CHAPTER II

That had been a little over three weeks ago, or so I was guessing. There was no day and night in here, only a constant darkness that suited me just fine. I suppose you could say I was almost happy, at least there were no chores to be done or meals to be made.

It made me extremely giddy to know that the abominable muggles would have to do everything for themselves. Though I was away from those worries, my own followed me into this cramped space. Nightmares plagued me wile I slept, and my own thoughts tortured me while awake.

This routine went on for approximately another week. I was finally released from captivity when uncle Vernon was forced to have the house sprayed for termites. Had the fumes not been deadly, I'm sure he would have left me in the cupboard, however they were and I'm positive that he didn't want a dead nephew on his hands. So that day while my aunt, uncle, and cousin pig were out on a shopping spree (apparently Vernon's Stocks had shot back up awhile back) I was to stay and reorganize the garage, out of sight.

I knew I would look worse for the wear. During my supervised visits to the bathroom, every-other day I was not permitted to shower or change clothes, so I'm sure I didn't smell to great either. My "family" wouldn't be back until 9 or 10 so I had a good two hour time span in which I could shower and pack.

I got dizzy going up to the bathroom from the fumes that still remained. No one was supposed to be in here for another hour. I showered first, scrubbing off all the grim. I walked into my bedroom and dressed into Dudley's hand me downs, at least they were clean though. I wore my robe, planning on escape, my wand was in my pocket and I put all my belongings into my trunk with the exception of my birdcage.

A wave of sadness passed over me for a moment as I remembered sending Hedwig off to Hermione's for the summer. Risking expulsion from school I shrunk my trunk and cage and put them in my pocket. As I went down the stairs the front door clicked open and Dudley eyed me on the stairs.

"Daddy the freaks been in the house and he is wearing the freak thing," he squealed referring to my robe.

"What?" he bellowed from outside. I froze on the stairwell.

"Boy!" he shouted. "What the hell do you think you are doing out of the garage? I specifically told you to stay out there and what is this? You've showered? You no good son of a whore! Lot of good that'll do you! You're going right back where you belong, under the stairs!" he bellowed.

Vernon came pouncing up the steps, "come on boy" he growled. Uncle Vernon grabbed me by the front of my robe and drug me back down the stairs. Uncle Vernon threw me onto the bottom landing.

"You will do as I say boy and you will stop with all of your freakish nonsense." And he ended that statement with a knock to the head.

Felling quite woozy and very nauseous I could not defend myself, let alone stand. Uncle Vernon continued on with his punishment until my entire body ached. Even my toes were laced with pain. Finally my uncle threw me into my cupboard. I was being covered with the veil of unconsciousness, and I gladly welcomed it.

Dream:

It was dark where I was. There were no windows and few torches on the walls, however I knew immediately where I was, Voldemort's lair.

"There must have been a deatheater's meeting tonight." I thought to myself as I looked around.

There were dozens of people in black robes and white masks surrounding Voldemort's throne. And there on the horribly disfigured chair sat Tom Riddle himself.

"Malfoy, what news of Fudge?" Voldemort asked Lucious.

"He outright refuses the idea that you are back and gaining power. He has even started a rumor that Potter killed the Diggery boy to gain more publicity by wining the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He wants to bring the boy in for questioning under Veritaserum. Lord, do you desire Fudge to remain ignorant of your return or would you rather him to be, informed?" Lucious asked.

"Fudge wants to bring me in for questioning? What an idiot, I can not believe he thinks I killed Cedric." I thought to myself.

"Hmm, what a fool fudge is. I believe it would be beneficial to myself if Fudge remained unseeing, it makes things more difficult for Dumbeldore and the order to gain supporters." Voldemort said

"But I do want the Potter boy brought to me at once, Fudge must not know of my return. I do not care how you do it or who you have to kill I want him here by tomorrow night or all of your lives are forfeit. We know that Potter lives in Surrey but since he is under that damned Fidelious charm we do not know the exact location, so get the information any way you can and bring him to me." Voldemort demanded.

"You're all dismissed, except for you Snape you stay here.

After all the deatheaters apparated Voldemort placed his red gaze upon the lone figure left in the darkness.

"Now Severus you have always been my favorite potions master. You're a very clever person. Now, how about that potion you've been brewing for me? Is it ready yet?" Voldemort asked him.

"It is almost complete sir, I have only to add the Mongolious root and let it simmer for 42 hours." The dark figured replied monotonously.

"Well I guess that will have to do then, don't want to rush progress. But Severus, if there are any unexpected delays...well, like I said you're a clever person." Voldemort finished.

"Yes master." He replied before apperating away.