Disclaimer: The characters and the universe of Harry Potter belong to J.K Rowling. No disrespect is intended. This story is written for sheer enjoyment. No profit is being made from it. The story itself is mine.
The Puppet's Master
Chapter 4
Eight-thirty found Severus stirring from his position of meditation. He opened his eyes and oriented himself on his surroundings. Once again, he lifted his psyche to scent the magic and smirked to himself. Tom has stewed long enough. This night, the new order dawns.
Breathing deeply, he unfurled his body from its contorted shape and stretched muscles that had begun to cramp from staying still in an awkward position for so long. He gracefully gained his feet and once again breathed deeply, clearing his mind and body from all extraneous thought.
Casting a look towards the heavens, he ascertained the clearness of the night and the phase of the moon. A full moon tonight. Exactly two weeks to finish the binding of his Beloved. But first, retribution. This was the last night he would have to play the sycophant. This was the last night he would have to pretend obeisance to the hypocritical monster known as Lord Voldemort.
With that last thought, he silently strode through the trees and onto the open moor. He followed the trail of magic that was emitted by Voldemort's anger and soon spotted the gathering in the distance.
Waving his hand, he was clothed in the robes and mask of a Death Eater. His demeanor changed has he walked, becoming reverently bowed, with his eyes fixed firmly on the ground. He had no need to raise his gaze to know the goings-on around him. He inwardly smirked as he heard the first murmurs of the waiting throng.
He felt Voldemort's head snap up as he entered the outer circle. His measured tread infuriating the Dark Lord further. Not only was he late, he made no attempt to hurry to his Lord's side to beg forgiveness.
Around him, the murmurs turned ugly as the tortured Death Eaters looked upon the reason for their pain. Severus could practically feel them salivating for the sight of his blood, the sound of his screams, the smell of his body's loss of control. So sorry to disappoint you. Perhaps Mr. Riddle will see fit to provide your entertainment tonight. Yes, I do believe that would be most… acceptable.
"Severus," hissed Voldemort once he had cleared the last circle and dropped to his knees in homage. "Exactly why have you seen fit to ignore my Summons?"
Severus opened his mouth to give the expected response, yet found he could no longer continue the charade. He closed his mouth and continued to watch the ground, mentally preparing himself for the onslaught of crucio he knew to be gathering. Although the cruciatus had little effect on him, it was definitely a nuisance to pretend the agony that was the expected result of this curse. Ah well, I guess I will begin sooner than planned.
His attention was snapped back to the present as Voldemort continued speaking.
"Well? No response, my loyal servant? Your brethren are most vexed with your lack of courtesy. You have missed the games tonight. Perhaps, we should… educate… you on the fun you have missed." With that, Voldemort raised his wand and shouted "Cruico!"
The desired effect, however, was lacking. Severus remained neutral as the Dark Lord's curse flowed around him, causing the merest jolt to his skin where it touched.
Enraged, Voldemort called upon his Death Eaters to have some 'fun' with their brother. As more and more dark curses were thrown at him, Severus centered his magic, gathering it for the outcome. He reached up a steady hand and grasped the silver mask of his Death Eater garb. He removed the mask and threw it to the ground.
Voldemort was beyond livid. With a gesture, he signaled to those assembled to end their curses. He drew himself up to his full height and glowered down at Severus.
"You have now proven yourself to be more bother than you are worth. I had been prepared to grant you mercy; your life would have remained intact. Such a display of mutiny as you have just shown allows me only one choice." Voldemort's mock-fatherly tones of sorrow quailed many of the Death Eaters, causing more than a few to unwittingly step back. Smirking, Voldemort delivered the final coup de grâce, "I am truly sorry, my son."
Smiling maliciously, Voldemort raised his wand and began the final incantation. "Avada Ka…"
Severus' head snapped and ensnared the eyes of the Dark Lord. Dark power resonated out from Snape's form and Voldemort knew the reason for his night-terror. The so-called Dark Lord's eyes widened as he heard the voice of his dreams and fears loud and clear in his mind.
"Do you really think that to be wise, Tom?"
In Hogwarts castle, Harry's eyes snapped open in fear. His mouth opened in a silent scream as wave after wave of emotion rolled through him with the force of a freight train. He thrashed on his bed for all of two minutes before his eyes glazed over and he lost consciousness once more.
Down below in the common room, Ron and Ginny sat talking over a game of Wizard's chess, completely oblivious to the plight of the boy upstairs. The glow of the fire lent the common room a homey, cozy feel that completely belied the goings on miles away on a windswept moor.
Voldemort stared mutely at his one-time servant, as his mind slowly began to comprehend what was occurring. He had known there was a price to be paid. There always is with Power. Not yet! His mind shrieked, even as no sound passed his lips. It is almost finished! Payment cannot, must not be collected yet!
"Ah, Tom." Snape's smooth tones echoed within his captive's mind. "Always will it be 'Almost finished.' You know well the terms of our… agreement. Twenty-five years, Tom. A quarter of a century. Your time is expired. Alas, the same shall now be visited upon your existence. Pity that."
Severus focused his energy once more and brutally shoved his psyche into Voldemort's mind. The former Dark Lord's body bucked in a last ditch, yet still fruitless attempt to cast out his attacker. Within the blink of an eye, Severus found himself inside the twisted hallways of Voldemort's mind.
He smirked and followed the essence, the spirit-trail to the cowering figure hiding in the shadows.
"Tom, Tom. You know it is pointless to put this off any longer. You know the payment I seek. You have no choice. Why fight, Tom? Why prolong the agony, for I assure you, there will be agony in bountiful supply without adding this time of wait, this meaningless cat-and-mouse game." Snape taunted Voldemort while pretending to search for him.
Voldemort tried in vain to still the whimper that rose to the back of his throat. The sound was like blood in the water. Severus slowly rotated his head around to gaze directly into Voldemort's crimson eyes. Severus' one eyes bled dark power as his skin became blindingly bright. He allowed his fangs to lengthen and, in a lightning quick move, was beside Voldemort.
Voldemort attempted to move, but found himself restrained by an iron grip on his shoulders. He gazed in terror upon what would be his last sight in the corporeal world; his mind's eye locked on the psyche of Severus Snape, even as their physical bodies engaged in an identical staring contest. Could even Hell be as frightening as those onyx orbs, deep and merciless as the darkest Abyss? What Demon could torment him as much as the Devil before him? How fitting, that the end to the Dark Lord should occur in an arena where he was even more powerless than the Muggles he so delighted in torturing. Within the confines of his own mind, Voldemort was at Snape's mercy. Within the mind, any mind, Severus Snape ruled supreme.
Severus anchored his prey firmly in place with one arm while using the other to wrench his head back, exposing where the jugular vein would be in the physical realm. Although it was not necessary to restrain the captive physically, he found the feeding to be more satisfying that way. The real appeal to mindscape-feeding verses physical-realm feeding was in the mindscape, not only blood was consumed, but also spirit. In the mindscape, physical sensations (i.e. pain, pleasure, etc.) were much more intense than in the physical-realm.
He reared his head back, and then lunged forward at such an angle as would drive his fangs in to the hilt. As his gums smacked skin, his will cast a variant of the cruciatus curse, radiating out from his buried fangs. With every pull of blood, of essence, a fresh wave of pain washed over Voldemort. The pain varied, razors and nail files on skin, fishhooks in eyelids, saws on limbs, acid, fire, rape, crushed bones. The sensations crashed one on top of the other, damage painfully healed, leaving an almost fresh slate for the different sensation to take its turn on the rotation. The last moments of Voldemort's life were stretched into an eternity of excruciating pain. Each and every torture he had visited upon helpless others, all at once, returned to him.
The fear and agony sweeping through Voldemort's spirit was the sweetest of ambrosia to Severus. His pleasure was heightened all the more by the knowledge that the destruction of this monster would keep his Beloved safe.
Alas, all good things must eventually come to an end. As the weak pulse that was Voldemort's life thread grew duller and duller, Severus withdrew his fangs and let the empty husk of Voldemort's psyche fall to the ground. He gathered his will around him and seconds later was back in his body, gazing dispassionately at the empty shell that was the Dark Lord.
Aware of the silence surrounding him, he flicked as casual hand at the body and watched in satisfaction as it toppled to the ground, just as the spirit of the monster had. Severus allowed the tenseness of the moment to build until it felt as if it would snap. Then he turned to face the assembled throng.
The fear on the faces of the Death Eaters was hidden from view by their silver masks, yet still unmistakable. The way they held their bodies, poised for flight spoke volumes about the mental state of the most feared group in all of Wizarding Europe. Snape smirked at the reaction.
He drew himself up proudly and addressed the group. "Tonight is the dawning of a new era. Tonight, the Wizarding World will slumber peacefully, not knowing what has occurred beneath this moon. Tonight, the Hypocrite, the true blood traitor has been vanquished. Tonight, Tom Riddle has claimed his rightful place among the worms of the earth. Is there any who wish to join him?"
Stillness reigned amidst the assembled Death Eaters. None could help the direction their eyes darted occasionally to the form of their deceased former master. As one, they lifted their gaze to Severus and bowed deeply before him.
"Nothing will be spoken to the outside world, be it Wizarding or Muggle, about what has transpired here this night. It suits my purpose for my enemies to believe Riddle to still bealive. Any who disobey this command shall be punished." He let the last word hiss through the night, allowing no misunderstanding of his meaning.
Lucius Malfoy stepped forward and removed his mask. He bowed before him with courtly grace. As Lucius stood, Severus grasped his forearm. Their eyes locked and communication passed between the two.
"My Brother. She is secured. One of two in my way has been dealt with. Will you stand with me? Will the Children of Sun and Moon once again rule as destined?" The Dark One asked of the Light One.
"My Brother. As destined we were, now as destined we will be. Guard her well. There are those who may seek to harm your Beloved." With a nod and a bow, Lucius turned and walked to the edge of the circle. There he apparated away. There was much to prepare.
One by one, each of the Death Eaters stepped forward to pledge their oaths to their new Master. Looking into the eyes of each new servant, Severus was able to discern the motive and truth behind each conversion. Those who held maliciousness in their souls were noted. They would be dealt with once the time was right, until then, they had their usefulness.
After the last of his followers had left the moor, he focused his will and apparated himself back to Hogwarts.
Severus appeared in his quarters and strode directly towards the bathing chamber to cleanse himself of the night's work. He reflected on all that had happened at the meeting and found he was most pleased with the recent turn of events.Once he had finished his ablutions, he walked back to his bed.
Hermione still lay sleeping, a slight smile curving her lips. Severus sat down upon the bed as he gazed at her. His mind reached out to stroke her essence, causing her to moan in her sleep at the pleasure of the sensation. A genuine smile played at the corners of Snape's mouth as she subconsciously reached for him. He gathered her into his arms while planning how he would handle her once he roused her from her slumber.
His gaze glanced over at his end table where a thin tome lay. He had seen her with it in the Library earlier this morning, right before the ritual was begun. He smirked to himself after thinking on the book for a moment. Yes. That tome will be the best way to impart certain information. Content with the answer to his problem, he turned his thoughts back to the witch in his arms as he waited for her awakening.
In the Gryffindor boys' dorm room, Harry passed the rest of the night in the first full, uninterrupted sleep he had had in seven years. The Boy-Who-Lived briefly touched his forehead in his sleep, sighed, and then slipped further into his dreams.
AN: I feel it fair to warn everyone that, just as it took me longer than I had hoped to get this chapter out, I fear the next will also be a time in coming. My ideas are not flowing so well at the moment. I beg you all to stay with me, this story will not be abandoned, but updates may be few and far between until my muse decides a labor strike is not in her best interests.
Also, a BIG thank you to all who have reviewed so far. Even a quick 'good story' or 'intriguing' provides incentive for me to sit down and rack my tired brain for ideas for your viewing pleasure. Please continue with the reviews, and please don't hesitate to tell me if there's something I can do better.
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