohov, who was the Death Eater that ended up killing the brothers that Severus had tried so vainly to protect indirectly. He "misjudged" where he fired several spells, trying to Stun a Death Eater or two, but it didn't happen and poor Molly Weasley's bliss over a recent childbirth was marred by the death of her brothers. He remembered the fierce anger and determination in Lily's eyes when he told her quietly what had happened, as no one else would for fear of causing her and her unborn child stress. Thankfully, the last few attacks had not been fatal and now that Lily and Alice had had their children, they occasionally fought actively against Lord Voldemort.

Both Lily and Alice Longbottom had become pregnant at the same time. James and Frank both insisted their wives stay out of combat, so the two turned to each other for companionship. Whenever Alice wasn't around, Severus was able to steal a few golden minutes alone with Lily. Severus eyed her growing belly with trepidation and anticipation- he just KNEW the child would be another Lily, bringing nothing but joy into times of darkness. He couldn't ,however, think of the unborn child for long- no matter how happy Lily was and how friendly he was with James, he couldn't help but feel chinks of his heart break off every time he saw the belly grow or the ring on her finger. Thankfully, he was able to keep his sanity as his double-agent role kept him busy as a bee.

The babies were born eighteen hours apart, bringing much needed joy into the Order. When Severus heard, six hours after the fact, he luckily found her alone and was able to see her and the child.

Severus' heart ached seeing her in a rocking chair with the newborn, her scarlet curls fanned out around her shoulders. She looked over at him and smiled, beckoning him closer. "It's a boy," she said softly, holding the baby out to Severus. Carefully, as though he were handling glass, Severus held the baby in his arms and was disappointed to see tufts of raven hair peeking out from the fluffy blanket. "We decided to name him Harry."

Severus forced a small smile, handing back the child. "I had hoped he'd have your hair," he admitted. Lily chuckled.

"Well, he looks a lot like his father, that's for sure… but I think he might end up with my eyes. We'll see in a few months, I expect… They're gray right now." Lily said, rocking back and forth. She looked so beautiful… and again Severus cursed himself for his foolish choice.

Get over it. You made your mistake, just be glad she still talks to you, he scolded himself. Shaking these self-hating thoughts out of his mind, he forced his attention back to what the Dark Lord was saying.

"You are all dismissed. Snape, I want a word." Lord Voldemort demanded.

Great. The rest of the Death Eaters Apparated away until Lord Voldemort and Severus were the only ones left in the dark wooded area Lord Voldemort had chosen to meet in. Severus bowed, muttering his subservience.

"Arise, Severus, and don't tell me you only serve me. Do you think I am that foolish? That I don't notice how your information always leads to only a partial success?" Lord Voldemort snapped, prowling around Severus like a hungry wolf. Severus tensed, preparing himself for torture. "How is it, Snape, that the bloody Order always seems to know what we are doing? Crucio!"

Severus' nerves blazed as if he were on fire, but he clenched his jaws closed and managed to keep from crying out in pain. As the curse was lifted, Severus felt Lord Voldemort try to force his way into Severus' mind, gripping his chin so that the two men were eye to eye. Black eyes stared stubbornly at reddening ones, giving nothing incriminating away. His mind was full of intricate false memories of overhearing hushed conversations at different pubs and following known Order members as they discussed possible meeting locations and other things of that sort. Finally, Lord Voldemort let go, spitting contemptuously to the side. Severus stood, dusting off his robes, glaring slightly at the older man.

"It seems I was mistaken about your loyalties," he said stiffly. "I want you to take a position at Hogwarts and keep a closer eye on the old nuisance… perhaps you'll be able to give me better information."

Surprised, Severus said, "My Lord, Dumbledore knows I am a Death Eater. How would I ever get a teaching position with him around? Is this why you insisted I complete a Potions apprenticeship?" At this, Lord Voldemort smirked and waved his concerns away.

"Dumbledore's greatest weakness is that he ignores the dark side of people. Spin him a story about leaving me and needing his protection, and I'm sure the old fool will take you under his wing in an instant." Lord Voldemort idly snapped a twig off of a nearby tree and stripped it of its bark. He sneered again. "Tell him you want to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts... make a few Death Eaters for me, Severus. Defense indeed… You're dismissed."

Severus bowed. "As you wish, my Lord." He hid a smirk as he Apparated away. Severus expected this new mission would not only solidify his position in the inner circle… it would also be quite beneficial to have Dumbledore so close in case the Ministry decided to throw him into prison.

Teaching… this might just be interesting. Arriving in Hogsmeade, he made his way to the Hog's Head, where he knew Dumbledore was interviewing another prospective professor.

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