Chapter Nine

Severus Snape had been without a sponsor for six months; his university was threatening to remove him from there post graduate program. His income had been reduced dramatically as well, maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to walk away from Voldemort.

He picked up his wedding photograph and smiled sadly at it. He had been so young; they had both been so young and stupid. Only a month out of Hogwarts, it seemed so strange the way things had developed. Lucius & Narcissa Malfoy smiled up at him from the photography; feeling disgusted Severus shut the draw.

"What a strange place to keep a photograph."

Snape turned sharply and met the cold stare of Lord Voldemort.

"You haven't been answering my summons, Severus."

"I've...I've had other things to do."

Voldemort stepped up to him; "I'm not a forgiving man. Consider this your only warning."

A sharp twisting pain shot through Severus' body. He dropped to the floor, twisting and writhing in agony. As sudden as it had begun, it stopped.

Voldemort casually sat down.

"Do you believe in prophecies?"

Snape sat up brushing his hair from his eyes. "I believe there are some unexplained coincidences."

"That wasn't my question."

"I can't give you an answer."

"You're an intelligent fellow, more worthy of my attention than the runts in my services. I want you to create a resurrection potion."

"A resurrection potion?"

"If I am killed, my mind won't be destroyed; I can be fully restored. Could you do that?"

"I could try."

"Try? You won't try, you will do it."

"May I ask why you need this?"

"A prophecy has been made foretelling my downfall. He will be the son of people who have defied me three times, and in the seven month."

"Or daughter."

Voldemort snarled: "A woman would be no match for me."

"There must be hundreds of people who that could be applied to."

"I can think of only two."

Severus felt sick; "Two?" He asked, not wanting to hear the answer.

"Those bastards the Longbottom's are expecting, six months gone they are. In four months it will be July. The Longbottom's have defied me three times."

Severus remained silent.

"James Potter and his whore, Lily, are also expecting. Do you know how far gone she is?"

Snape shook his head.

"Six months." Voldemort stood. "You will make me that potion, or I shall rethink my tolerance of your muggle child." There was a POP and he was gone.

Panicking Severus reached for the 'phone.

"Come on..."

"Hello, James speaking."

"James? It's Severus, you're in danger."

"What?"

"Voldemort has some crackpot prophecy that the person who will cause the downfall will be born on the seven month to people who have..."

"No one can touch Lily and me. I suggest you never call again or I will have you arrested for associating with the Dark Arts."

There was a click.

He angrily slammed the 'phone down. Damn him! He hated James Potter but could no sit there and let Voldemort carry out his plans.

"Tara!" He called up the stairs.

The rain was heavy and Severus was beginning to wish he brought a coat. He hammered again on the doors of the castle; he stepped back as he heard the clicks of the many locks opening.

"Yes?" The face of Argus Filch peered into the rain.

"I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore."

"Professor Dumbledore doesn't see visitors during school hours."

"Please, it's important."

"You'll have to come back another time."

"Who is it Mr Filch?" A sharp Scottish voice said from somewhere behind him.

"Someone wanting to see the Headmaster."

"It's important, please Professor!" Severus called

"It's all right, Argus, Mr Snape is a friend of Albus'."

Filch reluctantly stepped aside to allow Severus in.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall."

"Good Lord, you're soaked. Let's get you something warm to drink."

Severus took her arm, "I have to see Albus."

McGonagall looked him up and down; "alright. Follow me."

Severus explained his story from the beginning of his involvement with Voldemort.

"This prophecy, do you know how much he knows?"

"Only that it involves the child borne of people who have defied him three times and that the child will be born in July."

Dumbledore put his hand on Severus' shoulder. "I am aware of the prophecy. I am also aware of it's full entirety."

"You have to protect Lily and the Longbottom's."

"The Longbottom's and the Potter's are well protected."

"The Potter's?"

"James and Lily married last month." Dumbledore looked at him. "You didn't know?"

"No."

"Severus I want you to help me."

"I'll do what I can."

"Spy for me. I want you to continue your work with the potion, I want you to feed misinformation to Voldemort."

"You want me to be a double agent?"

"Yes." Dumbledore turned to him; "I understand if you choose not to do this, the risk to yourself and Tara is very great."

Severus thought for a moment; "I'll do it.

"I am also willing to offer you a full time teaching position here, I will also be your sponsor."

"How do you know that I still need a sponsor?"

"I too have my methods, Severus. At the end of the year Professor McDonald is retiring, I understand that you are not a fully qualified teacher but I think a degree in Analytical Potions, and considering you're studying to be a Potions Master will be enough for the school board to approve my decision."

"And if they don't?"

"You'll still be teaching potions." Dumbledore smiled, "there is one more thing. You're a talented Occuleman..."

"No!"

"I know how you feel about using Occlumency, I know that it is a painful memory for you. Not many people can use Occlumency."

"It's illegal."

"So's spying."

Severus laughed; "you win, Albus."