A/N: Hello, I would like to thank all those who have reviewed it, and all those who read this but don't review it. Hopefully, the rest of the chapters will be put on ff.net every Wednesday or Thursday. Finally, very sorry, I realised that I have been mixing my tenses in chap. 2 and once in chap. 3. they should all be past tense (I think!!).



Chapter Four

The weeks went by uneventfully, lessons were taught, friendships were made, Hogsmeade was visited and Severus gave out detentions like sweets. That is until late October.

The day had started out in more or less the same way it did every morning. On Wednesdays Severus taught potions to seventh year Ravenclaws and Slytherins; they were carrying out individual year-long projects. This incorporated everything they learnt in potions from the past six years; the idea was to create new potions or improve on old potions.

The lessons were a lot freer; after the students decided what they wanted to do they were not required to attend lessons. They could drop in whenever they needed help, although once a month they were, upon Severus' insistence, required to attend a class so that there progress could be recorded.

"Professor Snape, if I were to create a new potion can I use patented features from existing potions or would that be classed as improvement?" Karen Bundy, a red-haired Ravenclaw, asked.

"It depends, Miss Bundy, on how much you take. Usually if you borrow more than two of an patented features of an existing potion it would be classed as improvement," Severus told the girl, "however you should check the patents on any potion you wish to use and ask the holder of the patent for permission to use it,"

"Thank-you, Professor," Karen said as she scribbled it down onto a piece of parchment. With a nod the girl disappeared out of the classroom.

Standing up from his desk Severus began moving down the aisle as some students opted to research and study in the classroom. Severus had taken a few choice books from his own library and placed them at the front of the classroom for anyone to use.

Severus wasn't worried that the books would be taken, mainly because no one would dare steal from him, with the exception of Hermione in her second year (yes he knew about that) and Dobby two years ago (he knew about that as well), but also because he had charmed them. If they left the classroom without being disarmed the culprit would instantly be coloured green, lime green.

"Professor Snape?" a Slytherin, Thomas Horday, asked.

"Yes, Mister Horday," replied Snape as he neared Thomas's worktable.

Thomas was the son of one of Voldemort's newest Deatheater, Aaron Horday. From what Severus had gathered from Deatheater channels, Aaron had always resisted Voldemort's offers but had finally given in when he verged on financial collapse, (as soon as he agreed to join Voldemort his businesses picked up).

And Thomas was not exactly the usual Slytherin, although he was from pure- blooded lineage, for the first eight years of his life he had lived in the muggle world with his aunt, Elizabeth Lindon. She was a muggle born who held the position of under-secretary of education in the Ministry of Magic. Thomas' mother, Jane Horday, was a sympathiser for muggles and muggleborns; she wanted her son to appreciate his powers and to see that muggles were equals.

"The text calls for the blending of two immiscible substances, can you tell me how that is performed," Thomas requested, scratching his short blonde hair.

"I believe we have done the blending of two immiscible substances in your sixth year, you should have the notes. If not then it can be found in Advanced Potions p675," Severus said.

"Thank-you, Professor," replied Thomas. He stood and walked to the front of the classroom and picked up the recommended book and sat back down to find the page.

Satisfied that the students were no longer in need of his services, Severus sat back at his desk and pulled out a bundle of parchment. He too was working on creating a potion, a potion that could ease the pain of the Cruciatus curse; Severus knew the pain of the curse and the side effects of it only too well.

The pain of the Cruciatus curse was like thousands of needles viscously stabbing every nerve. Even when the curse was stopped there would still be a low level thrum of pain that coursed through the body and stayed for at least 7hrs.

Prolonged exposure would eventually cause the victim to go insane; that was what happened to Neville's parents, several Deatheaters ambushed the two Aurors. Also repeated use of the curse would slowly destroy the nerves rendering the victim an invalid; though no one was sure how many times the curse had to be cast for that to happen.

Severus had already written five pages on flora and minerals that combated the symptoms of the curse, which includes vomiting, nausea, muscle spasms, pain and nervous pain, as well as mental symptoms including agitation, paranoia, insanity, and insomnia.

A large handful of pages were dedicated to predicted conflicts between substances and also what substances' properties were enhanced by another substance. All that really needed to do was create a recipes and instructions on how to brew it, and analyse the product to see what the end properties and/or try them out.

The theory was easier than actually brewing the potion, so many factors had to be considered, when to add certain ingredients, how they should be prepared, how much should be used etc.

Pausing expectedly Severus heard the first gong of the clock announcing that it was now 11 'o clock and the end of the lesson. The students gathered their belongings and hurried to their next class. Looking at his plan for today he saw that he had a third year class of Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors; they were to be making a fever potion for Poppy.

Walking over to the stock cupboard Severus levitated a couple of jars of ingredients and a small bunch of fresh marigolds that Flora had given to him that morning.

The first of the students arrived silently into the dungeons afraid of disturbing the Professor and getting points taken off. They sat down and got out the books they needed. Standing at the front of the classroom Severus started the lesson.

***

At last the day was almost coming to an end, Severus sat back into his chair and stretched out his tired muscles, stifling a yawn he got up again and started to make his way toward the bedroom, suddenly a sharp pain ran up his left arm.

Severus emitted a small gasp, of surprise and pain, quickly composing himself Severus made his way out of the door quickly. Deciding that there was no time to alert Albus, Severus briskly walked up to the ground floor.

Thankfully on his way out of the school there was no one in his way; it was past curfew. Making sure that there was no one watching him, Severus quickly walked into the Forbidden Forest to the apparition barrier that protected the school. Touching the dark mark he instantly disapparated.

When the scene slowed down and became more focused Severus realised that he didn't recognize the rendezvous point, years of training made him reach for his and adopt a ready stance.

Severus was standing in the middle of the small clearing, pine trees grown thickly around the edge of the clearing and patches of wild flowers decorated the floor. Darkness had already fallen deeply in this part of the world; Severus strained his eyes as he scanned the clearing.

Feeling a presence behind him Severus quickly turning, covertly pointed his wand forward; there was no reason to show the person he was armed, better the person underestimate him. The person arrogantly stood at the edge of the clearing, his Deatheater's robes and mask in place. "The Master wishes to see you," the cold, clear voice was familiar; Severus was in no doubt that the person was Lucius.

"Of course," Severus said plainly.

Lucius turned on his heels and walked back down the way he came, Severus followed a few steps behind him. The walk was shorted, they arrived outside a simple log cabin surrounded by wilting flowers. How fitting, Severus thought.

Upon entering the cabin Severus noted that there was only two other people inside, Voldemort and another Deatheater. Severus walked up to Voldemort and dropped to one knee, "May the Dark Lord reign supreme," Severus intoned listlessly.

Voldemort motioned for Severus to stand. When Voldemort was happy that all those he had summoned had arrived he stood up, his black silk cloak fell smoothly around his tall thin form.

"I have summoned you all here for a mission," began Voldemort, "you three will attack a known muggle sympathiser who lives in this area. She lives in a house on the outskirts of the village, it has no magical defences and only she lives there. Also in her possession is a book that has many ministerial secrets. I want you to retrieve that book and kill the women."

"I have appointed Lucius to lead this mission, he will brief all of you. Now go." Voldemort commanded.

The Deatheaters walked out of the cabin, Lucius briefed them on the details of the mission and ordered them to disapparated.

This time they apparated in front of a small-detached house, the garden was tidy with several clay garden gnomes dotted about, and a blue Volkswagen Beetle sitting in the driveway. Severus wondered if they had got the wrong house.

Lucius signalled for the other Deatheater to go round the back. When Lucius and Severus had gotten to the front door Lucius whispered a spell, "Alohamora,". The door unlocked itself and the two Deatheaters crept in.

Once inside they decided to split up, Lucius took the ground floor while Severus went upstairs. There were four rooms upstairs; Severus began systematically searching them.

The first room was the bathroom and the second was the master bedroom. As Severus opened the third room he saw a woman sitting at the desk writing, she clearly didn't realise that Deatheaters were in her home.

Quietly closing the door behind himself Severus gave an almost polite cough announcing his arrival. The woman started and looked up shocked, Severus at once recognised the woman that stared back at him. The warm brown eyes, the blond hair now cut short; it was Elizabeth Lindon née Horday, Thomas' aunt and Aaron's sister.

Thinking fast Severus said, "Well, Mr Bond, we meet at last,"

Elizabeth didn't know whether to laugh or scream, Severus hoped that the film reference would help her to trust him; not many people would expect a Deatheater to know muggle trivia.

"Why yes, Dr No," Elizabeth chanced, misquoting the line. "Is this where I make a hasty get away?"

"Do you have the book of ministerial secrets?" Severus asked.

Reaching into the top draw Elizabeth withdrew a small black book. Severus opened the door behind himself and took a step backward, pointing his wand at her he yelled, "Give me the book," knowing that the other Deatheaters would be able to hear it.

Throwing a fireball just clear of Elizabeth he advanced toward her, she picked up her wand and shot a stupefy at him before pointing the wand at herself and disapparating. For good measure, Severus shot another fireball at the desk and chair.

Severus heard the running footsteps of his comrades, turning to meet them Severus angrily yelled, "She has escaped,"

"Escaped? What do you mean escaped?" asked Lucius.

"She disapparated," Severus stated.

"Damn it," the other Deatheater said. Upon hearing the Deatheater's voice and Irish accent, Severus deduced that it was Enes Crowley. "Voldemort is gonna be pissed,"

"What about the book?" Lucius asked, "Did she take it with her?"

"No," Severus said.

"That's good news," Lucius interjected.

"She destroyed it," Severus finished.

"Bitch," Enes shouted, he slammed his fist into a nearby wall.

"We better get back," Lucius suggested.

The Deatheaters reluctantly disapparated to the cabin. They all dropped to their knees in front of Voldemort.

"How goes the mission?" Voldemort inquired.

"We failed, Master," Lucius said bluntly.

"Failed?" asked Voldemort surprisingly calm.

"She disapparated. And she destroyed the book," Lucius said quietly.

"You know I don't tolerate failure," Voldemort causally said. Aiming his wand at the Deatheaters Voldemort whispered, "Crucio,"

The pain immediately engulfed the trio, they fell to the floor writhing. Although Severus had been punished with the Cruciatus curse before the pain was always unexpected and seemed to get worse every time.

Curling tighter into a ball Severus bit harder on his bottom lip to stop himself from screaming; he wouldn't let Voldemort get that benefit. Severus heard a scream in the distances, he couldn't tell how long they had been subjected to the curse; his mind was becoming hazy, all there was was the pain.

The first scream was joined by a second; the screams echoed in Severus' ears like an invitation, inviting him to join the eerie choir. The first scream died out but the second still kept going, it had changed though, the scream was quieter as if the person wanted to scream but wasn't able to.

Soon the screams had all stopped, Severus was aware that the pain wasn't as intense; the curse must have been stopped. Severus could feel the presence of someone next to him, he was aware that his mask had been removed, a voice floated through the haze, "Severus, I should have known."

***

Severus slowly opened his eyes as consciousness seeped back into his mind, straining his ears to listen to any sound he could hear two people breathing gently, either asleep or unconscious. Severus guessed it was the latter. Apart from the sounds of the two unconscious people he could hear no more, however he knew that Voldemort would probably still be there.

He wasn't wrong.

"Awake already, Severus?" asked Voldemort.

Severus knew that he couldn't pretend to still be unconscious, "Yes, my Lord," Severus murmured.

Gently Severus rolled on to his front and pushed himself up slowly. Aware that his movements were being watched Severus looked up, Voldemort was sitting on his throne with his chin resting on his left hand. Quickly looking down Severus concentrated on his actions instead, from a kneeling position he stood up.

Voldemort stood up and walked over to Severus, placing a hand on his shoulder Voldemort said, "You never disappoint me, Severus."

Severus remained quiet, afraid that if he did open his mouth he would run screaming from the cabin. The close proximity of Voldemort was like standing next to the gates of Hell, the hand on his shoulder was uncomfortably cold.

"Always holding out to the Cruciatus; holding on to your dignity." Voldemort said, "I believe that it is time you returned to Hogwarts, they'll be wondering where you are."

Releasing his grip on Severus, Voldemort stepped back. Severus bowed his head, "Yes, My lord," he said before turning and walking out of the cabin.

When Severus apparated back outside the apparition barrier of Hogwarts he collapsed against a tree, the pain of the curse was still thrumming inside him. Inhaling deeply Severus stood and slowly made his way toward Hogwarts. From the light of the sky and the moon Severus guessed that it was almost dawn; the Cruciatus curse usually knocked him out for hours.

Severus let himself in through the front doors; it was too early in the morning for anyone to be awake. Traipsing down to the dungeons no one except a few paintings saw Severus, he arrived outside his rooms and stifled a yawn.

"Selena," Severus gentle called out to the painting. "Selena, wake up, I want to get in,"

The young girl jerked awake and fell off the swing, Severus smiled slightly, "Sorry to wake you, but I would like to get into the room," Severus said apologetically.

"Oh, Severus. Are you okay? You left in a hurry last night," Selena asked, concern showed on her face.

"I'm okay, Selena. The password is 'green feathers'," said Severus.

"Of course," Selena said.

The wall began to shift until the entrance to Severus' quarters appeared, Severus thanked the girl and walked in. Severus made his way to the bedroom and gracelessly fell onto his bed; no sooner had his head touched the pillow that he fell into a deep slumber.