Severus knelt before his Dark Master. 'My Lord, what do you wish of me?'

Voldemort chuckled. 'Arise, Severus. Why do you always assume that I want something of you? Perhaps I just wish to indulge in your company.'

Severus stood. 'Whatever you wish, master.'

'Actually, Severus, I do require your assistance in one small matter. I need you to prepare me a potion. That is, after all, what you do best.'

'Of course, master. Anything.'

'I need you to prepare a special truth serum. Somewhat like Veritaserum, except that it would allow the drinker to lie, yet it would cause them immeasurable pain. I require it for interrogation of a hostage. Could you do this for me?'

'Of course, master. It would require some Veritaserum, and the best way of causing pain would be via a nerve degenerative potion.'

'Good, Severus. I see you have not lost your touch.'

'Although, my lord, a nerve degenerative potion would need to be tailored specifically to the drinker's nervous system to allow it to work only when they lie.'

'So you would require access to the hostages. Very well. Lucius!'

A tall, dark figure emerged from the shadows. 'Yes, master?' he knelt before Voldemort, then quickly arose.

'Take Severus to the dungeons. He needs to obtain samples from the hostages.'

Severus' head snapped up. 'My lord, I believe I havent been clear enough. A nerve degenerative potion like the one you require will need testing, observation and so forth. Is there no way we could transport these hostages to my private lab?' asked Severus innocently.

'Right underneath Dumbledore's nose? I do not think so. I am surprised you think that it would be possible. Are you suggesting something about Old Albus' health?'

'No, my lord, unfortunately I am not. Perhaps I can take a sample of the hostages' blood and then take it back to my lab. I could begin preparation there and perhaps administer and observe here before and during your questioning.'

'Hmm. I think that is the best plan. Lucius, take Severus to the dungeons.'

'Yes master.' They both bowed to Voldemort, and headed for the dungeons.

They walked on through the underground labyrinth, thier footsteps echoing off the stone walls and their breaths steady. Lucius paused in front of a large oak door.

'What are you going to do to them, Severus? They are only little girls after all.'

'Probably a lot less than you've already done to them, Lucius.'

'I haven't done anything. The master prohibited me from touching them.'

'I'll bet you got a good look though.'

'But of course. I'm not that stupid. What has he given leave for you to do to them?'

'I'm only going to take some of their blood.'

'Ooh. Bloodplay. Can I watch?'

'No you may not. And I can find my own way out, Lucius. Now open the door.'

Lucius chuckled and opened the door. Severus brushed past him and entered the room, and tried hard not to bat an eyelid, when he saw Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley, lying naked and unconscious on a medical table in the centre of the room.