Snape once again found himself sneaking into Gryffindor house, following the stairs to her room.
I see my red door and it has been painted black.
*Who?* he thought. Then he heard tiny whispers coming from inside. The door creaked open slowly.
"Severus," the voice hissed, "come to me."
Alas, Snape no longer had to speculate the voice's origin. As he could do nothing but obey his dark master, he entered the room. The door closed him in quickly. Voldemort stood near the bed. "Sit," he commanded. And Snape obeyed again.
"Do not look so grave, young one. I did this for you. The sooner you learn that love is poison to any dark wizard, the better."
Snape was clenching his fists and glaring at him.
"There, there, now. You know as well as I that the girl preferred Potter to you. It is better this way, you see. Your love and pain will now turn into hatred and this will make you stronger to serve me. Just let the blackness take you. It is easier not to fight. Forget pain. Cast off regret; learn to hate."
Snape closed his eyes. Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts. It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black.
"Now, I believe there is something you wish to ask of me."
Snape slowly looked up at his master. "I want Potter dead."
Voldemort looked delighted. "And?"
"There's a child. A son. Theirs."
"Very good, Severus. It will be done as soon as I can find them alone."
Snape heaved a long sigh. "They're going back to the cemetery. Tonight."
Voldemort smiled drawing his cloak about him. "You are a true servant now, Severus." He then vanished.
