Disclaimer:  See Prologue for full disclaimer.

A Tense Situation

~Chapter Five~

A full sixty seconds passed before Snape was able to shake off the stunned haze that followed the Headmaster's reply.  'Perhaps this is the first stage of Cruciatus induced madness?' He was certain that his faculties had finally failed him or, at the very least, taken an unplanned holiday. It was simply not possible that Albus Dumbledore had just calmly decreed that Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley were to be delivered to the Dark Lord.    

"Headmaster?" he questioned tentatively, resuming his seat in the overstuffed chair.  "It would seem that I am more in need of rest than I would have originally believed.  For a brief moment, I was convinced I heard you say that our plan was to follow Voldemort's orders."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought, before solemnly nodding his bearded head in confirmation.  "I would agree that you are in desperate need of rest, Severus." A slight quirk of his lips indicated his amusement as he attempted to inject a bit of levity into an otherwise serious situation.  Seeing the younger man's facial muscles tense in response, the Headmaster decided to simply continue with the conversation at hand. "However, I am sorry to say that you did indeed hear correctly.  We have been left with no alternative and therefore must make arrangements for you to deliver the students as instructed."

The Potions Master could not believe the Wizard sitting in front of him was the same one that had ruled Hogwarts under the motto of 'The Students Must Come First' for so many years.  'Perhaps the lemon drops have been laced with a mind altering potion?' he pondered silently, running through a mental checklist of possible mixtures that might account for the Headmaster's unusually odd behavior. He shrewdly eyed the candy dish and vowed to surreptitiously pilfer one of the offensive concoctions prior to exiting the office. A thorough analysis at his lab might prove enlightening. 

"And just how in Merlin's name do you expect to accomplish such a task?" Snape sneered, his eyebrow lifting in a gesture of utter disbelief. The Slytherin would never have imagined voluntarily placing himself in such a position as the one he was about to leap into now. Given the fact that the only other occupant in the room was none other than Albus Dumbledore, it seemed unbelievable indeed. Had someone been brazen enough to inform him that he, the man who gave new meaning to the term 'temperamental', would be verbally arguing on behalf of the disruptive Gryffindors then he would have flooed them to St. Mungo's.  Obviously the world had gone mad.  "What about their friends and their families?  How exactly will you explain their disappearance from the school?"

"One thing at a time, Severus," Dumbledore spoke softly, the twinkle returning in his eyes as he listened to the ferocity underlining the Potion Master's questions.  "We cannot risk your position within Voldemort's ranks unless there is no other option.  The information you have supplied to the Order since Voldemort's resurrection has been invaluable and this is a critical time for us."

"But Headmaster," Snape protested, "certainly you aren't willing to sacrifice the lives of two innocent students in the process?"

"I was under the opinion that you cared very little for either Mr. Weasley or Miss Granger?" the Headmaster asked with a hint of mischief.  "I am almost positive that I have heard you speak to that effect many times during their tenure here at Hogwarts."

"They are the living definition of the word 'nuisance' but that does not mean I wish for them to suffer at the hands of the Dark Lord and his minions. Nor does it imply that I would take pleasure in seeing them used in such a manner as if they were nothing more than mere pawns in a chess game," Snape sputtered, outrage clearly written across his features.

"I'm relieved to hear that," Dumbledore remarked with a smile and placed another lemon drop into his mouth.  "Calm down, Severus. I have no intention of allowing them to remain within Voldemort's grasp."

"Then what are your intentions, Albus?" Snape demanded.  "Because, from the sound of things, it would seem that you are planning exactly that."

"Not at all.  I merely propose that you deliver them to Voldemort as requested. By doing so, you will be able to prove your loyalty through your willingness to carry out his orders.  That is what he asked of you, isn't it?"

"Yes," the Head of Slytherin conceded skeptically.  "But tell me, Albus, once I have accomplished this task and proven my loyalty yet again, how exactly am I supposed to abscond with them without being detected?"

"We will need a diversion," the Headmaster announced with an air of determination.

"We will need a miracle," Snape muttered in reply, absolutely certain that he was not going to like the details of whatever Dumbledore had in mind.

"Oh come now, Severus, have a little faith."

"I would be more inclined to have 'a little faith' were you not considering a plan whose success hinges on the abilities of two Gryffindors that excel at getting into mischief!" The Potions Master spat.  "And what makes you so certain they will go along with whatever plan we devise? You are, after all, asking them to willingly walk into enemy territory, unarmed no less, to stand face to face with the Dark Lord. I hardly think, foolhardy though they have shown themselves to be over the years, that they will happily agree to this." 

"Calm down, Severus, it's quite simple really. They will cooperate for the very reason that they are Gryffindors." He paused momentarily when Snape gave a derisive snort. "There is also the additional fact that they will want to protect Harry and, knowing Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley as well as I do, I have no doubt they will do whatever is necessary to assure his continued safety."

"It always comes back to Potter doesn't it?" Snape said bitterly.

"According to the prophecy, it must come back to Harry for if it does not then we have already lost," the Headmaster replied gravely. His eyes momentarily lost their usual sparkle and misted over ever so slightly as he was reminded of the tumultuous path that lay ahead for the young Gryffindor. A path that had already taken the young man to places no youth should be forced to visit. 'It should not have to be like this,' he thought yet again.

Severus bit back an acerbic reply, knowing that it would have no bearing on the situation at hand other than further upset the already troubled Wizard. Instead, he moodily settled for his customary scathing glare. 

"I recommend that you take this opportunity to rest during what remains of the evening," Dumbledore suggested, rising from his chair.  "In the meantime, I will ponder the matter as I have a few ideas that may prove helpful. Please be prepared to return to this office tomorrow evening where the five of us will meet and finalize the details."

"The five of us?" Snape asked in confusion.

"Yes of course," the Headmaster replied as if the answer were obvious. "We will need the full cooperation of Harry and his friends if we are to succeed."

'Great! An evening with Potter and his playmates,' Severus thought in disgust. 'Could this day get any worse?' Turning his attention back to his employer, he scowled and muttered a gruff 'good night' before exiting the office. It was time to return to his dungeons for a vial of Dreamless Sleep.  Something told him that he would need the use of every last scrap of his considerable mental faculties if they were to survive the reminder of the week and whatever lunacy of a plan the Headmaster concocted.

/^\^/^\^/^\

Harry Potter awakened just as the first rays of light tentatively pushed their way through the heavy glass windowpanes that lined the wall of his temporary accommodations. The light quietly trumpeted the dawning of a new day and softly illuminated the dreary room.  Picking up his glasses from the nearby nightstand, the young man placed them on his face and allowed his eyes a moment to adjust to the artificially enhanced clarity they afforded before glancing pointedly at his surroundings.  "She's not here yet," he murmured, referring to the Medi-Witch who had yet to release him from her care.  He had not wanted to come to the Infirmary the previous afternoon and he had certainly not wanted to spend the night.  However, he had to admit, if only to himself, that a full night's rest devoid of the graphic nightmares that so often plagued his dreams had helped tremendously in restoring his energy.  'Perhaps I could convince Hermione to help me brew some Dreamless Sleep Potion?  I'm sure Myrtle wouldn't mind if we used her toilet…' 

His face darkened with worry at the thought of his friends.  He had no doubt that Voldemort would go to any lengths to weaken him, both physically and emotionally, and the loss of his closest friends would wound him with far more precision than anything else. 'How can I fight someone who is completely devoid of morals? The only thing that matters to him is his own twisted needs and he'll go to any lengths to satisfy them. If it is this type of violence and underhanded mind games that are required to defeat him, then I've already lost.'   

His silent musings of despair were interrupted when the door to the Infirmary swiftly opened and the bustling figure of Poppy Pomfrey entered the room.

"Good morning, Mr. Potter," the Medi-Witch greeted him, a warm smile on her kindly face. "I'm surprised to see you awake this early, but then I suppose I shouldn't be considering that you've been sleeping since yesterday afternoon."

"Yes, Ma'am," Harry agreed apprehensively, watching closely as she placed her wand in front of him and slowly moved it back and forth over the length of his body.  The Medi-Witch murmured several incantations and took note as the magical device began to glow, indicating the results of the various readings.

"Mmmm… Yes…. Right…" she murmured to herself throughout the process, leaving Harry to fervently hope her responses were an indication that everything was as it should be. He needed to protect his friends and he couldn't do that if he was confined to a sick bed! Moments later she ceased her incantations and returned the wand to its resting place inside the pocket of her apron.

"Is everything okay?" He questioned when Madam Pomfrey walked to the other side of the room and retrieved a familiar looking bundle from a tall cabinet.  The woman hadn't said anything regarding his medical readings and while Harry was almost certain everything was fine, a little reassurance wouldn't go amiss.  'She isn't acting like anything's wrong…'

"What?" She asked momentarily confused.  Harry pointed toward her wand and she quickly realized what the young man was referring to. "Oh that! Yes, you're right as rain!" the woman chirped brightly.  "Just needed a good night's rest to set you to rights, that's all."

"Well… can I go then?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Oh yes, of course," she agreed, handing him the bundle from the cabinet. "Breakfast will be served in a few minutes.  I can either have a tray of food delivered here or, if you prefer, you can take your meal with the others in the Great Hall."        

"Thanks, but I think I'd rather eat with my house mates," he replied quickly, looking forward to escaping the Infirmary and seeing his friends. 

"Yes, I thought you might say that," she smiled. "All right then... Get dressed and hurry downstairs. It wouldn't do to start the day by missing breakfast.  After all, it is the most important meal of the day!" She flashed him a motherly smile before drawing the curtains around the bed and exiting to her office. 

Harry unfolded the bundle, which turned out to be his clothing from the previous day, and dressed quickly. Minutes later he was exiting the Infirmary. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," he called. The Medi-Witch, who was now busily bustling about preparing supplies and other items for the day ahead, stopped and waved a pleasant good-bye.

Walking hastily through the corridors of the castle, he began to reflect earnestly on the events he had witnessed through Voldemort's eyes.  The snake-like creature really did lack even the most basic elements of humanity. It was plainly obvious given what he had done to the Potions Master. 'If he would do that to someone who supposedly serves him…' Harry shuddered at the direction his thoughts were leading him.  No! There just had to be a way to protect his friends. He refused to stand by and watch as they were forced to suffer such a fate on account of him. It simply was not going to happen! What he needed now was a plan… Snape had most likely informed the Headmaster of the Dark Lord's wishes but Harry needed to be sure before he acted.  He also needed to discover how they intended to handle the situation. Yes, the time had come to make certain Dumbledore knew the truth about Voldemort's intentions for Ron and Hermione. But first he was going to eat breakfast...

/^\^/^\^/^\

The room remained dark despite the rising of the sun outside as the heavily draped windows resisted all efforts of the dawning day to announce its presence.  Four small candles burned softly, casting shadows on the crumbling wall; shadows that flickered and danced around the forms of the two occupants housed inside. 

"I came as you asked," a thin voice spoke timidly from the farthest corner of the room.

"I would expect nothing less," the Dark Lord rasped, eyeing the robed figure speculatively.  "You are here to serve me although it would seem that you feel you are doing me a service by divulging the information you hold regarding Dumbledore's feeble resistance group."

"No, Sir, I think nothing of the sort!" the voice croaked in panic.

"You will address me as MASTER!" Voldemort shouted, pulling his wand from his pocket and pointing it angrily at the cowering soul that was now huddling in the corner.  A bright blue light shot out from the wand, momentarily illuminating the barren room, before hitting its mark.  The robed figure was thrown back and held against the wall, its feet dangling in the air desperately trying to make contact with the ground that was several inches below.

"Yes, M…Ma…Master!" the being stammered, wondering if these were to be the last moments of life. 

Voldemort's crimson colored eyes took on an eerie hue as he lowered his wand to his side and continued to gaze at the quivering figure. Oh how he loved to play with these pathetic beings he called servants!  He noted with a mild sense of satisfaction that the person's eyes had held a look of sheer terror at the onslaught of his unexpected attack, but seemed to focus ever so slightly as he lowered his wand.  'Good. Let the cowering fool feel comfortable for a moment…'

"Do you honestly think that you are the only servant within my ranks that reports to me on Dumbledore's actions?" the creature hissed, slowly coming to stand before the quivering figure still pinned to the wall.

"N…No, M…Master," the voice whispered.

"What news do you have for me regarding the Old Fool's precious Order?" he hissed, now standing so close to the robed figure that his rancid breath fell upon its twitching facial muscles.  "Did Dumbledore call them together after Severus' return?"

"No, M…Master.  I heard nothing of any such gathering."

Voldemort frowned as he pondered this information.  Perhaps the sniveling idiot in front of him was wrong in its information regarding Hogwart's Potions Master?  After all, the brooding man had managed to pass every one of his tests of loyalty. The Dark Lord's grotesque lips twisted in a facsimile of a smile as he recalled the numerous 'tests' he had administered to his servants since his resurrection. Yes, it was possible that Severus Snape was still loyal and had returned to Hogwarts with the intention of proving his loyalty. Time would tell…

"You have come to me with the accusation that one of my Death Eaters, who has seemingly been most loyal to me in the past, is nothing more than a traitor. For your sake, your information regarding Snape had best prove accurate because if it does not then you will receive the same punishment that I would have exacted upon him."

"I swear that I have told you everything that I know!" the person cried and then looked back at the grinning face of the snake-like creature.  "Master."

"Ah yes, you did not forget our little lesson on how to properly address me," Voldemort hissed, thoroughly enjoying the fear he sensed from the person pinned against the wall.  It was all too easy with most of his servants and this one was no different.  The cowering, the fear, the ease at which they could be broken…  'The lack of backbone in the younger generations is truly disgusting.'  

The Dark Lord released the whimpering form and returned to sit on his stone throne.  A loud 'thump' could be heard as the body hit the floor followed by the sounds of scuffling as the individual righted itself and cautiously turned to face its Master.

"You will inform me immediately if the Order calls a meeting," he instructed, his voice cold and devoid of all emotion. "Dumbledore will not allow any harm to come to Harry Potter or his closest friends. Rest assured if Severus is a traitor and informs the doddering old fool of my instructions that a meeting will be called to determine how to best protect the troublesome brat."

"And if no meeting is called, Master?" the voice hesitantly asked, instinctively taking a step backwards in subconscious preparation for another attack.

"Then the probability that your information is incorrect will have risen immeasurably," Voldemort replied with a wry smile.  'Ah yes, the look of terror returns.  You should be afraid you cowering little fool!'     

"Yes, Master."

"You may go now but remember what I have said.  If Severus Snape brings those blasted children to me by Saturday night then you will suffer in his place.  I do not tolerate fools lightly."

"Yes, Master," the individual repeated and quickly moved to open the door. 

"By the way," the Dark Lord called out just as the figure had placed a foot over the threshold. "I wish to give you something… a reminder of your place and purpose if you will."

"Yes, Master?" the person asked in confusion.

Faster than lightening, Voldemort raised his wand and aimed it at the exiting soul.  "Crucio."

The person fell to the floor with a tortured cry as the pain of the Unforgivable coursed through every nerve.  A moment later, the torment suddenly came to a halt and the injured being crawled from the building with the sound of the Dark Lord's maniacal laughter ringing through its ears.

/^\^/^\^/^\

TBC

Author's Note: And so we come to the end of another chapter!   Thanks to those of you who took the time to review the previous chapter.  It has been interesting to see your reactions and hear your thoughts regarding what possible scenarios Dumbledore and Snape might come up with regarding Hermione and Ron. 

As always, my extreme thanks to OzRatbag2 for taking the time to beta this chapter. She had some wonderful suggestions and it is at her recommendation that I wrote the last scene of this chapter between Voldemort and the mysterious informant.

~Jules