The house – elf jumped ten feet in the air when the silky voice that belonged to none other than the potions master asked the question. She looked away from the crying child to the newcomer. She was in trouble, she could tell. His face was red and he looked like he wanted to use her in the next potion he brewed. With more courage than she actually had she took a step so she was able to position herself in front of the child to cover him. As if realizing what was about to happen was important the baby's cries stopped.
"Answer me!" He snapped. Never was he a patient man, and today was no exception. Not with the events from last night still playing in his mind. He now had to come up with a good excuse as to why he missed the order meeting. It would be easy to fool the old goat, but it still had to be worthwhile. The demise of the Potters was very important to the light side and he should have been there, but he could not ignore his Master's call.
The house – elf scrunched up her face with newfound determination. This man had no right to question her, he was a nobody in this house, the only one she had to obey was her master, not this foreboding man in front of her. "But sir, you's not supposed to be here neither." The little elf said. "You's been naughty too. Master will not be pleased with us both." The little elf wrung her hands through her tea cosy once more. Nervous habits were hard to break. Her courage faded away when she saw the look on his face.
Severus Snape had never seen such rudeness demonstrated by a house – elf before. His face was red with anger; he would kill her now, and let her be an example to the others not to disobey an order. He could just picture the scene now, he kills her, his Lord kills him, it was a no win situation. However, it didn't mean that he couldn't teach her a lesson in obedience. He would treat this as if she were one of his students. Well maybe not a student. He took out his wand and pointed it at her. Inching closer to her as if stalking a prey.
The house elf was terrified her small body shaking, she had seen the wrath that her masters' wand had done to his followers and to her fellow house elves when punishments were due, it was never a good sign when the wand came out. She slowly backed away from the offending piece of wood, but soon found she was blocked when her back reared its way into one of the bars of the crib. She closed her eyes waiting for what was to come next.
Severus sneered at the pathetic little creature. He hadn't been able to let go of his frustrations in such a long time, and now here was his chance, to let everything go. Have his way. The feeling of power swept over him, he pondered for a couple of minutes of what he should do with the wretched creature. Dismemberment could be fun, but than it was always such a mess to clean up afterwards. He couldn't get the thought of tearing the creature apart from head to foot out of his head. Oh the fun, the excitement, and than his Lords face came into view and his face paled. The Dark Lord would not be happy to find that one of his house – elves was dead by a mere death eaters hands, if he was found out than his punishment would be served onto him in the end. He lifted the wand higher, not intending to kill the elf this time, but to Crucio it. The wand in the air, the words on his mouth, nothing could stop him now. "Cruc.."
"Enough." The command was soft, but the meaning behind it was threatening. "What is the meaning behind this?"
Severus could feel the presence of his Lord right behind him. The cool breath of his Lords words ghosting over his neck. He spun himself around gracefully his robes whipping around his body. He dropped to his knees and bent down as far as he could, his greasy black hair a fan across the floor. He kissed the hem of his master's robes. He had to play it safe, occluding his mind; he built a brick wall so his master could not see his real thoughts.
"Get up, Severus." The Dark Lord hissed at his servant shoving the man away from his body with his boots.
Severus rolled himself back up, not with his usual grace and looked to his master for a clue, waiting, waiting for something to happen. For his master to say anything to him, to explain to him what all of this means. So many questions that he wanted answers to, he knew in due time his master would give them to him.
Voldemort studied Severus with great intent, searching the potions masters' deepest thoughts. He knew that Severus was a very inquisitive person, but he never knew how much, until tonight. He could see it within Severus' eyes the longing, the need to know all of his secrets and he was going to spill some to the man tonight. The first secret having to do with the squawking child in the bassinet who started the infernal crying once more. With a wave of his wand the waling stopped and the child was put to sleep with a charm.
The Dark Lord than turned his eyes to his insufferable house – elf. "Mimsi, I'll deal with you later. Go to the kitchens for now and finish up your duties." The house – elf eyed her master not believing she was getting away with her naughtiness at least for a little while. "Now!" He bellowed at the tiny creature. She did not have to be told twice, and in an instant she was gone.
The red eyes turned away from the spot that his house – elf disappeared and laid upon the sallow skinned man before him. "Severus, Severus, Severus." The Dark Lord shook his head, as if patronizing a two year old. "You come into my personal chambers without my permission, you than decide that you have the right to deal with something that wasn't yours to deal with. When are you going to learn to stay out of others businesses? Hmm?"
"I'm sorry my Lord, I was just looking for you, when I could not find you in the meeting room. I just went through the rooms, and when I saw the glow, which spelled magic all over it I came in thinking I would find you there. However I was mistaken, I'm sorry I should have left right away, but I could not turn face from the house – elf and the child, and I had to sort that little rodent out, disrespectful she is Milord, and in due respect the House – elf had disobeyed a direct order. She had to be punished."
"She did the same thing that you did Severus. Does that mean I should punish you the same way?" The Dark Lord eyed the man standing before him; he wanted to see what kind of response he would be able to get from him. Severus Snape did not surprise him. The man did not even quiver. Like a true soldier Severus Snape stood tall and proud in his Death Eater uniform.
"I am not a lowly creature, my Lord. I am one of your most faithfuls, I was just doing what I thought you would have wanted me to." Severus sank to his knees. Bowing down again before his Lord and Master. His hands reaching for the black robes in front of him, so he could kiss it.
Voldemort moved away so that Severus would not be able to even touch his robes. He was angry, Severus thought too highly of himself. He did not underestimate house – elves they had stronger powers than any wizard, himself included, could only wish to have. Even though they were born into servitude it was only time, before they all cried mutiny and jumped ship. Forget about clothes they were smart enough to find ways around that.
Severus looked up at his master with confusion written in his eyes.
"Oh Severus, Crucio!" The red-eyed man screamed his wand high. He smirked at the convulsing man on the floor. How the high and mighty fall with this one simple curse. After a few minutes and when he thought he would lose a faithful follower to insanity Voldemort stopped the curse. "Don't ever do anything without my leave first." Was all Voldemort said before he went to the bassinet his back turned to the trembling man.
Severus regained his composure and joined his master by the bassinet. The child had fallen asleep once more from all the crying. Looking at the baby sleep, Severus felt a joy of envy travel down his spine. How simple a child's life was. The only worries that one so young had was of whether or not its nappy would be changed or when it was getting its next feeding. It did not know real fear or pain. A child was the only innocence that existed in a human's life.
"I bet you're wondering who this child is and what I'm doing with it, Severus?" The Dark Lord broke through the wandering thoughts.
"Yes my Lord actually I was. How did you come to possess a being so tiny and young?" He questioned chancing a glance at the powerful man beside him.
Voldemort laughter rang throughout the room. It was cruel and merciless, and above all it held the promise of torture and pain to come. "This one Severus is James and Lily Potters spawn."
Severus Snape was at a loss for words. He stood there gaping at the man beside him. Finally after a couple of minutes he came to his senses. "You don't mean, but how. The Potters had the greatest protection… the Fidelius Curse… No…No it can't be."
More laughter filled the room; Severus felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to stare into those of mercury red. "I had a little help finding the Potters, a spy other than you, who just needed a bit of encouraging to help my cause. The spy came in handy and will serve us greatly."
"Who's the spy?" Severus looked quizzically at the man before him, who was now treating him as if he were an equal.
"Like I said he didn't come willingly, but with a little bit of a push and a strong spell, Peter Pettigrew is a best ally that has been quite useful to our cause."
Severus was shocked to say the least. Pettigrew a spy, but he was one of the Marauders, a noble and subservient friend. He would not go against any of them. Than the Dark Lords words washed over him, Persuasion and spell being the strongest. "Pettigrew." He whispered in disbelief. A downfall to the light side if there ever was one.
"Yes Snape, Pettigrew, or have you gone deaf, from the punishment before." Voldemort studied his most loyal one as if he were checking for signs of insanity. "Next time I don't think I'll use that on you again. You seem as if you're about to crack." Voldemort said giving the man his own diagnosis.
"My Lord, nothing can ever break me." Severus said, standing taller and producing a strong stance of arrogance and power.
"That's good to know Severus, I would hate to have to dispose of you so early on in the game."
"My Lord what do you plan on doing with this child?" Severus asked hesitantly, it was never good to question the Dark Lord so much, and Severus felt as if he were pushing the man to the limits today.
"Why kill him of course you fool. What else would I do with him? He's supposed to be my downfall. There's just one little problem and that's why I called you Severus I need your help. What I ask of you is very important and I need it done right away. I give you three days Severus, Three. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir. But what is it you ask of me?" Severus waited for his master to give him his next mission.
"I need you to come up with a potion strong enough to get rid of a blood protection spell caused by a sacrifice in order to save a loved one's life."
Severus was speechless. He had to come up with a potion to override that of something as strong as love. Nothing was stronger than love, true evil could be compared to that one word, but it was dark, harsh, and it made the people you care about turn away, evil could only bring upon loneliness, and in the end it can only lead to death.
"I'm sorry my Lord, but that's impossible. There is no such thing as a strong poison or spell or brew that is potent enough to kill a thing like love."
"Are you sure about that Severus? Speak carefully now, your life may just rest in what you say."
Severus thought leaving his master waiting for a reply. He was positive wasn't he? What was strong enough to rid a dead women's last sacrifice off of a child, her child, the one that she had just given her last breath for? There wasn't anything. "I am quite sure my Lord. I've heard of love being a great protection, one of the strongest, and so far nobody has been able to find a way to overcome it." Seeing the look on the Dark Lords face Severus hastily added, "But my Lord, let me finish. I said nobody has been able to overcome and that is true, but by all fairness I am willing to try my best. I will do the best that I can my Lord."
"Do Severus, or else you will face the harshest punishment yet. Now leave, before I remember how you almost defied me."
Severus bowed down in front of his Master kissing the hem of his robes and made his retreat as fast as he could.
Voldemort continued to stand beside the crib. "Watch this Potter." He said to the sleeping child. "I'll show you a little trick," He started to countdown. "three…two…one…"
"My Lord." Severus entered the room again having forgotten a very important ingredient.
"See, I am the best, and most powerful, otherwise how would I know that Snape would be returning to our room little one. What is it Severus?" The man now focused his attention to the man beside him. "I thought I told you to leave my sight."
"You did my Lord, but there is something that I require, a main ingredient of sorts."
"And what would that consist of."
"The child's blood. His blood may hold the key to what we are looking for."
"You imbecile, I just told you that the boy's protected against all harm towards him. And I don't know how far the extent to that goes. Even if you prick his finger, the repercussions could be your death."
"My Lord it is vital that I have this from the boy. Otherwise for sure I will not be able to brew any potions, for which you have instructed me to make, and I will do ever so gratefully."
The Dark Lord thought it over. He realized that he would have to give his potions master a vial of blood. There was no other way. How he was going to do that was a whole other story. "Alright Severus, you may take his blood, but I won't have anything to do with it."
Severus stared at his master. He had to be joking. First he was to brew this impossible potion, and now he had to risk his life, so that this man, who was less than a man, could live for eternity, without the fear of some child killing him. He wanted to scream at the man, and tell him to shove the potion, the dark mark, and his fascists point of view, all up his arse, but he couldn't not when this man was so powerful, so bloodthirsty.
Voldemort smiled, he loved this, watching his minions sweat, and Severus was doing such a good job at it too. He could smell the turmoil, the fear, as it wafted from Severus' person. He knew what Severus was thinking, he could see the cogs going around in the mans head. It was a very amusing dilemma one he knew that Severus would not turn down, and come back to him like he always did.
Severus picked up a quill that was on the dresser that was beside the bed. With a wave of his wand the quill turned into a doctor's needle. One vial of the boy's blood would be sufficient enough. Praying to Merlin that nothing bad came of this, Severus leaned down into the bassinet and poked the tiny arm with the razor sharp end of the needle. He waited an instant; no pain came to his person. Than the question was why didn't the Dark Lord just kill the boy with poison, not with magic.
As if reading his mind Voldemort whispered in the quiet room, "Murder, the blood protection does not do well with the murdering of a sacrifice, no matter by muggle or magical means."
The tiny boy who had just awoken when he felt a sharp prick did not like the feeling of it in his arms. Severus having forgotten about the child was reminded in the next instant when he heard the thunderous cry of the baby's protests.
"Shh child, it will be over in a blink of an eye. Shhh." Severus' baritone voice seemed to have made the crying stop, now the child just looked at the man curiously. While the boy was distracted, Severus pushed down on the head of the needle. Bright crimson blood filled the tiny vial. He quickly pulled the needle out of the arm and pocketed the sample. "Sleep child." And the child fell asleep on command.
"Good Luck Severus." Voldemort said as his right-handed man exited the room.
"See you in three days my Lord."
With the man gone Voldemort walked over to the sleeping child. He couldn't figure out for the life of him what was so special about this child. In his opinion, nothing, and once the world saw that, he would be much better off. Three days, three days with this insolent brat, but he'd survive, with the help of house – elves.
Voldemort ran his hand through the child's hair. To his surprise the child leaned into his touch. And when he withdrew his hand the child seemed to scoot his body to where the source of the touch used to be. "Three days little one, and than you will be with your dear mudblood of a mother. The prophecy won't exist, and I will be Lord and Master."
Little Harry just gurgled in response, the land of nod keeping him in its world.
In just a short while of being put to bed, Remus decided that it was a futile fight to try and sleep. His body protested but his mind overruled. He got up from the bed and made his way to the big bay window. The moonlight his guide to the outside. He wanted to laugh when he saw the scene before him. The night in all its glory was condescending. It was a beautiful and peaceful night. While in his room it was dark and eerie. He could not be bothered to turn on the light. The brightness would hurt his eyes, and the last thing he needed to deal with was a headache.
He saw Sirius still out there, howling at odd little intervals, sometimes high and sometimes low, but he could still make it out. He envied Sirius at this moment. How nice it would be not to be human and be able to transform at will. How he wished tonight was the full moon, so he could be with his friend, and they could both support each other. He glowered at the full moon for the first time since he became a werewolf for only being a tiny sliver in the night, instead of round and full. It would be the full moon in a couple of weeks and than he would be able to run with Sirius, but now, he had to stay human.
"It's not fair. It's not fair. It's not fair." He screamed in the silence. Today everything was placed on his shoulder, including looking after Sirius. It wasn't fair. When was his time to grieve? He bashed his hand against the wall. Screaming in pain, he needed to focus it on something else. He picked up the lamp and flung it at the wall. He found a small mirror and smashed that, anything that his hands could grab he smashed until it broke. When he was tired and most of his energy spent Remus picked up a picture frame and threw it. When he glanced down, he saw which photograph he threw. Carefully sweeping away the spider like glass in the frame he plucked the picture out of it. It was all of the Marauders together. They were sitting by the Great Lake, books and parchment scattered around. He remembered that day; they were busy studying for N.E.W.T.S. He could see Lily off in the distance talking to her group of friends, and the boys in the picture stopped what they were doing and waved at him. He smiled. His eyes landing on James, than Sirius, himself, until he wanted to, but couldn't look away his eyes landed on Pettigrew. How could the rat do that to his friends? They looked out for him, made sure he fit in, they protected him. Sure they razzed on each other, but all friends do that. It was purely innocent. When had Peter turned? All Remus knew now is that when they found Pettigrew he was going to kill him limb from limb. Make him suffer, kill him when he's a werewolf. The wolf in him felt the call for blood, two more weeks, and hopefully by then the Rat would be found. And where was his little Harry, his cub? There were so many questions that needed answering. He needed to talk to someone, he had enough, he opened his window and yelled out, "SIRIUS."
The big black shaggy dog looked up and stared at the man by the window that just called his name. Sirius could not be bothered right now, he wanted to be left alone and grieve by himself, he did not need his over analytical friend there to try and calm him, what he needed the most was his best friend, his wife, and little Prongslet by his side.
"SIRIUS." He heard his name being called again. Again he chose to ignore it. Why couldn't the man just leave him alone?
"Fine be that way, I just want to let you know you're not the only one grieving in pain, you mangy flea ridden mutt." The pepper – haired man yelled, before Sirius heard the sound of a window slamming shut, than he heard the glass breaking, and to his amusement heard his friend swearing.
Sirius contemplated what Remus his old friend had just said. He was shocked that Remus could be so cruel to him. That wasn't fair of the man. He was more family to the Potter's than Remus was, him and James even took a blood brothers oath their last year of Hogwarts when they knew they wouldn't see each other as much once real life got in the way. How dare Remus even suggest that? Angry now, he wanted to give the man a piece of his mind, he changed back into his human form, and instead of a sad, lowly dog, Sirius was going to confront Remus as an angry foaming at the mouth man.
He marched into the house, up the stairs and found Remus on the bed, looking at old photographs. "How dare you werewolf say that to me? You had no right."
Remus looked up from the pictures, his room put back to normal once more. "It's true Sirius. You're acting like you're the only one that's upset, I've lost them too, all I wanted was your company, and you just blow me off, I NEVER did that to you, EVER." He screamed.
"You may have lost them too, but they were my family, MINE."
"Why you're still the same spoiled brat that you always were Black. Putting yourself before others, trying to make everyone pity you for the hard times in your life. Well let me tell you something, nobody pities you now, everyone is in the same boat as you, so get over yourself."
"You stupid Git, no wonder why they've banned werewolves, you're worthless, Lupin, absobloodylutley worthless. Why we were friends is beyond me."
"I'm worthless, so that's what you think, let me tell you something Black, that you're a user, and for the life of me I can't figure out why we were friends either. Maybe it's because some of your insanity rubbed off on me. I knew I should've listened to everyone else in Gryffindor who said that the only place a Black belongs is Azkaban, and I shouldn't hang out with you."
"Is that so Lupin, well let me tell you something that I've heard people say about lycanthropes."
"Oh do enlighten me, pray tell, what have you heard about lycanthropes?"
"That the only good thing they're good for is nothing, and they all should be euthanized. So come here little poochie, let dear old Sirius put you out of your misery."
Remus heard enough he jumped into the air and sprang himself at Sirius. They both stumbled to the ground. Arms and legs were flinging in the air. No limbs or other body parts were safe.
"Gerroff." Remus growled as Sirius put him in a chokehold. Sirius who was not letting go got a kick in the shins, he dropped Remus from surprise. They both scrambled away from each other. All looking the worst for wear, their breathing ragged and chests heaving up and down. Sirius had cuts all along his body, his lip was cut, and his hair was all frayed. Remus ended up with a bloody nose and a cut on his head that was giving away a lot of blood.
"Get out of my house werewolf and don't darken my path again."
"Siri…"
"Leave Lupin." Sirius said interrupting the man.
"If that's what you want fine." Remus gathered his belongings in less than a few seconds and headed out the door to his bedroom.
"Remus wait." Sirius called after the man that was exiting the room.
Remus didn't turn around and he slammed the door shut not looking back.
Sirius slumped on the floor defeated, within less than twenty four hours his whole life was changed, his family gone, their was no one left, and the one that tried to be there for him he pushed away. The Marauders were officially no more.
The crying was incessant, it didn't stop, not more than half an hour since he went to bed that the wretched boy was crying again. He wanted sleep now. He couldn't just put the child in another room, he had to make sure that he was guarded at all the times, and who better than the most feared man alive at this time. Himself. He made his way over to the crib, where he looked at the small bundle.
"Oh do shut up." He cried. That did not work in fact it made the crying grow louder. A silencing spell could work, but what if something was wrong with the child, until he administered the anti potion against the charm he had to be sure the child was in great shape, or at least a liveable shape.
"Mimsi," He yelled and with a loud pop the little house – elf appeared before her master.
"What can Mimsi do for master?" The little house – elf squeaked still scared because she hadn't been punished yet for her earlier disobedience.
"Find out why he's crying so much." He flippantly waved at the child.
Mimsi moved closer to the child. She wanted to laugh, but dared not to, the smell was atrocious she wondered how her Master could not smell such a wretchedness, but than again house – elves had a very acute sense of smell. "He just needs a fresh nappy my Lord."
"So give him one." He hissed dangerously.
"I would my Lord but the child is too heavy to pick him up. Me's thinks it's safer for master to do it than Mimsi."
Voldemort looked as if the house – elf had gone nuts, him the most horrifying man change a younglings nappy, never had he stooped so low as to do that, especially one that was an enemy.
"The child won't stop cryings sir unless he's changed." Mimsi said matter of factly.
With a look of disgust Voldemort transfigured a blanket into a nappy. He reached into the crib and picked the little monster up. He put him on the floor and for the first time in his life the Dark Lord changed a baby's nappy. He put little Harry back into the crib who fell asleep immediately after being changed.
"There and I don't want to hear another peep from you until morning." Voldemort said as he went to bed.
A/N: There you all go, another chapter a little bit late, but at least its something, hope you like it, it should pick up soon, this time please review. And thanks to those who did, I need something to help encourage me to write. Pretty Please. No promisesabout when the next update will be, but it will come.
Love to all,
Hedwig11445