Chapter 3
The hour was late and Severus Snape found himself massaging his throbbing temples in a vain attempt to stave off the impending headache that had been intensifying since his return from the Order meeting. Recommencing his position as a double agent had been a fearsome undertaking, and even though Severus was an accomplished Legilimens he lived in constant fear the Dark Lord would discover his position. If he did it would surely mean his demise, and ensure that he left this world having accomplished nothing virtuous in his entire life.
He stood and headed towards the ornate drinking cabinet and decanted himself a large glass of red wine. Lucius Malfoy, a man whom he did not particularly care for, but was required to exchange obligatory pleasantries with if he were to keep up his Death Eater pretense, had gifted this bottle to him.
As he stood by the window, sipping this absurdly expensive wine, his thoughts drifted to Lexi. He had known she would be attending the meeting, and so had prepared himself for any residual feelings that may have presented themselves, but he hadn't expected the surge of passion he'd experienced as she'd walked through the door. He glanced fondly at the worn copy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which she'd gifted to him the previous Christmas. It had been Lily's, and he must have read it a dozen or so time since. Flicking through its yellowing, worn pages felt comforting and reminded of the love this woman felt for him.
A searing pain stabbed at his left arm, causing Severus to drop the wine glass that shattered on the floor.
"Ah!" He hissed through gritted teeth, grasping the sleeves of his linen shirt and pulling it upwards.
The Dark Mark was jet black, and seemed to pulsate from his burning forearm. Dread swept over him as he reached for his wand, he detested being summoned at the Dark Lord's beck and call. He felt as though he was plunging himself into the unknown. He exited his quarters quickly, grabbing his travelling cloak from the stand by the door, and dashed up the steps towards the entrance hall. The castle was deserted, save for a few of the teachers who were not holidaying. He broke into a full on run; it would not do well to keep the Dark Lord waiting. Once he'd past through the gates, he stood on the threshold and after taking several steadying breathes he disapparated.
Seconds later Severus appeared shakily in what seemed to be a small clearing in a dense forest. Moonlight shone through the trees creating the effect of bars in a prison cell. At the far end of the clearing Severus could just make out two hooded figures. He could just make out Voldemort's tall outline, and even though most of his face was obscured by his hood Severus could feel his penetrating stare attempt to plunge into his thoughts.
"My Lord," Severus greeted, bowing to Voldemort.
"Severus," Voldemort nodded, and Severus noticed a very nasty sneer that made him feel nervous. "I trust you remember Wormtail?" He said, gesturing lazily to the small, portly wizard to his left.
Severus acknowledged Pettigrew with a barely noticeable nod.
"You summoned me, My Lord?" He said evenly, hoping Voldemort couldn't sense his creeping fear.
"I did indeed, Severus." Voldemort uttered, barely audible so Severus had to step closer. "I have a job for you, if you would be willing?"
"Of course, My Lord, anything." He responded immediately, even though dread filled the pit of his stomach.
"I assume that Dumbledore has already gathered together his little group?" He jeered, lowering his hood revealing his snake-like features.
"He has, My Lord." Severus confirmed, trying not to be thrown by the serpentine features facing him. "My orders are to convey information to the Order concerning your plans of attack, and any known Death Eaters within the Ministry."
"Such a trusting old fool, isn't he?" Voldemort smirked and let out a piercing laugh that made the hairs on the back of Severus' neck stand on end. "One day very soon we shall end Dumbledore and all the foolish hope he stands for."
"That day cannot come soon enough," Severus said, forcing platitudes to Voldemort made him feel physically sick. "I look forward to being able to declare my support for you openly."
Voldemort smirked. "I am sure," he drawled. "Now, to the reason why I brought you here. I am sure you'll understand that I want very little attention on me, it is in my favour that the Ministry do not believe of my existence."
"Yes, My Lord." Severus said, slightly bemused and the unknown worried him.
"You will tell me of any significant plans the Order intend to carry out, so that I can be ready." Voldemort ordered, pacing round Severus who stared resolutely ahead. "I also need the names of all the members of the Order, so that when the time comes they can be eliminated."
"Very good," Severus said, and an image of Lexi lying cold and dead on damp grass flashed across his mind.
"I would like you to focus on one member in particular," he said, an evil grin spreading across his thin lips. "Wormtail informs me that Harry Potter's godmother has made herself known?"
"Yes, My Lord," Severus replied firmly, although inside he felt his head constrict in his chest. "Her name is Lexi McNaughton, she is an Auror with the Ministry."
"Wormtail informed me as much," Voldemort said shortly, as the figure beside him shifted uncomfortably. "When the time comes for me to reveal myself to the world, I wish her to be made an example of. She will die, publically."
"Why?" Severus felt the self-assurance in his voice waver, as he tried to contain the bile that had risen in his throat.
"Do I need a reason, Severus?" Voldemort retorted dangerously.
"Of course not, My Lord." Severus replied quickly.
"I wish it to be known that no matter who you are, if you oppose me … you will fail." He spat. "I want Harry to suffer. I have taken his parents, and I will take from him all those he cares for. When the time comes, I shall ask you to bring her to me."
"I understand, My Lord." Severus said weakly, hiding his shaking hands in the pockets of his robes.
"Very good, Severus." Voldemort said, a hint of horrible satisfaction in his voice. "Now then, run along. I shall summon you when I require an update."
"My Lord," Severus bowed, and disapparated with a crack.
When he felt the familiar mountain breeze on his exposed skin and caught sight of the comforting twinkling of lights of the distance castle, Severus shook with a mixture of relief and fear. He despised being in Voldemort's presence, and the mark that mutilated his arm shamed him. A wave of nausea overcame him and he fell to his knees and vomited. The ease with which Voldemort described the fate he wished for Lexi petrified him.
He got shakily to his feet and headed through the gates, back towards the castle. He had to inform Dumbledore of what Voldemort had told him. It was as though he was re-living the past, he had gone to Dumbledore for help when it transpired Voldemort planned to kill the Potter's based on the prophecy Severus had relayed to him. He couldn't let anything happen to Lexi, it couldn't happen again.
He dashed through the castle, not taking any notice of the many portraits who grumbled at the rude awakening Severus' loud footsteps gave them. He muttered the password to the stone Griffin and stepped onto the ascending staircase. He knocked loudly on the ornate wooden door with his fist, and after a few moments he heard a muffled "Enter" from within the office. The door opened with a loud creek and he saw the Headmaster sitting behind his desk. It appeared he was about to retire for the evening as he wore a deep crimson dressing gown and matching nightcap.
"Headmaster, I apologise for disturbing you at such a late hour but I have something urgent I need to discuss with you." He said quickly, approaching the desk and taking the seat in front of it.
"No need to apologise, Severus." Dumbledore said, dismissing his apology. "You look troubled, what has happened?"
"The Dark Lord summoned me this evening," he said, still unable to bring himself to say the name. "He … told me of his immediate plans. He intends to bide his time, let the Ministries ignorance conceal his return."
"My worst fears have been realised, then." Dumbledore said gravely. "He will use this time to do what, exactly?"
"He wishes for me to pass information about the Order to him." Severus said. "He wants to know of our plans, the names of the members and when the time comes –" He stopped his sentence short, feeling bile rise once again in his throat. He gripped the arms of the chair so his knuckles turned white.
"What is it, Severus?" Dumbledore enquired, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"He … wishes to make an example of the resistance," Severus said, attempting to steady his voice. "He wants me to bring Lexi to him, and … he will … make an example of her."
"Make an example of her?" Dumbledore said seriously, sitting up and leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
"He wants to … kill her …" Severus faltered, not wanting to believe what he was saying. "Publically."
"Publically?" Dumbledore repeated faintly.
Severus nodded, unable to articulate an answer. He heard Dumbledore exhale loudly.
"I had feared Lexi would be in danger, it is why I asked her to return to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said. "Rest assured Severus, no harm will come to her while she is at Hogwarts."
"She will not be safe forever, Albus!" Severus said loudly, feeling frantic. "He will ask me to deliver her to him! He'll … make me watch. I … can't let this happen again!"
"Severus, calm yourself!" Dumbledore said sternly. "I will not let anything happen to her. You have my word."
"YOUR WORD WILL COUNT FOR NOTHING!" Severus howled, ignoring the tears forming in his eyes. "HE WILL KILL HER! AND BEFORE THAT HE'LL TORTURE HER FOR GOOD MEASURE! YOUR WORD WILL NOT STOP THAT!"
Dumbledore got to his feet and walked round his desk till he stood beside Severus, who was seething.
"We will think of a way, Severus." Dumbledore said calmly, placing a hand on Severus' shoulder. "The Order shall meet and discuss the options. Plus, do not forget that Lexi is strong."
Severus pushed Dumbledore's hand away, his vision plagued with memories of Lily's dead body lying on the floor in front of him. He got to his feet and crossed the room towards the door.
"Lily was strong," he muttered, as he reached for the handle. "The Dark Lord killed her still, and he'll kill Lexi too."
He exited the room, slamming the door behind him. He needed Lexi here, and he needed her safe. The fact that she was out there, some place that Severus didn't know had him worried beyond measure. He couldn't let this happened again, he couldn't let the woman he loved die at the hands of Voldemort again.
