A/N: I do plan on continuing this, but I'm not very good at keeping my interest on one thing at a time. Anyway, yes, this will eventually be slash, and the rating may go up, but it's not too likely. Mieh, only time will tell.



Dark Marks - Chapter One

The body on the ground screamed in pain, it begged with its captor, it shook and convulsed, yet Severus held his wand steady. His face was masked, though it made little difference on his expression. His stomach twisted with disgust; disgust for the creature that lay before him, disgust that he dare turn from their Master, and disgust for himself, that he enjoyed watching the former Death Eater, enjoyed performing the Unforgivable Curses.

There was a soft sweeping noise behind Severus, and soon a tall figure stood beside him. He was distinguishable from the circle of black-clad shadows that encircled the scene only for the lack of a mask. Snape did not dare break his concentration on the spy before him, not even when Lord Voldemort laid a long, pale hand on his shoulder.

"That's enough, my pet," his voice all but hissed into Snape's ear, "I'll finish off the traitor."

Slowly lowering his wand, Snape allowed the corners of his mouth to quirk into a sneer as he retreated back into the circle, taking his place between Malfoy and Avery. It was symbolic, perhaps, that this formation was used only in small gatherings, Voldemort's 'inner circle,' as it were.

With a flash of green light, and a muttered, "Avada Kedavra," the spy fell silent, lifeless.

*

They were now sitting in the parlour of the Malfoy estate. Some fourteen Death Eaters looked around expectantly, masks long abandoned.

Snape sat in a winged armchair close to the fireplace, his expression nearly unreadable, but tinged with the distinct look of distaste. He was looking at Lucius Malfoy, of course. The older man sat on the edge of his bar, his eyes held unmistakable superiority. It was quiet.

Without warning, Lord Voldemort apparated into the centre of the room. All eyes turned toward their master.

"Faithful Death Eaters..." his voice was calm, barely audible, but they heard just fine. "The time has come. As you know, we have successfully infiltrated Durmstrang, and Hogwarts is next."

The slightest of murmurs past through the room as the men whispered quietly to one another. Snape, however, knew of this already; you didn't become Voldemort's favourite whore without overhearing a thing or two.

As expected, the Dark Lord walked silently next to Severus and trailed a finger lazily along his jawline. Snape closed his eyes and sucked in his breath, but did not dare move away as cold lightning shot through his veins.

"My Potions Master..." he shuddered involuntarily - Voldemort was always possessive, "has agreed to take up a teaching position there."

Malfoy snorted and mouthed a foul word to a wizard Snape didn't recognize by sight.

"Crucio!"

Voldemort stalked over to Lucius and leaned down so that he could hear him, although, Snape doubted if Malfoy would be able to comprehend anything said to him, in such a state. "One would think, Malfoy, that you would have learned by now not to insult my possessions in front of me."

Malfoy's eyes widened in pain, and the Dark Lord left him there for a quite a while before releasing him from the Cruciatus Curse. A few Death Eaters helped him to his feet.

**

Severus awoke with a start in the dark stillness of the dungeons. He winced at the painful throbbing on his left forearm, but did not cry out. Far worse things had been done to him, and a silly nightmare certainly wasn't going to break him.

He got up and ran a hand through his hair, rummaging through a wardrobe opposite the bed. He may as well get up; it was going to be a long day anyway. Snape scowled in the darkness, today, Remus Lupin joined the teaching staff - for good.

-------------- To be continued?