-Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter/all other titles EXCEPT Blossom (well, I don't own her, but you get the point). All other titles are owned by J.K. Rowling and her companies, etc.

- R & R & ENJOY!

Chapter Nine…Revelations

The room was entirely dark, except for a few candles lit here and there. Outside the wind howled, and a light snowfall began to cover the ground in a white blanket. It seemed, however, that the cold of winter could not match the frigidness of the room. Within it were two men, one sitting on an elaborate throne, while the other knelt shivering before him. All was silent with the exception of occasional coughing from the latter individual; his journey in the harsh weather had been long and tiresome. Finally, the man on the throne spoke.

"You come before me now, after being banished from Hogwarts. Tell me, were you at least successful in your mission?"

"It wasn't my mission. The Imperius Curse is very persuading…"

"True," the man on the throne hissed, "Yet you still haven't answered my question." The kneeling man hesitated. He had considered for hours what he would say when they met, but now that the moment had arrived, he found that his tongue was tied. He sighed, knowing the truth would come out of him no matter what. It might as well be done voluntarily.

"No, I wasn't," he said quickly, averting his gaze, "I got Hermione alone, but was not able to cast the Imperius Curse on her." Agonizingly long silence followed, and Snape finally looked up into the deathly calm eyes of Voldemort.

"And why were you not able to complete your task?" Voldemort asked softly, his voice remaining eerily composed.

"W-Well…while I was 'distracting' her—by orders of the curse--," Snape glared slightly at Voldemort, "It seems that Draco Malfoy walked in. I told him to leave but-"

"Draco?" Voldemort interrupted, considering the name with surprise. "He stopped you?"

"Yes. I would have stopped myself too, if I wasn't under the damned curse! Know this—I did everything against my will!" Snape spat the words out bitterly.

The pain came upon him delicately at first, hovering above his skin, and then plunging to his core, interweaving and causing Snape to convulse violently. The word "crucio" had been spoken so suddenly that he didn't have any time to prepare for the intolerable pain. As quickly as the pain came, it vanished, leaving Snape to tremble on the ground. Voldemort stood and knelt before him.

"You should feel honored that I gave you such a responsibility and welcomed you to become a Death Eater once more. I should have known you gave your loyalty that fool Dumbledore," Voldemort laughed cruelly. "What can he give you? Goodness? A sense of integrity? I offer you power and greatness, and yet you reject them as if they were rotten. Shame, really. You have such potential as a Death Eater." He turned and sat again on his throne, listening to Snape groan in pain.

"Although," he said, smiling," since you do have a certain closeness with Dumbledore (the fool does seem rather fond of you), I'm certain he would welcome you back to Hogwarts after you explain you had a mental breakdown." Voldemort leaned forward. "What do you think of that?"

"I…will…never…willingly do your bidding," he whispered hoarsely. Voldemort sighed impatiently.

"Very well, Severus. If that is your command, then you shall do my bidding against your will." Snape looked up, his eyes widening.

"No…please…not that!" Snape begged. Voldemort simply smirked as he pulled out his wand.

"IMPERIO."

Immediately, the light in Snape's eyes disappeared. He had become a living dummy in the service of Lord Voldemort.

"Leave me," Voldemort said plainly. Snape stood mechanically, bowed, and left the cold room. Voldemort chuckled softly. Although Snape hadn't completed his mission, it seemed he wasn't quite useless…yet. One thing troubled Voldemort, however. The name popped up in his head.

Draco Malfoy.

Was Snape correct in saying that Draco had stopped him? Voldemort simply could not comprehend why he would help a filthy mudblood like Hermione. Perhaps Lucius would know if Draco had been acting strangely lately. A thought passed through Voldemort's mind. What if Draco had feelings for this Muggle? Amused, he pushed it aside.

He never would, and if he did, he would pay dearly for betraying Lord Voldemort.

Xxxxx


Notes: Well, I finally finished this chapter. It had a random twist, but I thought "Why not!" Besides, we all know that deep in our hearts, Snape isn't such a bad guy. A little greasy, yes, but overall pretty swell.

Hopefully the next chapter will be longer. I think we shall return to Draco and Hermione's situation. Maybe some Valentine's Day mayhem? Who knows! I have plenty of time to think of a new chapter plot now that I'm on my two week spring break (woohoo!).

If you have any comments/questions/thoughts/whatever, feel free to review! I'd love to hear what you think!

Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed!

Look for CHAPTER TEN, coming soon!

-Tracy