Jade and Pearls

Chapter One: Cover Blown

Disclaimer: It all belongs to JK and Warner Brothers, except for Riley, Blake and Aunt Loraina (they are mine).

Dumbledore sat in his office tapping his foot slightly with impatience; it was not like Severus to be late. He had left for a death eater meeting shortly after he had arrived at a pre-term staff meeting the day previous and had informed Dumbledore he would return before dawn.

It was now two in the afternoon, and Dumbledore was starting to worry. Severus's position as a spy was very precarious and anything could have happened.

ooO0Ooo

(The night before just before the staff meeting)

He apparated just outside of the Hogwarts antiapparation border and slowly made his way towards the school. It was approaching the beginning of another school year, which always put a damper on his mood. He did not particularly enjoy teaching, and it was not like he needed the money, he had inherited more than he could ever spend. No, the reason he taught was as a favor to Dumbledore. He owed Dumbledore more than he could ever repay, for helping him turn away from the dark lord.

As he reached the front doors, it started to sprinkle. Great he thought just add to the gloomy occasion why don't you! Shooting an irritated look up at the sky as the rumbling sound of thunder resonated across the sky.

He entered the school and slowly made his way towards the staff room, having to flatten himself against the wall at one point to avoid be plowed over by Filch, the caretaker, as he ran past shouting "We've got Peeves now!" as he was followed by that mangy cat of his that always made Severus think of a horrible muggle children's story called The Landlady. He got to the staffroom five minutes before the designated time and entered to find most of the staff already assembled.

Flitwick was happily prattling away to Professor Sprout about some sort of charm that made plants remain in a certain phase of their growth. Professors Sinistra and Vector where engaged in a conversation about the latest model of broom with Madame Hooche. Hagrid was telling Headmaster Dumbledore a joke having to do with shoe and a crab (Snape really hoped that he would not have to hear it later). Severus noticed the pinched look on Professor McGonagall's face and realized the reason immediately, noting that Trelawney was attempting to engage her in conversation.

With a slight smile tugging on the corners of his mouth, which looked a bit more like a smirk, he decided to rescue his poor colleague from having to endure such absolute nonsense as he was sure was pouring out of the Divination teacher's mouth, and settled himself in the chair that was between them. He knew that he was quite safe from Trelawney, for she avoided him as much as possible after a small incident that occurred shortly after he began teaching at Hogwarts.

"Severus you are an absolute lifesaver." Professor McGonagall muttered quietly, looking very much relieved, to which he merely snorted in reply. They both looked up as Dumbledore cleared his throat to signify the beginning of the meeting.

"Welcome back," he greeted with a smile, his eyes twinkling merrily, "I hope you are all looking forward to the upcoming school year as much as I am." Severus rolled his eyes as Dumbledore continued, "This year Professor Lupin will be returning as our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Professor Black will be replacing the vacancy left by Professor Binns as the History of Magic Teacher."

At hearing this, Severus stiffened and snapped his eyes onto the smiling face of the headmaster. Several feelings were rushing through him at this announcement but none made any appearance on his face, which remained a cold mask of indifference. He felt anger, hurt, betrayal; Dumbledore knew how much he hated those two.

Severus barely heard the Headmaster as he continued, "…are away on some business for me at the moment and will be returning with the students. I hope they will receive a warm welcome." As he said this, his eyes lingered on Severus for a moment.

When they moved on to other topics, Severus reflected on the news that was so horrifying to him. He hated Black. The thought of having to spend a whole year with the man was enough to make the bile rise up the back of his throat. Suddenly he felt a surge of pain rip through his forearm.

The Dark Lord was calling him.

He made eye contact with Dumbledore, communicating his need to depart and then quietly excused himself and slipped out of the room. He exited the school and stepped into what had started as a sprinkle, was now a full-blown thunderstorm. By the time he made it to the edge of the antiapparition border, he was thoroughly soaked. Lovely he thought sarcastically all I need right now is to get sick! He touched his mark and disapparated.

He apparated in a dark clearing and quickly took his place in the circle of death eaters.

"Welcome my loyal servants," Voldemort rasped, "Today we shall begin our plans to remove the Potter boy from his relatives, but before we begin I must bring to light a traitor," at these words, Severus paled underneath his mask, he could feel his stomach turn, and his palms became sweaty. Voldemort continued, "He is among us now, and I must congratulate his success at remaining undetected for so long. He is none other then Severus Snape!"

At this, all eyes and wands turned to Snape. Oh Holy Shit! Thought Snape.

ooO0Ooo

Dumbledore turned his attention to some paperwork. At least he could keep his mind occupied while he waited.

(End of Chapter)