Chapter 10
The Master writhed silently for a moment, then gasped and released a piercing cry of pure delight. Bellatrix Lestrange snarled and hit him with another Cruciatus, which elicited a groan, but it lacked the proper note of agony. The black-haired witched slammed her boot heel on the floor in frustration. "Now, Bellatrix," said Voldemort. "There's no need to become impatient. We can take our time, practice our hand at some of the more subtle Dark Arts."
Severus Snape Apparated at that moment, and looked down at the man on the floor. Voldemort greeted him with a smile. "So glad you could make it, Severus. How is Dumbledore?"
"Today he cast some anti-intruder jinxes on the school gates. Nothing further to report, my Lord. Who is that?"
"We're not quite sure. He doesn't respond as one would expect to any of the usual curses. See for yourself."
Snape drew his wand and without hesitation flicked it towards the Master. "Crucio."
The resulting moan was definitely one of pleasure. "Isn't that curious?" asked Voldemort. "It's almost as if he isn't human. Why don't you try that lovely little curse you created?"
Snape moved his wand in a slashing motion over the man's prone form, and softly said, "Sectumsempra."
The Master's clothes ripped where they were supposed to, but the wounds simply failed to appear on the man's body. He smiled and mumbled, "Mmm, that is lovely."
"What do you make of that, Severus?"
"I'm at a loss, my Lord."
"You are a talented Legilimens."
Snape knew that Voldemort was more skilled at Legilimency than he was, but understood that the Dark Lord would want to protect himself from such an unknown element. Snape already suspected that the stranger was an associate of the Doctor's. He had to be cautious about how to proceed. He knelt over the man and cast a silent, wandless Legilimens.
The Master's mind yielded with surprising ease. The first thing Snape became aware of was an relentless drumming rhythm, coupled with a powerful feeling of euphoria. You hear them, too, don't you?
Snape was shocked that the man could address him so directly. Usually when exploring another's consciousness, it was a one-way process; the Legilimens would navigate the mind of the other, remaining detached. This mind was different. It was as if there was an external vestibule, a room in which to communicate with lucidity, outside of time. Yes, I hear it, Snape replied, testing the connection.
Good, thought the man, and Snape shared in his feeling of vindication.
What are you?
A Time Lord. The man bombarded him with scattered memories, hundreds of years worth of experience, in an instant. Snape gasped, and he was sure that he did this aloud.
Why are you here? he asked, once he felt stable enough.
I need power.
Why?
In order to fight.
Fight who?
The Doctor.
What will you give in exchange for power?
I have a time machine.
The drums were growing steadily louder and louder in Snape's mind, beginning to drown out all conscious thought. What is that? he asked.
My curse.
Snape wanted to say more, but he couldn't stand the sound of the drums. He felt as if his own sanity were slipping away, and he broke the spell. He stood up, still gasping slightly. "Give me your thoughts, Severus," demanded Voldemort.
Snape felt the cold tendrils of the Dark Lord's mind pulling at him. He had mere seconds to Occlude any personal knowledge of the Doctor and the time machines, but after so many years of spying, hiding his thoughts came naturally. After a minute, Voldemort released him. The Dark Lord gazed down at the Master and, to Snape's dismay, cast his own Legilimens spell. Severus watched the Master nodding and laughing, presumably in reaction to a dialogue they were having.
Voldemort stepped away, leveled his wand at the man, and cast Avada Kedavra. The Master lay completely still, for a moment. Then a rapturous shudder ran through him, and he smiled deliriously. He stretched out and sighed deeply, then slowly rose to his feet. The hardwood floor was singed black where he had been lying. Bellatrix and Narcissa stared at him, incredulous. Voldemort said, "This man is from another world. Apparently, dark magic affects him differently…he absorbs it as pure energy. That is why our curses cause him nothing but exhilaration. He has offered us a gift that will guarantee our victory. Let's receive it."
They were all soon standing inside the red TARDIS. Voldemort was staring into its gleaming core when he announced, "I am going to make a Horcrux."
Everyone looked at the Dark Lord, shocked. Bellatrix said, "But, my Lord, are you sure you won't be injured?"
"Go get a Muggle."