A/N: Thank you WizardSmurf for beta reading this chapter
Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to J.K. Rowling
The plan that was devised was to have Harry, Ron, and Hermione hidden at Spinner's End. Snape would continue as usual, as not to arouse any suspicions and report back with the other Death Eater's. With luck, he wouldn't be immediately killed and he would come back to prepare the next steps.
The plan did not sit well with the three Gryffindors. Their collective complaint was being put out of harm's way. Harry looked at Snape trying to read the impassive face. While according to Bill there was no need for him to be suspicious, he still watched him closely. He then asked, "Are you sure the way you can transfer us to a safe place is not tracked by the Ministry?".
Snape nodded affirmatively. "This is ancient magic, I was immediately transferred here without using my wand or even knowing where I was going. All you need to do is command me to take you all to Spinner's End. I have been working on protective spells on that place for years, so none can enter the house by apparating."
Harry tried to scrutinize the words, but there was not much choice. If they stayed there was a chance that everyone he loved would be hurt. He resigned and then said, "Alright then, take us to Spinner's End". They all grabbed onto his cloak as instructed and were immediately transported.
They found themselves in a sitting room with books that lined the walls. The furniture seemed original to the house, which may have sat here collecting dust for decades. Overall, it seemed like an average run-down muggle house. They could see a kitchen that seemed clean compared to the rest of the dusty house.
For both parties, it was strange being in the secluded professor's private house and awkwardness hung in the air. "I will lead the way to the rooms." Snape finally said. There were two rooms, both sparsely furnished.
"If you would permit, I would like to remove my-" Snape had to remember his position. This will be hard after almost two decades. He could have no possessions, and even the clothing on his back could be instantly taken away, as previously demonstrated. The reason why he was able to stay here had been technicalities relating to muggle law and assistance from Dumbledore. He corrected himself, forcing his anger down. "- the clothing to a more appropriate location, with your leave of course." He looked at Harry, who backed up flabbergasted.
"I'm not going to take over your room!" Harry quickly commented. He would have been more comfortable staying downstairs than in these forlorn rooms.
Snape realized that if they were able to complete the bond, it would not let him take the best room in the house. Nor, would it help reinforce the dynamic that may be necessary. The ways of control were not taught to slaves. Instead of trying to explain and overburden the young wizard he said "I have slept in much worse than on the carpeted floor or a couch. Besides, I wish to have minimal contact tomorrow. The Dark Lord may try to enter my thoughts and it will be difficult trying to hide seeing all of you."
Hermione, who had been surprisingly quiet for most of the night said: "From my understanding, wouldn't it be best to do this bond-thing as fast as possible?" She looked disgusted when saying bond.
For someone who was raised by muggles, Snape was impressed at some of the intricacies she was able to comprehend already. "You are correct in that the bond has to be done as soon as possible," he said "however, it does take a lot of magic and the day has already been filled with a lot of instances I will have to repress. Adding another variable is not something I would want to do with so little time."
"Now, if there are no other objections I will try to get some rest. I would advise the same for you." He was about to walk off, but clenched his fist and gave a slight bow before heading downstairs. While the bond was not yet completed, he still had some control. Direct commands were hard to suppress, but he would fight for every last second of independence that he could.
Well past midnight Snape was able to fall asleep on the downstairs couch. Unfortunately, he reflexively woke up before dawn. He was keenly aware of the mark on the back of his neck and knew that what happened last night was real.
He knew he had to spend the day mentally preparing himself. While he was a master occlumens and legilimens he knew the Dark Lord liked to check up on his followers. Additionally, if all went to plan he would be quite interested in checking any deceit.
He didn't bother showering and sipped some tea and let occlumency take him to an almost trance-like state. He sat down and did not know how much time passed until he felt a completely different sensation coming from the mark on his arm. He pulled out his wand an apparated to the unknown.
When he opened his eyes, this was the sight he had thought he would have seen last night. The manor, Death Eaters, the snake, and of course the Dark Lord. He forced his steps forward until he neared Voldemort. Then he sunk to his knees. "Master, I am here".
He felt a cold hand possessively stroke his head. He wanted to shiver but remained emotionless and stoic. "Ah, my pet" the voice was silky, yet sounded like a snake "Sssoon I will have enough power to claim you once again".
Snape responded, "I am yours Master, and I intend to serve you as wholeheartedly".
He heard what could be described as a 'tut-tut' noise coming from above him. "But I missss the bond. How quickly you come to me with barely a thought and how well you behave. This free will you have is so inconvenient."
"Yes Master." Was the only thing Snape dared to say. Soon others arrived and Snape moved out of the way. They also offered obeisance, though being able to get away with "my lord" and taking place on chairs. As he knelt he felt a one all to familiar object press hard on his side. From the once-known pain and familiar clothes, he knew it to be his former Master, Lucius Malfoy.
A hand in a dark leather glove grabbed his chin possessively. "I see you're well slave. However, being unbound does not suit you at all. I would say you are even putting on some fat."
Snape could currently be described as gaunt, but compared to the wisp of what he once was when starved for days and beaten to an inch of his life, he supposed he currently looked healthier than he had in his youth. Again, from a life-long practice, he remained stoic only offering a submissive head nod.
Fortunately, the rest had gathered and the Dark Lord began his speech. As he knew, the Ministry had been infiltrated and was now under their control. Raids at all known Order locations to capture Harry Potter would commence. As planned Severus would join one of the main forces, and question those at the Burrow. This would be meaningless exercise as only Snape knew where they were hidden. He did not tell anyone in the room and would ensure the ones who may have trouble hiding the true plan would be questioned by him.
By evening it had all gone according to plan, well his plan. The Death Eaters were furious, as there was no hint of where Harry Potter could be found. With the others, he apparated to the manor. The Dark Lord was beside himself with anger. It took a while before he was calm, with many noting that the Ministry of Magic was under their control and in due time so would Harry Potter. The Death Eaters were all dispatched to their tasks. However, Snape was left. He did his best to hide his fear behind a mask of calm.
"Severus, how disappointed I am." The Dark Lord strode over to him, as he had already been kneeling. "How could the main force not have the boy, let me see". Out of nowhere, Severus felt the magic going into his mind and seeing the events as he had seen them. Severus concentrated on the search and his questioning. It took so much of his willpower but finally, he felt the magic flow out of his mind. He knew that his memories would be scanned, however, there was a different sensation as well. A familiar twitch from the back of his neck was an unwelcome feeling. He must be regaining some of his power - more quickly than I can prevent. Severus felt dread knowing the implications of his former Master with his full force. He was sure with more power the Dark Lord could overrule the current succession to the slavery bond, as it was a curse that relied heavily on the Master's will and dominance.
"The boy is out there, however, there are tasks you will have to concentrate on."
Severus bowed his head "As Master wills".
"How long will it take for the rejuvenation draft?" the Dark Lord asked impatiently.
Another one so soon? The labor-intensive process and rarity of ingredients for this particular potion made him the most suitable to make it.
Severus answered "It should be done in two weeks. I need to finish harvesting some of the seeds."
The Dark Lord snarled "Go, get out of my sight. Once you come back we shall discuss the procedures for Hogwarts"
Severus complied, not feeling relieved until he was back at Spinner's End.
