Chapter 11
Severus sat in Dumbledore's office, finishing the last of a meeting before taking Andraste to Voldemort. "I still think this is too dangerous, Albus."
"She knows the risks, Severus; now go – and report to me as soon as you return." Professor Snape walked out of Dumbledore's office, feeling in his pocket for the potion Andraste had given him. Walking into his bedroom, he downed the contents of the small vial and pulled on the hood and cloak that was traditional for the deatheaters, picked Andraste up, and apparated directly to Voldemort.
"We've been expecting you" the dark lord said as Severus laid Andraste at his feet. "You may stand."
"Would you like me to awaken her, my lord?"
"If I wanted that, I'm sure I would have said so. Crucio." Severus heard him whisper the curse, and immediately dropped to the floor again, pretending to writhe in pain; if Voldemort knew that he couldn't be effected by the spell, he would want to know how it was possible... and that would make Andraste's value her blood, not her life. Thankful that no one had noticed the split-second delay in reaction, he slowly got to his feet once Voldemort had focused his attention on Andraste. Voldemort turned his wand to Andraste's chest. "Crucio." A light flashed from his wand, making direct contact with Andraste, but she continued to lay there, still as death. "Avada Kadavra," the dark lord calmly said, and then leaned down and touched her neck, Apparently finding the pulse he was looking for. "Wake her now."
"Yes, Master," Severus leaned down, lifted Andraste's head, and emptied he contents of the vial from his pocket into her mouth. Only seconds passed before Andraste woke up to see the man that she knew had massacred an entire family nights before. Even Voldemort seemed impressed with how quickly she got to her feet. "Welcome, Andraste. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"I wish I could say the same, Voldemort." She was immediately knocked to her knees by someone behind her. "Show respect or die." Voldemort let out a sound that Andraste could only assume was laughter as he picked her up, holding her by the shoulders, and turned her around to face her attacker. "Kill him, Andraste; or he will kill you" he hissed in her ear.
A soft blue light enveloped Andraste at the same moment the deatheater in front of her shouted. "Avada Kadavra!" They all looked on as the bolt that shot from his wand passed harmlessly through her, and then through Voldemort; only to strike down a man standing on the opposite side of the room. "Very interesting. Let's try that again, shall we?"
This time Andraste shimmered green as another bolt flew at her, to be deflected back towards is source, killing him instantly. "I'd like to try an experiment, Andraste," Voldemort said, with a smile that reminded her of a cobra about to strike. "Michael, I want you to take Andraste's hand." A deatheater stepped forward, grabbing her by the arm. Voldemort raised his wand at the Michael, "Crucio." He took a step back, but was otherwise fine.
Severus watched the exchange before him, helpless to do anything that might betray where his loyalties truly lie. He listened as Voldemort offered her power and success, as he spoke of the great things Andraste could accomplish at his side; and then watched as she spit in his face.
"Very well." Voldemort turned to the deatheater Severus had identified as Lucious Malfoy. "Kill her." Professor Snape dove for Andraste when he saw the silver glint in Malfoy's hand, apparating them both to the border of the shield around Hogwarts.
"Oh, thank God your okay," he said, not caring that he had just revealed himself as a traitor, and surely made Voldemort's hit list.
"Severus..." Andraste lifted up her hand, showing him the bloody knife she had just pulled from her side, and fell into his arms.