Thanks to Endilwen for revising, and thanks for reviewing to Romm, Dragonwing (again : - )) and to Griselda La Fey (by the way, I read that one of Mona Lisa, hehe)

* * *

"Dumbledore" he said with exasperation. "I have to go. You know I have to."

The old wizard was sitting in front of him, apparently not listening to a word he was saying.

"Dumbledore"

"Yes, yes, Severus" a second later he was again the only wizard that could make Voldemort be frightened. He picked something from his desk and threw it into the hearth "Professor McGonagall?"

Minerva walked out of the fireplace and sat in one of the armchairs.

"Yes?" Then she noticed the tall, dark figure behind her. "Severus, hello."

"Severus has just been called. I don't want him to go, but he seems to be unaware of the threat this call presents for his life."

"Well, Albus... I think Severus is very competent, and I understood you thought him very bright, to be unaware of the risks he is taking. But, as I see it, the choice is only his"

Snape nearly blinked. Was McGonagall on his side instead of on Albus'? That was rare news. "And I say I will go."

"Last time, Voldemort was looking for a traitor, Severus"

"I know, Headmaster. Do you think I don't realize that I have never been summoned so soon after a meeting and that it isn't even dark?"

"Then, why would you go? You know he probably will want you dead. And if you go out from Hogwarts, there is no way I can protect you."

"I know. Anyway, I am going. And best before Voldemort gets tired of waiting."

"Very well" said Dumbledore, defeated.

If only he could make the old man understand, Snape thought. If only he knew that for Snape, his life was not worth a second thought... All he asked for was Voldemort not using Cruciatus on him too many times before killing him. And maybe he still had a chance. Not that he cared much. Death would provide him something very valuable: rest, and perhaps, just perhaps, some peace.

* * *

In black, and with the mask on, he left Hogwarts. Near Hogsmeade, he Apparated.

Voldemort's red eyes were in front of him.

"Good evening, Professsssor" his hissing voice made him even more similar to a snake. He seemed to be speaking Parceltongue even when he wasn't.

He put a knee on the floor. Voldemort liked them doing such servile things.

"Well, Sssnape. I've learnt some interesting facts about Dumbledore. And it wasn't you who told me about them."

He didn't say anything. Better not to, if he was not required.

Intelligent bastard, Voldemort thought. I should have known better than to add him to my followers. He is too clever to manage easily. I should kill him.

"What is your newsss about Dumbledore?"

"He is not dumb, and he knows I am going out of Hogwarts without any tangible reason quite frequently. He does not seem to trust me."

"That is not what I asked"

"Yes, Lord, I am sorry." Snape ground his teeth. He was not good at begging. Nor at apologizing.

"Crucio" said Voldemort, waving his wand. He did it just for pleasure. He enjoyed this Curse very much, especially on those who tended to bleed by the eyes. He found it very... funny.

Snape, on the floor now, writhed in pain.

"What about that group he is forming againsssst me?" The Dark Lord asked, stopping the curse before his mind was affected.

The Order. He knew about it.

"Who isss participating?"

What could he say? His mind raced. He was sure Vodemort had some names. Which ones? Fuck, this was probably Lucius' work. He probably knew about McGonagall. Everybody knew about her going anywhere where Dumbledore required her, and everyone knew she was against Voldemort. He could say her name without risking her life.

"Well, surely McGonagall. They are fussing around a lot"

"That'ssss not new. Who elsssse?"

He had to protect the Weasleys, although probably Voldemort knew about them. But he had to give Voldemort a fresh name. Myself, he thought of saying.

"I have heard that a couple of former DADA teachers have been visiting the school, though I didn't catch a glimpse of them"

Voldemort nodded with interest. It was more or less clear he spoke about Moody and Lupin, but Voldemort could not be sure, and Lupin and Alastor knew how to look after themselves.

"What about William Weassssley?"

"Who? Oh, him" He couldn't remember having heard anyone ever calling Bill Weasley William. He would have laughed, in other circumstances. "Definitely not, I would say. Dumbledore really likes that family, but he doesn't find them very useful. How could they help him? And he has not been seen around since he arrived, just that once. We all would have known if he had got closer than a hundred metres from ths school, from the way the girls shout when they see him"

Voldemort didn't seem to realize the humor on the sentence, but he looked satisfied.

"I'll keep an eye on you, remember that, Sssnape. And you should keep an eye on that Parkinsssson"

"The mother" Voldemort added, watching Snape hesitate.

"Oh, her"

"Yes. She's been having sex with some muggle, and for joy. She says she has a plan, but maybe I should chop her head off.  And I don't forget you, you treacherousssss Professssssor."

"Treacherous?" Snape was quiet. If this was the moment, he would at least be prepared and save his last words to spit them in the Dark Lord's very ugly face.

"Yessss. Lucius told me you have been snorting at his offsssspring a couple of times this week and that you have chosen a Gryffindor mudblood asssssissstant. 's that true?"

"Well, I can't protect Malfoy Jr. all the time, it seems suspicious, and about that... assistant, it is just a detention. She is not helping me with anything."

"All right, then. Leave me now. We will have a meeting soon, and, Sssnape, watch your ssstepssss, and Dumbledore'sss"

He nodded, relieved, and Apparated. In a few minutes, he was facing a happy Dumbledore, who handed him a glass of rum. He downed it in one shot, and the glass automatically refilled.

"Severus, it is so good to have you back, and unwounded" he said, clapping his back.

He told him everything about the meeting.

"Well, we knew he would find out sooner or later" he said philosophically.

Too tired to discuss it, Snape went to his dungeon, to lick his wounds, but first went to Potions Classroom, to pick up something to ease his pain.

There was a light on. Infuriated, he opened the door,  his back aching sharply.

"Miss Granger? What the hell are you doing still here?" She seemed to be deep in concentration, rubbing her forehead.

"Pro.. professor Snape." She said in astonishment. Then looked her watch and swallowed with difficulty. "I didn't realize the time"

In spite of feeling sick, Snape shot a curious glance at her. "Have you reached some conclusion yet?"

"Oh," she said, tensely. "I think I did, but the effects won't last all the night"

"Did you add sandalwood?"

"Yes. But then the potion becomes too strong, and it leaves you unconciouss"

"You tried it?!"

She sounded defensive when she answered "Yes, or how was I supossed to know whether it worked or not?"

That explained her disorientation. It was a long time since he had last known anyone who tried the potions by oneself; this girl was becoming a complete surprise. A corner of his mouth raised, but he stopped the coming smile and made a strong effort not to let out a cry of pain.

"Well, let me see. I'll help you so that I can get rid of you once and for all. Tomorrow your detention is cancelled, anyway. You have completed the time you were supposed to."

Snape hadn't taken points from her for being there. Snape was going to help her. Snape had nearly smiled. She was scared that the sun would freeze next.

Although he was unfair, he was a great Professor when it came to teaching Potions. Watching him display his knowledge was fascinating. Together, it took them less than half an hour to find the ingredient that would make the potion last. He dismissed her then, although he knew she wanted to stay and take notes about the results. He had developed a wave of increasing respect from the girl and it had made him feel uncomfortable.

He left to his rooms. He had nearly forgotten the pain the curse had caused him, but now, walking again, he suffered some spasms. Today the only potion he was taking was Hermione's. And he hoped it worked.