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Severus sat with his elbows on his knees, his palms pressed into his eyes. How he hated fighting with her. He hated her for her ostentatious defiance and at the same time, he knew it was something so much more than hate.
He thought about her temper, the fire that raged behind her eyes. He wished she would just let her take care of her. He knew he could keep her safe. But she didn't want that. She was so damn stubborn. She didn't think she needed to be take care of.
Suddenly, it dawned on him. She didn't know she was pregnant.
Sighing, he fell back onto the bed. This woman would surely be the death of him. How the hell could he be the one to tell her that she was going to be a mother? Did he even want to open that door? Didn't he want her to come to him and announce the happy news? How would she even react if he brought it up? Would she believe him? Would it cause another fight?
But maybe, just maybe, if she knew then she would understand why it was so imperative that she take her safety more seriously.
He rested his arm across his eyes as he listened to the stillness of the house. He'd heard her opening doors before and he was pretty sure that she'd gone to bed.
A dark thought worked its way into his mind. What if it was his and she didn't want it. His stomach gave a violent shudder. Surely, that wouldn't happen. He knew she cared about him. It had been Potter that had kept them apart.
He groaned and pulled himself off the bed. He couldn't stand this.
How long could she go without knowing she was pregnant? Surely her body would start giving her signals. If it had been over the Holiday, then she was at least three months along. Didn't most women start showing at that point? He rolled his eyes, maybe he should get one of those Muggle books that explained pregnancy to someone who didn't have a clue.
Lily was so stressed that she didn't seem to be putting her health as a priority. Maybe she wasn't eating correctly.
He couldn't keep this information from her. He would—
Suddenly, a searing burn shot up his left arm. Severus gritted his teeth. The pain intentionally not subtle so it could not be ignored.
He hoped that Lily was asleep and would stay that way for some time.
He wrenched his eyes close, focusing through the pain, the link. His body felt as though it was being engulfed, wrapped in a smothering darkness, the fire in his arm burning hotter, black smoke pulling him through space, until his feet touched down in an opulent room.
He was sure this was Lestrange mansion. The only light in the room came from the crackling fireplace, a dark figure stood near the hearth. A woman and another man stood a few feet away.
"Leave us," the man by the fire hissed.
The man and woman, Severus was sure it was Rodolphus and Bellatrix, left the room without a word.
The Dark Lord turned from the fire, the light casting shadows across his face. He narrowed his eyes at Severus. Then, in almost a whisper he said, "Crucio."
Pain took over. Every nerve in his body was consumed by agony. His legs gave; he crashed to his knees in front of the Dark Lord. His muscles convulsed as though every fiber way try to rip apart.
As quickly as the pain had taken over, it stopped.
Though the pain was gone, Severus' body was shaking, his breathing was short. He was sure he'd been screaming.
"You were given an assignment," the Dark Lord snarled.
"Yes, my Lord," he gasped.
"Did you feel you could just abandon that post?"
"No, my Lord." The Dark Lord's hand around the wand twitched. Severus desperately cleared his mind. "There are so many coming to that cabin…Several potions cannot be disturbed…" He was trying to convince his muscles to relax, but trying to brace himself for more pain. "I should have requested an audience with you. I should have asked permission to find a more suitable place…"
The Dark Lord said nothing. Severus didn't know how much longer he had until he was cursed again. He had not been summoned just to be punished, that could have been left to someone else; a private audience with the Dark Lord meant something more.
"I tire of your excuses. You push my patience," the Dark Lord said.
Severus dropped his head, looking at his hands, suddenly regretting everything he'd never said to Lily.
"I require a Veritaserum. You need not know why, just know that if anything goes wrong you will pay dearly."
"My Lord," Severus said softly. "I'd like to return to Spinners End—"
He words were cut off by another crushing wave of pain. He fell forward but the violent wracking of his body gave his arms little chance to support his weight. Just before he was sure he was going to fall forward and bash his head into stone lining the fireplace, he curse was lifted.
"You wants are not part of my consideration."
Severus' breathing was ragged, his lungs still felt like they were on fire and his vision was blurred. "I—I just have more s-supplies there. The traffic at the cabin could ruin the potions." He wanted to shut up but it was like the last curse had disconnected his brain from common sense. "I could deliver potions daily, but I cannot work around so many…"
"I am not unreasonable," the Dark Lord said slowly. "But you try my patience, Severus Snape. I will grant you this. I will limit those who go to Spinner's End. You will not disappoint me again. You will remember what is your priority. Do you know what happens to those who forget?"
The Dark Lord was not subtle. Severus knew the curse was going to happen. He muscles did not hold him any longer. He collapsed onto the floor, his body seizing with the pain, He jerked and thrashed. His vision darkened, but he did not pass out as he hoped.
The spell was lifted, but Severus could not move. He was vaguely aware that he was alone now. He could taste copper in his mouth. He tried to think but bands of pain wrapped around his chest. He started coughing. More blood. Severus rolled to his side, then onto his knees. He had to get out of here.
Bellatrix was like a hyena; she would sense his weakness and pounce.
With a trembling hand, he grabbed his wand and in moments, he was on the floor inside the Muggle house. Then he blissfully passed out.
What did you think? What part is everyone looking forward to What parts keeps you coming back? Even though I know where the story is headed, I love the feedback because I feel like knowing what to weave in is an extra challenge and it will really help with the upcoming chapters. Please leave a comment!