Harry Potter and the Return of Lord Voldemort Part 11
Severus Snape walked into the circle formed by the Death Eaters. Voldemort smiled cruelly. "Well, well, Severus Snape," Voldemort said as he approached. "You say you want to join me and the Death Eaters back, do you?"
"Yes master," Snape said quietly, his head down. It was a rule of Voldemort's to never look him in the eye, much less his face, unless for extreme measures. Voldemort looked back at him with narrowed… slits.
"And why, Severus, should I take you back in after you went to Albus Dumbledore for a job, after my downfall with Harry Potter?" the Dark Lord asked.
"I have been a spy, sir, and have been keeping track of Hogwarts as the Potions master. I especially kept a watchful eye on Harry Potter since he enrolled here."
"What good does that do me?" Voldemort roared, getting angrier by the minute.
"My lord. I beg of you. You are most merciful," Snape said "Take me back to the Dark Side. Take me back to the side that will destroy the Light,"
This isn't going to work, Snape thought. I made a terrible mistake returning to Him. He's going to kill me, like he did Lily and James and so many others. Murder me in cold blood.
Voldemort looked thoughtfully at the man that was bowing down to him at his feet. He raised his extraordinary thin and long finger to his chin. If he redeemed Snape and admitted him into the Circle, would he be betrayed again?
* * *
Remus Lupin walked through the Forbidden Forest. The sun would set soon. He needed to find them, quickly. Behind him, Hogwarts gleamed magnificently against the dying sun, like a jewel. A jewel of hope.
The sun won't be the only thing dying if you don't get a move on, Lupin told himself. He only had a few minutes. He quickly ran deeper into the forest. Soon, night came. Remus felt the Transformation coming on.
It didn't matter. He was far enough form Hogwarts, and close enough to his goal. A howl picked up. Remus walked in deeper into the forest. Finally he found them. The ones who had cursed him to this life. The werewolves. They surrounded the normal wolves.
Lupin walked into the meeting place and howled long and deep to get their attention. The wolves turned around. Who are you, one of them asked
One of you
Apparently. Why do you seek us?
I need help. The humans need help.
We do not help humans.
You must. You are part-human, werewolf,
Touch'e. What do the humans need of us?
He is back. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned. The Apocalypse is upon us once again. Will you help us?
What is in it for us?
Help, and you actually survive to hunt another night.
Is that a threat?
No, merely a warning. It is the Dark Lord who threatens you. I am one who is not willing to give up without a fight. Together, we might be able to defeat him.
The wolves seemed to consider this. Lupin awaited their answer. They bowed their heads down, as if discussing their decision.
*
Hagrid and Maxime walked out of the hotel, feeling fully refreshed. "All right," Maxime whispered. "This is it."
Hagrid nodded. His mum had called, telling him that the giants were meeting tonight to discuss their decision. He squared his shoulders and started walking. Finally, he saw a bonfire. The meeting place of the giants.
The giants were assembled and Fridwulfa was standing on top of a huge stage. "My friends!" she roared, catching everyone's attention. "I asked you to gather here today because I have an announcement to make," she continued. Everyone watched her intently.
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned." The stadium was filled with gasps. The Dark Lord's return was obviously new to them. "I must now ask you to put yourselves to a vote." Fridwulfa informed them. "How many of you consider joining him again…"
Many hands raised up. "THINK OF YOUR ANSWER!" Fridwulfa yelled over the whispers. "We have all chosen the wrong side before and see what has happened. We have been banished by Fudge! Do you want to make that same mistake again?"
The giants seemed to be considering this. A few hands fell down, but many were still raised. Fridwulfa took a deep breath. "and how many of you have decided on joining Albus Dumbledore?" she continued
Hands rose up, Fridwulfa's among them, but the fact remained that many had decided to join Lord Voldemort once again. Fridwulfa and the rest who favored Dumbledore and Harry walked towards Hagrid and Maxime. "Let's go," the giantess said to them quietly. "I think it's time we met Dumbledore and Harry Potter,"
*
- "No," Voldemort said curtly. "I shall not accept you, Severus,"
Snape's jaw dropped in shock. "I will not have you betray me again," and with that, the Dark Lord turned to the Death Eaters and said shortly "Kill him,"
Lord Voldemort walked out of the meeting place. Severus was a spy. He must have been a spy. He'd warn Dumbledore and Harry Potter about his plans for world domination. Nothing would stand in his way. Nothing! Not even the Potter child…