The Second Turn of the Wheel of the World's End – In the Devil's Lair

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter… I'm not making money with this…

Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay… Thanks to S.c.ou.s.er.4.li.f.e my only reviewer… TTx

SEVERUS

"Severus… You make me so proud. Escaping from Azkaban in the very same day you were arrested. You astound me." said a lipless mouth ironically. "The only thing I don't get is why were you there?" Said the Dark Lord in a hiss.

Severus was down on his right knee, his head bowed, his voice submissive.

"I had to know he was definitely dead, my lord."

"Let me guess… We are talking about Mr. Black again, aren't we?"

"Yes, my lord."

Lord Voldemort did what none thought he could. He sighed in frustration. Deeply.

"Severus, why do you do this to me?" The dark lord said in a disappointed voice. "You could have been killed. You could have spoken of things you shouldn't."

"How do you know I didn't?"

"Because I know you. Because I know it would take months to brake you. Because I trust you." Severus felt like a filth traitor. But since he begin his double life he often felt that way, a fucking bastard. Specially in regard of this man he called master. Voldemort sighed again. " Do you know how much your little feud has cost me? How much it pains me that our dream will be much harder to attain now that we don't know the enemy's strategy?"

"Yes, my lord, and I beg for your forgiveness."

Voldemort smiled and shook his head slowly.

"Only you could beg in such an arrogant way… But…" He said in the same tame voice, almost sad. "You know I can't let my love of you blind me, my friend. I can make no exceptions. You made a mistake."

"I understand, my lord." answered Severus calmly.

"Crucio."

The word was whispered in one breath. However, no matter how softly it was spoken the word still sent Severus writhing on the floor. The pain blinding all senses. A terrible scream searing his ears, burning his throat, all nerves of his body contorted.

'Some people still ask how the Dark Lord can have followers when he punishes them with such cruelty. If I could answer that question freely, I would just say that the eyes of a snake can be as enchanting as a bird's song.'