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Finally, the next chapter :D. To all who reviewed: you guys are amazing. My appreciation is infinite. As always, replies at the end.
Chapter 5: Answering the Call
Taking a deep breath, he whispered a password and pushed against the heavy door, letting in a cold draft as he entered the entrance hall of the manor.
While the Dark Lord inquired upon breaking the wards of Hogwarts, Snape had tried to determine a way into the manor. However, it seemed impossible to infiltrate both Hogwarts and the Dark Lord's headquarters.
The unlocking of the door was responsive to each Death Eater's personal password, voice and fingerprints. The door was also sensitive to how many people paced through and instantly shut behind him, ensuring that only he entered.
Since the Second War, he had never had two meetings in such close proximity to each other and even with the healer's help, he was unsure of how well his body could cope with another encounter with the Dark Lord so soon.
"Take off your mask," hissed a woman as he neared another set of doors. "He's not in the mood for anonymity today, Severus."
Snape's lips thinned under his mask. He hated how Lestrange always knew he was under the mask.
Lestrange laughed softly. "You move with the elegance of an aristocrat and yet, we all know you are far from one."
"And you, Bellatrix," started Snape as he removed his mask, "Have the class of a barbarian."
Snape smiled as her face distorted in much the way he had implied before entering the room. Lestrange followed behind him and stood near the door as Snape moved forward.
It was a large, windowless hall lit by dim torches, allowing shadows to drape the room. At the end of the hall, stood a large, throne-like chair, with another door behind it. The chair was empty. Snape's heart began to beat faster. Where was the Dark Lord?
"Looks like Master wants to play," said Lestrange, gleefully.
Snape's hand curled into a fist as his eyes lay fixated on the chair.
"Good of you to grace us with your presence," whispered a silky voice from behind him. The Dark Lord was so close by that his hot breath brushed against Snape's neck. He felt the individual hairs on his neck rise. He had to use every fibre in his body to stop himself from flinching as a bony hand wrapped around his upper arm.
"Always so tense." Though Snape could not see the Dark Lord, he knew he was smiling, sadistically—it was in his voice.
"I'm sorry for the delay, Master," said Snape, his voice matching the silkiness of the older man.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed as he made his way to the grand chair. Snape could have kicked himself for his refusal to play the role of a pitiful servant. He shouldn't have used that tone with the Dark Lord.
"Explain the delay," said Voldemort, calmly.
"I was at Hogwarts."
"Ah, I hope you have something new to report, then."
Snape could feel Voldemort probing through his mind as he talked. Snape had become so used to this that veiling certain memories and thoughts became a second nature.
"It appears that only the Headmaster can lax the protective wards and I have been unable to find a way to penetrate them, Master."
"And the Floo Network?"
"Only staff has access to the Hogwarts' Floo Network. The Headmaster has the ability to open the network for someone else if he deems it necessary but only on a per-trip basis. Portkeys can only be used in the presence of the Headmaster, my Lord."
"I have always considered you as my most intelligent servant but lately you only seem to disappoint me."
Lestrange chuckled in the corner.
"Tell me, Severus, what this potion is?" asked Voldemort as he sent a small vial towards Snape.
Snape caught it in his hand and opened it.
"It is the potion I asked you to create last month. Do you remember what I asked for?" continued Voldemort.
"For a healing inhibitor."
"And what were you able to provide me with?"
"A potion that inhibits the magical healing of any damage sustained prior to taking the potion. Any injury formed after drinking the potion would not be affected by the potion and can be healed." Snape did not understand what the problem was—the Dark Lord had been satisfied with the potion when he presented him with it.
"Do know Tambre Kettle? She's an Unspeakable."
"Yes, my Lord." Now Snape understood what the problem was. How was he going to weasel his way out of this corner?
"Well, I had her interrogated a week ago."
Snape knew that what he meant by interrogating involved a great deal of physical and maybe mental damage to his victim.
"Instead of killing her afterwards, I gave her your potion. It would have been amusing to see her suffer—she hadn't been that useful, after all. Unfortunately, she's perfectly healthy. Someone has found an antidote to your little potion."
Snape head was throbbing. He had created the antidote himself and given it to Dumbledore when the girl was brought to St. Mungo's.
"It may be possible to determine the composition of the potion by taking a blood sample and from there an antidote may be feasible."
"So, you're saying that you created a potion of such simplicity that someone would easily discover the antidote."
Snape wasn't sure if he suspected him, he couldn't think clearly—the throbbing in his head was becoming uncontrollable. "I apologize."
The door near Lestrange opened and Rabastan Lestrange walked in and stood beside his sister-in-law.
"You will have to provide me with a similar potion. And Severus, this one better be complex enough to prevent a repeat in your failure."
"Yes, Master."
"He's all yours," said Voldemort, addressing the two Lestranges as he got up. He opened the door behind the chair and just before he left, almost as an afterthought, he said, "And Bella, I do want him alive and sane."
Deadly silence swept the room just after the door shut behind the Dark Lord. Snape wrapped his fingers tightly around his wand as Bellatrix walked towards him even though he knew he couldn't fight them. Resisting punishment was amongst the greatest idiocy for a double agent—any hint at treason had to be avoided at all costs.
"Ah, Severus," muttered Bellatrix as she ran her finger across his defined jaw line and pulled his wand from his clenched hand. "I haven't had fun in such a long time."
Snape pulled his face away from her. His heart was beating so fast he was sure that she could hear it and yet, he couldn't hold his tongue.
"Pity," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "Although, if Rodolphus is really so inept in that quarter, I can recommend several potions that may help."
Rasbastan snorted quietly. Bellatrix's burned with anger. She raised her hand and slapped him across the face, the thud echoing throughout the room.
"Touched a nerve, have I?" continued Snape, unfazed.
Her eyes glittered, dangerously as she pushed him against the wall, violently. Her hand pushed against his chest and a smile crept across her face as she felt his rapid heartbeat under her palm.
"Poor, poor Severus, always pretending to be imperturbable and yet, your body gives you away," she whispered in a sweet voice, inevitably laced with acid.
She ripped his robes open, baring his chest. His wounds from the previous day's meeting were healing nicely and only the faintest lines were visible. Bellatrix traced her finger across one of them, smiling. "Have you been to a healer, dear Severus?"
She waved her wand and the wounds reopened; blood instantly started trailing down his chest and abdomen. "What a waste." Snape shut his eyes, trying to ignore the sharp pain in his chest.
"Crucio."
Snape's head tried to snap back in surprise but only managed to hit his head harder against the wall. He let out a strangled cry before biting down on his tongue to prevent any further sound.
Usually, a victim of the cruse was given the room to fall to the floor in order to try to evade the pain. However useless the action was, it was automatic and that was exactly Snape's unconscious response. Bellatrix stood within an inch of Snape, preventing the bodily reaction and only adding to his pain.
The agonizing pain seemed to last for ever, surging through his body and hitting every nerve. Finally, his eyelids became heavy and he fell limp into Bellatrix's arms.
"Ennervate. You're not getting out of this that easily," she said, smirking as his eyes fluttered open.
It seemed like hours, though it was probably less before he heard the merciful words coming from one of his tormentors. "Don't you think you've had enough fun, Bella? We can't curse him into insanity. The Dark Lord will have our necks for it," said Rasbastan, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
She reluctantly lowered her wand and step away from Snape, allowing him to sink to the ground. He dropped his head into his drawn knees, trying to regulate his breathing. He arched his shoulders inward out of weakness.
"He's passed out again," laughed Bellatrix as a third person entered the room.
"Bella, Rasbastan, the Dark Lord wants you presence. Apparently, he wants to make sure that all plans are in place for tonight," said the newest Death Eater, Rodolphus Lestrange.
"I wanted one more go at Severus, over here," complained Bellatrix. "I know the plans perfectly. This breakout will be easier than last time. There's no Dementors to persuade, now is there?"
They were planning an Azkaban breakout, thought Snape, his mind racing. He had to warn the Order.
He kept his head in his knees, deciding to pretend unconsciousness. He knew that they would continue to discuss any plans even if he were awake. He was still a 'loyal Death Eater' within the inner circle. However, if they thought he was unconscious, any failed plans could not be traced to him.
"Only dozens of Aurors, with more on call," spat out Rasbastan.
"That's why we attack Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade tonight," replied Rodolphus, annoyed. "Now, let's go. We shouldn't keep the Dark Lord waiting. You managed to keep form mortally wounding Severus, haven't you?"
"Yeah," said Bellatrix, absently. "He'll be able to get home when he wakes up."
Snape waited until their footsteps faded before lifting his head. He noticed his wand lying near the wall facing him.
Pushing his back against the wall, he slowly brought himself to a standing position. His eyes fell onto his bloodied chest and he quickly buttoned his robe. Instantly, the robe dampened and a hint of dark maroon seeped into the black cloth.
Tremors ran through his body as he made his way to his wand. He cursed under his breath. Bellatrix always had a fondness for the Crutiaus cruse. Numbness seized his mind and he felt little emotion though he knew hate and shame lingered just below the surface.
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Sera sat on a couch in Snape's flat, tapping her feet against the floor, impatiently, wondering where Snape was.
Suddenly a green flame appeared in the fireplace and Snape stepped out. He stumbled and grabbed the mantel for support, not noticing Sera.
Sera jumped up and her eyes narrowed as she saw his stained robes and unstable posture. "What have you done," she exclaimed, running over to him and leading him to the couch.
"I can take care of myself," hissed Snape. "I have to tell the Order…Azkaban…tonight…" He couldn't think straight. He didn't seem to realize that Sera was standing there listening to him. He started walking towards the bathroom. If only he could get to his potions—mask his wounds. He could taste blood in his mouth.
Tremors took over his body and he was forced to lean against the wall to prevent falling. Sera ran to him. "I have to get you to the hospital," she said, desperately.
Snape shook his head. He knew he would pass out any minute. "No," he muttered, willing his body to stay awake. "Must tell Dumbledore."
"Screw that bastard! You need a healer."
"Sera," he started, grabbing her arm. His eyelids became heavy—he couldn't pass out before telling someone. "You must tell him…they are planning a breakout and attacks on…on Diagon…Hogsmeade…tonight."
"Professor is hurt! Linkle must take professor to healer," squeaked the house elf, rushing into the room.
"Yes, we have to get Severus to the hospital."
"No, no, Linkle must follow Master Dumbledore's orders," muttered Linkle, coming up to Snape and taking hold of his hand.
Snape's eyes widened. "No." How could he have forgotten about the damn elf? Before he could protest anymore, there was a loud 'pop' and Snape and the elf disappeared.
They instantly reappeared in a painfully familiar setting—the living room of number 12, Grimmauld Place.
One person sat in an armchair, his head hidden behind the Daily Prophet. The man brought the paper down, revealing the disfigured face of Alastor Moody.
Snape swayed on the spot, ignoring the blood that suddenly sprang from his nose. Of all the people who could be sitting there, it had to be Moody.
Moody took a moment to comprehend the situation before his face broke out into a smile. "Well, well, well, look who it is," he greeted, maliciously as the darkness took over.
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I really wanted to have this chapter up sooner but school is proving more time consuming than last semester. When I finally got a chance to finish the chapter, I couldn't think of an appropriate title and I had to settle with this one. I miss writing in a flashback but I needed to advance the story and logistics (for lack of a better term) on the present side before I bring in his childhood. The rating may go up to R by the next chapter. I don't know until I actually write the chapter.
Review Replies
Asha Ice: Yeah, I've always loved the cute, kind of silly names the house elves have. Oh, Sera is going to show her not so sweet side pretty soon. She's not a Death Eater or anything but she'll do about anything for the people she loves. There's also more child Sera to come. Thanks for the wonderful review! Weasleygirl-ca.
Phinea Rogue: Tell me about it, whenever someone says my sisters are cute, I'm quick to disagree (even though we're close). I'm glad you liked my 'lemon drop' bit, I was so happy when I read your comment—I'm not too good with sarcasm but I came up with that one on my own :). I got help with the little comeback he has in this chapter. I always wondered how he coped with teaching students he went to school with after seeing how he was treated in school. Thanks for the lovely review! Weasleygirl-ca.
Silverthreads: Yeah, it's hard to change times while keeping the flow. It's nice to know that it's not to disruptive. Thanks! Weasleygirl-ca.
Lilith11: That's what I thought. I know he's generally an unpleasant person but it seems plausible that his intensity of vindictiveness was created to protect himself. I think it's a very Slytherin thing to do, though of course I think he has a bit of all the houses in him. Thanks for the lovely review! Weasleygirl-ca.
Oya: I know, I was so unsure about having the kid call him a name, and that name at that because his reaction seemed too mellow for Snape. All I can think of to explain his lack of greater reaction is his inexperience. If someone did that to him now, oh, I'd be glad I wasn't him, lol. BTW, Moody's going to get a mini slap (in the form of a scolding) in the next chapter :D. Thank you so much for the review! Weasleygirl-ca.
stocktonwood: I love how you picked up on all the little hints. Though I'm sure a lot of the things have been done many times before, given the hints we got out of the 5th book but I hope that my version can still hold intrigue and I do have some unique bits scattered around, I think. I'm glad you liked Snape's first day…I enjoyed writing that part a lot. Thanks so much! Weasleygirl-ca.
risi: Oh, he was hard on Severus…I don't like Bella! I agree with you, I don't know if I could handle going back to a place where everyone knows me for thing(s) I don't want to think about. It must have been hard on Snape and I can see him putting up this offensive wall, jumping at people before they could jump at him. Thanks for the wonderful review!
Marleen: I love all the descriptive words you used to describe Snape. They're perfect! That's him in a nutshell—Snarky, self-destructive, heroic and redemption seeking. Thanks so much! Weasleygirl-ca.
Viskii: Oh high school, yup definitely a time consuming thing, it's exam time now, right? School's taking up so much of my time too. Thank you for your character comment! I wasn't sure if I was shaping his character nicely or just writing events…I want this to be a character driven story. Again, thank you for the great feedback! Weasleygirl-ca.
XiaoGui: 'Old Wounds' is a stunning one-shot. I just ate it up—it was just so intense in such a limited amount of words! I'm so glad you like Sera, knowing how particular you are with OCs :). She's going to get very three-dimensional soon; she'll do anything for someone she loves. I took your advice about Snape's speech and did paid more attention to it. I agree with you with the Dumbledore/Voldemort comparison. I'm sure they stand on opposite side but sometimes Dumbledore's methods are questionable, don't you think? Grins at comment on 'lemon drops', silly Dumbledore, eh? And, I love the way you divided up this chapter, it's exactly how I saw it! Thanks so much for your lovely review and wonderful advice! Weasleygirl-ca.
hulahula: Smiling so much Thanks for the great comments, you don't know how much I appreciate them! Oh, I also blushed along with Severus when he was called 'Snivellus', I felt so bad doing it, poor Sev. Voldemort was also so horrible and now I've left him with mean old Moody. Sera did know about Snap's Death Eater days when they were looking at his new rooms. She didn't know about them until Snape was caught and sent to Azkaban to await trial. It was a big shock to her but she loves Snape too much to judge him. You've been so wonderful, thanks so much! Weasleygirl-ca.
Morena Evensong: Again, you understand my story so well. You explained my reasoning for using flashbacks so precisely. That's exactly what I feel but you put it into words. I want to show what brought him to what he is now while showing that 'now'. Yeah, Snape has some trust issues in my story, so even though he respects and feels in debt to Dumbledore he can't bring himself to fully trust him at this point. It's a really fragile relationship they have. You're right about Dumbledore and Voldemort…they're both leaders of a war and if they want to be on the same field they will be forced to be comparable. I love how insightful you are of my story! BTW, as soon as school starts a nervous little niece will make an appearance :). Thanks so much! Weasleygirl-ca.
Marauder3Moony: Not the quickest update, lol…schools to blame. I hope you like this chapter. Thanks for the review! Weasleygirl-ca.
