The next few month for Severus and Maleficent were completely different for both of them. They were learning many different things about each other and having a great time. But it wasn't too long that they learned something new about a close friend. Lucius Malfoy went home for the Christmas holidays happy and excited, like most others. However, when he came back he seemed like a different person. His typical laughter and happiness had been replaced by a coldness. He had certainly changed, particularly in his dealings with Muggle-born students. He had begun to taunt them and tease them about their heritage. Both Severus and Maleficent thought that this was kind of strange. They soon found out why. During class, Lucius asked Severus to meet him alone at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Severus agreed, as he hoped to find out why Lucius had suddenly.

After dinner that evening, Severus left Maleficent with Zandra and headed down toward the Forbidden Forest. He saw a cloaked figure standing there and knew that it was Lucius. He approached and Lucius turned to face him. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Severus. I..." Lucius began but Severus interrupted. "Lucius, what's going on? Since you came back from the Christmas holidays you've been a completely different peron. We've all noticed it," Severus said. Lucius nodded and replied, "Yes, I have changed. That's why I brought you here. I wanted to tell you about it." Severus looked puzzled and asked, "Why couldn't we just talk in the common room like usual?" Lucius looked around, making sure no one was listening in on them, and said, "Because what I'm about to tell you is completely and totally secret." Severus said, "Well tell me then! Stop just hinting around at this big thing." Lucius leaned back against a tree and began his story.

"When I arrived at home for Christmas, my father had changed too. We celebrated Christmas like always but he was different. So, one evening I went to ask him about the sudden change. He sat me down and told me that he had finally seen the light." "What light?" Severus asked quickly. Lucius waved his hand to silence him and continued. "He realized that something very important was going to happen. And it will. Do you remember Lord Voldemort, Severus? Well, he will be in control of the wizarding world very, very soon. And, every great leader needs great followers.. My father joined his ranks. He's one of the most prominent Death Eaters in Lord Voldemort's inner circle. And, I was asked to join them as well." Lucius lifted the sleeve of his left arm. His forearm now bore a black skull with what looked like a snake protruding from the mouth of the skull. Lucius continued, "This is the Dark Mark, Severus. It's his sign. All of his followers carry the mark. However, he doesn't have enough great followers to make a difference quite yet. That's where I come into his great plan. If I can get some of the greatest students here at Hogwarts to join, then I will be highly revered among his followers. But, he wants only the best witches and wizards, you see. None of the 'other kind' are acceptable."

Severus stopped Lucius immediately. "Are you saying that you want me to join him and be a part of this...his....plan?" Severus asked, not sure whether to be glad or angry. Sure, this Lord Voldemort guy had done a few not-so-great things. He'd even killed some people. But, he was a fellow Slytherin after all. There had been rumors of him becoming a great leader in the wizarding world for a long time. Now it seemed like that time was at hand. And he, Severus Snape, was being asked to join this elite group. It all sounded so good! But, in the back of his mind, Severus had questions and he decided it would be best to ask before committing himself to this. "Lucius, this sounds interesting. But, I have some questions. For one, who are the 'other kind' that you are talking about?" he asked. Lucius smiled a bit coldly and replied in a sly voice, "You know, Severus. The Muggle borns, the Mudbloods. Lord Voldemort wants to see that the purity of the wizarding world is not hindered by these inferior people who keep butting into our private business." Severus's eyes grew cold and he glared at Lucius. "And what about Maleficent? Where does that leave people with her situation? You know, a half-blood? She's no Muggle and you know it! She's the best damn witch I've ever seen!" Lucius raised his chilly voice a bit and said, "Now Severus, no one's disputing that. She would be a great asset to Lord Voldemort. With her skill in Transfiguration, if she became an animagi then she could be a great undercover witch for him." Severus was beginning to like this idea less and less as the conversation continued. "I'll have to think about it, Lucius," Severus said, and started to walk back toward the castle. Lucius called out, "Severus, tell no one about our conversation. Not everyone needs to find this out all at once. Besides, that's my job to tell them."

Back in the common room, Severus found Zandra and Maleficent playing wizard chess. They waved at him and he waved back. But Severus's mind was full of other things at the moment. Mentally he told Maleficent that he needed some time to think about his conversation with Lucius and he would see her in the morning. Maleficent thought it was a bit odd but didn't question it. Severus headed for the boys dormitory. A few minutes later, Lucius came in. He looked for Narcissa, who was watching Zandra and Maleficent play chess. He approached, tapped her on the shoulder, and asked her to come with him. Naricssa said good-bye to her friends and headed off happily with Lucius. After all, this was the first time since being back from the holidays that he'd wanted to see Narcissa alone. When Zandra and Maleficent finally went up to bed, the pair had not returned. As Maleficent got into bed that evening, she wondered if this had anything to do with Lucius's meeting with Severus. She put the thought out of her mind and fell asleep, deciding to ask Narcissa about it in the morning. But, when she awoke the had forgotten all about the question.