Author's Note: And for all of you who have waited so patiently, the next
chapter -- And it's a bit longer too
Chapter Twelve -- The Next Chapter
1996
The two of them lay in bed -- Suntanned beige and ivory. Harry curled up slightly against Tom -- More like a child than a lover. Tom, in turn, wrapped a protective arm around the boy.
"I went to go see Snape," Harry murmured under his breath.
"Really?" Tom replied, his tone less than pleased.
"I asked him to tell me what had happened between the two of you -- What happened when you found out that Snape was in love with my father."
"And what did he say?"
"He said that it was a story that only you could tell."
Tom laughed gently. "Yes --" A slight hiss to the word. "That sounds like something Severus would say." Tom paused for a moment before asking Harry the question on his mind. "Is that all you two talked about?"
"Of course," Harry said, maybe a bit too adamantly. "What else could we say to each other?"
Tom looked a bit skeptical and Harry hoped that he wouldn't pursue the subject any further.
"Tell me what happened," Harry beseeched.
"It's an upsetting story," Tom stated.
"I can handle it."
"Fine," Tom sighed. "It didn't take very much to figure out that Severus was sleeping with someone other than myself. Sometimes he'd come home, tussled and exhausted, and someone else's scent would be infiltrating his every pore. Through a few carefully placed spies, I discovered that Severus was having an affair with a married man -- Your father, to be precise. At first, I was absolutely furious. How dare he take another to bed with him? He was supposed to be mine and only mine. Then I realized that the only way to solve this little problem was to confront Severus on it in a fairly calm and rational manner and that is exactly what I did . . ."
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1981 (August)
Severus Snape lay on the bed -- White cotton sheets curled around him. It was one of those August nights when you can smell the rain in the air -- The crisp, clean smell of damp and dew. And it was so warm. Severus absent- mindedly kicked the sheets off a little.
"What is it about white sheets? They always make you look so virtuous."
Severus smiled and sat up in the bed, the covers falling down around his waist.
"Do you always sleep in such an . . . exposed manner?" Voldemort asked, arching his eyebrow slightly as he took in Severus' thin, yet redeemingly bare, form.
"Only when it's warm out," Severus smiled. Voldemort sat down by the boy's side, gently brushing his hair out of his eyes and off of his shoulders. "Severus, I have a question to ask you."
"Of course," Severus sighed as Voldemort kissed the side of his neck.
"Do I satisfy you?" Hands settled on Severus' hips. The young boy nodded slightly before his head lulled back against his shoulder, his eyes closed in blissful surrender. Voldemort moved one of his hands to Severus' groin and began to fondle his erection.
"Are you seeing anyone else?" Severus shook his head "no," undulating slightly against Voldemort's ministrations. "Not even James Potter?"
At this, Severus froze rigidly and his eyes snapped open.
"I thought so," Voldemort said softly, instantly taking his hands off of Severus and folding them elegantly in his lap. "He's married to that Evans girl, is he not?"
Severus nodded awkwardly.
"He is a very attractive boy," Voldemort admitted. "But why? For God's sake, Severus, why? You have me wrapped around your finger. You have . . . the world in the palm of your hand. You have power that even God himself would envy. Think about everything I've done for you, child." Voldemort stood up and walked over to the open window. "You have these exquisite chambers, which I have supplied. You have your garments . . ." A half- hearted gesticulation and the wardrobe door flew open, revealing robes of forest-green silk. "Which I have paid for. You have your library, which I have furnished. You have your laboratories, which I have funded. You have your every whim granted, thanks to my resources. And, if I am not mistaken, you are more than adequately provided for sexually . . . Are you not?"
"I am," Severus replied sheepishly.
"Then why, Severus? Why James Potter?"
Severus thought for a moment before responding.
"Because James is kind," he replied. "And I need someone kind in my life."
"Am I not kind to you?" Voldemort asked sullenly. "I love you very much."
"I know you do," Severus muttered. A deep silence fell over the two men. "What is to become of me?" Severus asked shyly.
"I don't know," Voldemort sighed. "I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hurt by this betrayal. I would also be lying if I said that, even now, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are so beautiful to me, Severus."
Severus rose from the bed.
"That is the one thing James never said to me."
"What?" Voldemort asked, walking over and twining his arms around the boy's extremely slender waist ("If I tried," Voldemort thought to himself, "I could probably encircle his waist with my hands").
"James never once called me beautiful."
"Why?" Voldemort asked, trailing a finger down Severus' sallow cheek.
"Because," Severus smiled, "I'm not."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
1981 (October)
"This is the punishment then," Severus said, buttoning his robe. It was a turn-of-the-century style: Black -- Gathered at the waist then flaring out decadently. "This is what I get for being so unfaithful."
"Precisely," Voldemort smiled, fastening a half-cloak around his shoulders. "I couldn't just let you go without due discipline, could I? Sit."
Severus sat down in front of a vanity. Voldemort stood behind him, fussing with the mat of hair that had accumulated around the boy's shoulders, trying to pin it up into a haphazard bun.
"I asked him to stay with me after graduation," Severus said. "I asked him to live with me down in Hogsmeade."
"Oh really," Voldemort replied, seemingly uninterested. "What did he say?"
"He almost said yes."
"The key word is 'almost,'" Voldemort smiled. "Obviously, in his eyes, you were no match for Miss Evans." A drawn out pause followed.
"I won't let you do it," Severus said finally. "I won't let you."
"My Severus," Voldemort sighed. "Do you really think that you can stop me? The most you can do is stand by while I ignite eternity. Then we can both drink champagne and watch it burn." Voldemort stuck a final hair pin in and admired Severus' reflection. "Not bad," he muttered. "Come."
Severus pulled a black cloak down from his closet and wrapped it around his gaunt form.
"You should try eating something," Voldemort said matter-of-factly. "You're absolutely worn to a shadow."
"Not now," Severus declared, pulling a white mask down from a shelf.
"Don't put that on," Voldemort commanded harshly. Startled, Severus put the mask back down. "I want to be able to see your face tonight."
"Heartless," Severus stated bitterly. The Dark Lord pulled Severus' hood up, making sure that the boy wasn't cold. It was an October night -- A rather chilly October night at that.
"Are you warm enough?"
Severus nodded.
"Good."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
The Death Eaters gathered in a nearby wood. As it was eleven o'clock in the evening, the area was wonderfully vacant. A group of fine black stallions stood nearby, munching away at the newly trimmed grass. Finally, Voldemort entered the circle, Severus at his side. The Death Eaters all bowed to their Master respectfully, except for Severus, of course.
"Pettigrew!" Voldemort called into the legions. "Step forward!"
A plump young man with fine flax hair stepped forward. Severus couldn't restrain a short burst of laughter.
"Is something humorous?" Voldemort asked, sweeping behind Severus and placing his hands on the boy's shoulders. Severus quickly pulled away and some of the newer Death Eaters gawked at his lack of respect. Severus walked over to where Peter stood.
"So, one of the Marauders has finally stepped forward and decided to bestow the Judas Kiss," Severus quipped.
"Do I know you from somewhere, my . . . my . . ." Pettigrew looked at the other Death Eaters for assistance but received none. Peter's question confused Severus for a moment but he quickly realized that the hood of his cloak was concealing his face in shadow. He pushed the thick velvet back and Peter turned a sickly shade of white.
"Snape?" Peter gasped. "I didn't see you at any of the meetings and I thought that you weren't a part of . . . well . . . I didn't know . . ."
Many of the experienced Death Eaters laughed harshly. Severus held up a hand to silence them. They instantly obeyed the command.
"It's nice to see you again, Snape . . . I mean, Severus," Peter swallowed deeply.
"I wish I could say the same," Severus said coldly. He turned his back on the stuttering Peter and quickly took his place by Voldemort's side again. The Dark Lord immediately wrapped a protective arm around the boy.
"Pull your hood up, Severus," Voldemort said gently. "You'll catch your death out here." Severus obeyed without question.
"These are my commands for the evening," Voldemort announced. "We are travelling up to Godric's Hollow. We should arrive there around twelve thirty due to the fact that we are using solely Muggle transportation tonight." Various groans from the audience were heard. "Come now," Voldemort smiled. "With all the charms placed around that household, I don't want to use any magic until we have to. Besides, the night air is good for you all!" Voldemort chuckled at the various side comments. "Cease transport a mile away from the Potter household. I will give you further instructions from there."
"Hail Lord Voldemort!" All of the Death Eaters shouted dutifully, pledging their allegiance. And with that, most of the Death Eaters mounted their horses and took off into the night. Voldemort beckoned Peter Pettigrew and Lucius Malfoy over. Severus had wandered off into a nearby clearing to look at the stars.
"I want you two to watch after him very carefully," Voldemort commanded. "Make sure that no harm comes to him and, of course, make sure that he doesn't catch cold."
"Of course, my Lord," Lucius Malfoy said, bowing deeply but barely hiding the hostility in his voice.
Voldemort whistled -- A shrill, light whistle -- and a small, ornate sleigh pulled up by his side.
"Severus!" Voldemort called. "You're to travel with Lucius and Peter tonight."
Severus turned around, glaring at the two men.
"Charmed," he replied through gritted teeth.
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"So Snape," Peter said hesitantly. "What exactly are you to Lord Voldemort?"
Severus sat staring out at the moonlit snow, his cloak clutched around him.
"Severus services Voldemort sexually," Lucius replied venomously. "Isn't that right, Severus?"
Severus turned to look at Lucius -- No hint of emotion in his black eyes.
"We're lovers," he said simply. "That's all."
"Oh!" Peter said, as if he was hearing all of the juicy gossip. Severus cringed. He sounded like a second-year schoolgirl.
"Everyone knows it," Lucius said, thwarting Peter's glee. "They aren't exactly the most discreet. Then again, there is some juicy gossip going around on Severus . . . In fact, it concerns one of your old school chums, Peter."
"Shut up, Lucius," Severus snapped. Simultaneously, Peter coaxed, "Tell! Tell!"
"You know, Severus," Lucius said, diverting his attentions from Peter. "I can't see why everyone keeps going after you so insatiably. You're quite ugly."
"Thank you, I'm sure," Severus hissed.
"I will admit," Lucius continued, "That you have a certain . . . ambiance about you -- Grace, poise, stature . . . Doesn't he, Peter?"
"I suppose so," Peter said, crinkling his nose and trying his hardest to see this supposed "ambiance."
"Drink?" Lucius offered, pulling a flask of gin from inside his cloak and offering it to Severus.
"I believe the phrase is 'Beware Greeks bearing gifts,'" the boy scoffed. Lucius took a deep swig of the alcohol and placed it back under his robes.
"Paranoia, Severus -- Simply paranoia," Lucius drawled lazily, looking at Severus with a mixture of hostility and lechery. Severus shuddered unconsciously. "Do I make you nervous, Severus?" Lucius purred, gently kicking the inside of Severus' leg with his leather boot.
"I'd watch myself, Lucius," Severus reprimanded.
The sleigh came to a smooth halt.
They had reached Godric's Hollow.
Chapter Twelve -- The Next Chapter
1996
The two of them lay in bed -- Suntanned beige and ivory. Harry curled up slightly against Tom -- More like a child than a lover. Tom, in turn, wrapped a protective arm around the boy.
"I went to go see Snape," Harry murmured under his breath.
"Really?" Tom replied, his tone less than pleased.
"I asked him to tell me what had happened between the two of you -- What happened when you found out that Snape was in love with my father."
"And what did he say?"
"He said that it was a story that only you could tell."
Tom laughed gently. "Yes --" A slight hiss to the word. "That sounds like something Severus would say." Tom paused for a moment before asking Harry the question on his mind. "Is that all you two talked about?"
"Of course," Harry said, maybe a bit too adamantly. "What else could we say to each other?"
Tom looked a bit skeptical and Harry hoped that he wouldn't pursue the subject any further.
"Tell me what happened," Harry beseeched.
"It's an upsetting story," Tom stated.
"I can handle it."
"Fine," Tom sighed. "It didn't take very much to figure out that Severus was sleeping with someone other than myself. Sometimes he'd come home, tussled and exhausted, and someone else's scent would be infiltrating his every pore. Through a few carefully placed spies, I discovered that Severus was having an affair with a married man -- Your father, to be precise. At first, I was absolutely furious. How dare he take another to bed with him? He was supposed to be mine and only mine. Then I realized that the only way to solve this little problem was to confront Severus on it in a fairly calm and rational manner and that is exactly what I did . . ."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
1981 (August)
Severus Snape lay on the bed -- White cotton sheets curled around him. It was one of those August nights when you can smell the rain in the air -- The crisp, clean smell of damp and dew. And it was so warm. Severus absent- mindedly kicked the sheets off a little.
"What is it about white sheets? They always make you look so virtuous."
Severus smiled and sat up in the bed, the covers falling down around his waist.
"Do you always sleep in such an . . . exposed manner?" Voldemort asked, arching his eyebrow slightly as he took in Severus' thin, yet redeemingly bare, form.
"Only when it's warm out," Severus smiled. Voldemort sat down by the boy's side, gently brushing his hair out of his eyes and off of his shoulders. "Severus, I have a question to ask you."
"Of course," Severus sighed as Voldemort kissed the side of his neck.
"Do I satisfy you?" Hands settled on Severus' hips. The young boy nodded slightly before his head lulled back against his shoulder, his eyes closed in blissful surrender. Voldemort moved one of his hands to Severus' groin and began to fondle his erection.
"Are you seeing anyone else?" Severus shook his head "no," undulating slightly against Voldemort's ministrations. "Not even James Potter?"
At this, Severus froze rigidly and his eyes snapped open.
"I thought so," Voldemort said softly, instantly taking his hands off of Severus and folding them elegantly in his lap. "He's married to that Evans girl, is he not?"
Severus nodded awkwardly.
"He is a very attractive boy," Voldemort admitted. "But why? For God's sake, Severus, why? You have me wrapped around your finger. You have . . . the world in the palm of your hand. You have power that even God himself would envy. Think about everything I've done for you, child." Voldemort stood up and walked over to the open window. "You have these exquisite chambers, which I have supplied. You have your garments . . ." A half- hearted gesticulation and the wardrobe door flew open, revealing robes of forest-green silk. "Which I have paid for. You have your library, which I have furnished. You have your laboratories, which I have funded. You have your every whim granted, thanks to my resources. And, if I am not mistaken, you are more than adequately provided for sexually . . . Are you not?"
"I am," Severus replied sheepishly.
"Then why, Severus? Why James Potter?"
Severus thought for a moment before responding.
"Because James is kind," he replied. "And I need someone kind in my life."
"Am I not kind to you?" Voldemort asked sullenly. "I love you very much."
"I know you do," Severus muttered. A deep silence fell over the two men. "What is to become of me?" Severus asked shyly.
"I don't know," Voldemort sighed. "I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hurt by this betrayal. I would also be lying if I said that, even now, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are so beautiful to me, Severus."
Severus rose from the bed.
"That is the one thing James never said to me."
"What?" Voldemort asked, walking over and twining his arms around the boy's extremely slender waist ("If I tried," Voldemort thought to himself, "I could probably encircle his waist with my hands").
"James never once called me beautiful."
"Why?" Voldemort asked, trailing a finger down Severus' sallow cheek.
"Because," Severus smiled, "I'm not."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
1981 (October)
"This is the punishment then," Severus said, buttoning his robe. It was a turn-of-the-century style: Black -- Gathered at the waist then flaring out decadently. "This is what I get for being so unfaithful."
"Precisely," Voldemort smiled, fastening a half-cloak around his shoulders. "I couldn't just let you go without due discipline, could I? Sit."
Severus sat down in front of a vanity. Voldemort stood behind him, fussing with the mat of hair that had accumulated around the boy's shoulders, trying to pin it up into a haphazard bun.
"I asked him to stay with me after graduation," Severus said. "I asked him to live with me down in Hogsmeade."
"Oh really," Voldemort replied, seemingly uninterested. "What did he say?"
"He almost said yes."
"The key word is 'almost,'" Voldemort smiled. "Obviously, in his eyes, you were no match for Miss Evans." A drawn out pause followed.
"I won't let you do it," Severus said finally. "I won't let you."
"My Severus," Voldemort sighed. "Do you really think that you can stop me? The most you can do is stand by while I ignite eternity. Then we can both drink champagne and watch it burn." Voldemort stuck a final hair pin in and admired Severus' reflection. "Not bad," he muttered. "Come."
Severus pulled a black cloak down from his closet and wrapped it around his gaunt form.
"You should try eating something," Voldemort said matter-of-factly. "You're absolutely worn to a shadow."
"Not now," Severus declared, pulling a white mask down from a shelf.
"Don't put that on," Voldemort commanded harshly. Startled, Severus put the mask back down. "I want to be able to see your face tonight."
"Heartless," Severus stated bitterly. The Dark Lord pulled Severus' hood up, making sure that the boy wasn't cold. It was an October night -- A rather chilly October night at that.
"Are you warm enough?"
Severus nodded.
"Good."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
The Death Eaters gathered in a nearby wood. As it was eleven o'clock in the evening, the area was wonderfully vacant. A group of fine black stallions stood nearby, munching away at the newly trimmed grass. Finally, Voldemort entered the circle, Severus at his side. The Death Eaters all bowed to their Master respectfully, except for Severus, of course.
"Pettigrew!" Voldemort called into the legions. "Step forward!"
A plump young man with fine flax hair stepped forward. Severus couldn't restrain a short burst of laughter.
"Is something humorous?" Voldemort asked, sweeping behind Severus and placing his hands on the boy's shoulders. Severus quickly pulled away and some of the newer Death Eaters gawked at his lack of respect. Severus walked over to where Peter stood.
"So, one of the Marauders has finally stepped forward and decided to bestow the Judas Kiss," Severus quipped.
"Do I know you from somewhere, my . . . my . . ." Pettigrew looked at the other Death Eaters for assistance but received none. Peter's question confused Severus for a moment but he quickly realized that the hood of his cloak was concealing his face in shadow. He pushed the thick velvet back and Peter turned a sickly shade of white.
"Snape?" Peter gasped. "I didn't see you at any of the meetings and I thought that you weren't a part of . . . well . . . I didn't know . . ."
Many of the experienced Death Eaters laughed harshly. Severus held up a hand to silence them. They instantly obeyed the command.
"It's nice to see you again, Snape . . . I mean, Severus," Peter swallowed deeply.
"I wish I could say the same," Severus said coldly. He turned his back on the stuttering Peter and quickly took his place by Voldemort's side again. The Dark Lord immediately wrapped a protective arm around the boy.
"Pull your hood up, Severus," Voldemort said gently. "You'll catch your death out here." Severus obeyed without question.
"These are my commands for the evening," Voldemort announced. "We are travelling up to Godric's Hollow. We should arrive there around twelve thirty due to the fact that we are using solely Muggle transportation tonight." Various groans from the audience were heard. "Come now," Voldemort smiled. "With all the charms placed around that household, I don't want to use any magic until we have to. Besides, the night air is good for you all!" Voldemort chuckled at the various side comments. "Cease transport a mile away from the Potter household. I will give you further instructions from there."
"Hail Lord Voldemort!" All of the Death Eaters shouted dutifully, pledging their allegiance. And with that, most of the Death Eaters mounted their horses and took off into the night. Voldemort beckoned Peter Pettigrew and Lucius Malfoy over. Severus had wandered off into a nearby clearing to look at the stars.
"I want you two to watch after him very carefully," Voldemort commanded. "Make sure that no harm comes to him and, of course, make sure that he doesn't catch cold."
"Of course, my Lord," Lucius Malfoy said, bowing deeply but barely hiding the hostility in his voice.
Voldemort whistled -- A shrill, light whistle -- and a small, ornate sleigh pulled up by his side.
"Severus!" Voldemort called. "You're to travel with Lucius and Peter tonight."
Severus turned around, glaring at the two men.
"Charmed," he replied through gritted teeth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
"So Snape," Peter said hesitantly. "What exactly are you to Lord Voldemort?"
Severus sat staring out at the moonlit snow, his cloak clutched around him.
"Severus services Voldemort sexually," Lucius replied venomously. "Isn't that right, Severus?"
Severus turned to look at Lucius -- No hint of emotion in his black eyes.
"We're lovers," he said simply. "That's all."
"Oh!" Peter said, as if he was hearing all of the juicy gossip. Severus cringed. He sounded like a second-year schoolgirl.
"Everyone knows it," Lucius said, thwarting Peter's glee. "They aren't exactly the most discreet. Then again, there is some juicy gossip going around on Severus . . . In fact, it concerns one of your old school chums, Peter."
"Shut up, Lucius," Severus snapped. Simultaneously, Peter coaxed, "Tell! Tell!"
"You know, Severus," Lucius said, diverting his attentions from Peter. "I can't see why everyone keeps going after you so insatiably. You're quite ugly."
"Thank you, I'm sure," Severus hissed.
"I will admit," Lucius continued, "That you have a certain . . . ambiance about you -- Grace, poise, stature . . . Doesn't he, Peter?"
"I suppose so," Peter said, crinkling his nose and trying his hardest to see this supposed "ambiance."
"Drink?" Lucius offered, pulling a flask of gin from inside his cloak and offering it to Severus.
"I believe the phrase is 'Beware Greeks bearing gifts,'" the boy scoffed. Lucius took a deep swig of the alcohol and placed it back under his robes.
"Paranoia, Severus -- Simply paranoia," Lucius drawled lazily, looking at Severus with a mixture of hostility and lechery. Severus shuddered unconsciously. "Do I make you nervous, Severus?" Lucius purred, gently kicking the inside of Severus' leg with his leather boot.
"I'd watch myself, Lucius," Severus reprimanded.
The sleigh came to a smooth halt.
They had reached Godric's Hollow.