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Severus was about to summon a house elf to his side to order lunch, when there was a knock on the door of his office. It was a sunny day, and he'd been hoping to drag Voldemort out of his darkened library or sitting room for a nice fly, or walk, out in the sun, straight after lunch. He sighed, knowing he shouldn't have expected something as lovely as that to go as planned. "Enter."
The door opened, and Amycus Carrow came in, followed by Longbottom, the Creevey brothers, Lovegood and Macmillan. Severus narrowed his eyes. "What is this, Amycus, you couldn't handle them all that once?" he asked coldly, standing up and walking around the desk.
"'eadmaster," Amycus began. "The kids wanta speak t'ya, Sir-"
"Do you really think I have time for this?" Severus snapped, waving the stupid man away. "Leave. I shall send these to you when we have finished speaking." Amycus fled from the room hastily. He'd worked out how close Snape was to the Dark Lord of his own accord, and didn't want to push anything in the direction of him being punished. Severus surveyed the group coldly. "So?"
"Professor Snape, we were just wondering what happened to Ginny Weasley..." Longbottom said, and Severus couldn't help but notice the Gryfindor bravery finally making an appearance in the boy.
"I do not believe that has anything to do with you, if Miss Weasley wished to inform you where she has gone, she would have written," Severus responded, making sure he kept cool. He certainly didn't want the kids to know that there was something to worry about. "It is a deeply personal matter which has nothing to do with you whatsoever." He stood up, and walked around the desk once more. "I suggest you stop getting involved in matters that do not concern you, for your own safety. Now get out. You are expected in Professor Carrow's office." His voice had remained indefinately calm, his eyes staring into Longbottom's, as if asking him to question his authority. He was surprised when the five of them turned and left without so much as a comment, but he could see the Creevey boys shaking with fear.
Severus smirked. He clearly wasn't loosing his touch, after all.
Forgetting lunch, he dove out of the window of his office, soaring speedily towards the gap in the wards. Once outside, he disapparated, and appeared at the bottom of Voldemort's lawn. Humming to himself, he walked speedily up the slope, casually opened the front door, and mounted the stairs, ignoring anyone in his path. Of course, they all jumped from his path anyway, as Headmaster of Hogwarts because the Dark Lord wanted him to be, Severus had more power than the average Death Eater. He reached Voldemort's rooms, and entered, not knocking, and ignoring the scandalized glances from people who had been hovering outside the Privy chamber in hopes to speak with the Dark Lord. Really, Voldemort did like to keep his followers waiting around.
From the sitting room, he could hear raised voices. As Severus entered, he saw Voldemort, Lucius and Bellatrix. The woman's face was flushed in anger, and Lucius didn't look so pleased himself, the usual calm façade broken, his hair slightly dishevelled. Voldemort was the only vaguely calm looking one. The pair silenced as Severus entered.
"Hello..." he said, feeling awkward suddenly, as three faced turned to look at him.
"Bellatrix and Lucius were just debating over who should be Head of the Control of Magical and Muggle Objects," Voldemort said, and Severus couldn't miss the smirk on his lips. "They've been at it for too long now," the Dark Lord continued, mentally. "I'm considering murder."
"Ahh, Bellatrix, please," Severus replied, a smirk on his features as he sat down. "I see," he said aloud. "And have we reached an agreement?"
"Not yet," Voldemort responded. Their short conversation seemed to have calmed Lucius and Bellatrix down to a more agreeable mood - Lucius sat down next to Severus, and Bellatrix slowly lowered herself into the seat opposite them, next to Voldemort.
"Personally, I agree with Lucius."
"You haven't even heard what they both think yet." Voldemort looked over to his lover, smiling slightly.
"I still agree with Lucius."
Voldemort rolled his eyes, and spoke aloud. "I will make the decision later, but for now I would very much enjoy to be left alone with my fiancée for lunch." That was the first time that Voldemort had used the word fiancée in Severus's presence about himself, and the man felt a strong swelling in his heart. That felt wonderful. "With a shag for desert."
Severus smirked, watching as Bellatrix and Lucius left. "If you insist," he replied aloud.
"Shut up," Voldemort snapped at him, standing up. He reached behind the seat, and pulled out a wicker basket. "Picnic?"
Severus laughed. "Oh my god, I've turned the Dark Lord soft," he said.
Voldemort shot him a look of contempt. "It's called romance," he hissed. Smirking back, Voldemort pushed the basket into Severus's chest. "You can carry, my little submissive," he said, his tone now very amused.
"Git." Severus walked towards the wide open window, and sat on the outside of the ledge, the basket balanced on his knees. Voldemort sat next to him.
"Follow me."
The Dark Lord took off, flying speedily away from his house, Severus tailing him close behind. They flew over grass and trees before the Dark Lord began to descend. All Severus could see was glassy water, reflecting the perfect blue sky and the bright sun in it. There was a bank to the left, with a single tree on it, surrounded by the clear water. That was where Voldemort was heading. As they landed, Severus made the connection again. "Are you sure this is you?"
Voldemort glared at him as Severus landed just behind him. "Severus, I would be more than happy to drown you right now," he said, sitting down, leading against the tree. "Open the basket. There's some wine in there."
Severus looked inside. Voldemort's idea of some wine was laughable, there were six unopened bottles in there, along with two glasses, plates, knives, forks, spoons, and a whole variety of different breads, cheeses, meats, pickles and sauces. Severus was glad he was hungry, there was enough there to feed the five thousand, and more. "Wow," he said, smiling, and pulling out the first bottle. "Is it your intention to get me drunk?" Severus sat down opposite Voldemort, the basket in between them.
"Perhaps," Voldemort replied, with a sultry smile. He started to fill up his plate as Severus poured them both wine. "I feel so overworked, Severus. I thought you might be feeling the pressures of war a bit too."
"I think you've got it worse," Severus reassured him, now taking some food for himself. The bread smelt delicious.
"How are things at Hogwarts?" Voldemort asked, taking a sip of his wine, and sitting back leisurely.
"Boring," Severus replied, tucking into his meal. "Though I did get a visit from some of Ginny's friends today, asking where she was. I sent them to Amycus."
"I trust you are satisfied with their work?"
Severus laughed. "You know the Carrow's. Alecto is a version of Bellatrix."
"Less beautiful, less worthy, less intelligent..."
"Not sure about intelligent," Severus murmured, drinking his wine.
"Hush," Voldemort responded, though Severus could see he was smiling slightly, and there were small waves of amusement radiating off of him through the bond. "You are certainly enjoying our new ways of communication," Voldemort added, pouring himself some more wine. "Why are you sitting over there? Come here." Severus pushed his plate forwards, and slowly crawled towards his lover, sitting close to him. "Are you happy?" the Dark Lord asked suddenly, setting his glass down on the grass with a thump.
"Why shouldn't I be?" Severus replied, resting his head on Voldemort's shoulder.
"Sometimes I just worry that... Well, that I don't do enough for you..." For the first time, Voldemort sounded worried that he wasn't doing enough for someone. He'd admitted it. Severus knew it was the first time he'd ever done such a thing, and he felt his heart swelling once more as he turned his head slightly, and kissed the Dark Lord on his jaw bone.
"I would never ask for anything better than this. There is nothing better than this, for me. Just being with you is enough to make me happy. I see you everyday... I honestly could ask for nothing more," Severus said, and he opened his mind, and let his feelings pour towards Voldemort's mind, making sure his lover knew it was the honest truth. That was what a relationship needed, truth. At all times. "How about you?"
Voldemort put his arm around Severus's waist, drawing him inwards. "You are my voice of reason. You are my best friend... You're my purpose. You make me want to keep going when things get hard." Once more, there was a tone in Voldemort's voice that he had never heard before. It was love, that was for certain.
"You struggle to understand how you feel," Severus murmured, in a low voice.
"Yes. I've never felt like this for anyone else. I know for certain I never will." The tone had continued, and Severus felt suddenly very strange with the situation, though he knew it was new to both of them, and that Voldemort was probably feeling worse about it then he was. "You're special, Severus."
Severus looked up, staring into his lover's eyes. "I hope so." With a contented smile, Severus leant forward and kissed Voldemort hard on the lips. Through the kiss, he could feel waves of amusement coming from his fiancée.
"Not trying to get me in the mood, I hope."
Severus didn't reply for a moment, he merely pushed Voldemort sideways, straddling his waist and still kissing passionately. "Yes." Severus felt an upwards curve of Voldemort's lips under his own. "This situation is exceptionally romantic."
"You mean the world to me. I know I've found in you my endless love, Severus Snape."
Voldemort's voice in Severus's head and his lips against Severus's own was enough to send him crazy. Their bodies seemed to melt together, effortlessly moving to compliment each other at exactly the same time. Severus was in his own heaven, and he knew Voldemort was in his own version of the same. "We'll be bonded soon."
"Do you think we'll make it?"
"We'll make it. If it looks for certain that we won't make it, then I will abandon. We can live quietly together, if it has to be that way."
"That is not a choice I'd prefer, you know."
"I know, Sev... But the human race has always lived to survive. It is what we do."
"The rest of my life is complete, as long as I have you."
Voldemort pushed up on Severus, rolling them over so that he was on top. Voldemort kissed down Severus's hair, past his ear, licking the shell, continuing down the Headmaster's neck, burrowing into his robes to reach his lightly muscled chest. Slowly, hands ran up Severus's legs, pushing his robes up around his waist, and then starting to unbutton them. Their eyes met, and Severus pulled his lovers head down towards his, kissing hard and with need.
"Never doubt my love."
Severus moaned as an answer, breaking the kiss and unbuttoning Voldemort's robes hastily, unable to help himself. He pushed them from the Dark Lord's shoulders, leaving his bare chested, his black trousers the only thing remaining.
"Never doubt mine."
Voldemort had finally finished with Severus's buttons, and was now tugging the material from his lovers shoulders with nimble fingers. Their breath was tickling each others skin, they were so close. Severus was filled with so much desire, even mind connecting was a difficult task. He was breathing hard, the contact he had with Voldemort never enough, he needed more cool skin against his own, soft and thin. He could see blue veins and red arteries below it, the effect was beautiful. Even in his serpentine state, Severus found his lover gorgeous. But looks had never mattered to either in their relationship.
x------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x
They lay together some time later, covered in Voldemort's robe. The sun was setting, casting a stunning orange glow over the lake around them. Voldemort's arms were tight around Severus's body, he was never letting go. Severus's lips were playing on Voldemort's neck, tasting the sweat their love-making had caused.
"My new bed arrived today," Severus said softly, breaking the silence, and bringing them back to reality.
Voldemort nodded. "We can try that out tomorrow night," he replied, one hand now stroking up and down Severus's arm. Severus shifted uncomfortably in Voldemort's arms.
"You've bruised my ass, I swear."
"I had to spank you."
There was silence for a moment longer, though both men were smiling.
"I'll enjoy watching you wince when you sit down, my little submissive," Voldemort added on.
"You didn't have to spank me."
"You said some rude things, Severus."
"I wouldn't have said them, if you hadn't said rude things first."
"I'm your Master." With a smirk, Voldemort ran his fingers over his name on Severus's forearm.
"You removed the Dark Mark!" Severus said, indignantly.
"Yes, and now you're my submissive."
"Oh." Severus closed his eyes, thinking for a moment. "We're not bonded yet."
"Don't remind me," Voldemort groaned, closing his eyes too.
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Severus was just about to help himself to strawberry cheesecake in the Great Hall at dinner time, when he felt his mind being pressed against.
"I'm here, Sevvy, ready to try out the new bed!"
Severus jumped, and looked around him. No one looked up. He swallowed lightly. "You'll have to wait."
"Why?"
"There's strawberry cheesecake tonight."
There was a noticeable pause, and then waves of amusement. "Get your ass up here right now, Severus Snape, before I come down there and get you."
Severus had no doubt that Voldemort would come down and get him, if he was in the mood enough. He sighed to himself, and then stood up, and headed towards the door. "Alright, I'm coming... Just have to ruin everything, don't you..." He opened the door, and entered his rooms.
"Quite right," Voldemort called lazily from the bed, as his lover entered the room. Severus surveyed him, with a smile.
"You like the bed?"
"Yes." It was a typically Slytherin bed, black, four poster, and embroidered along the top was the Slytherin crest. The sheets were black satin, embroidered with elaborate patterns, stitched in silver and green. "All you need to do now is decorate the rest of the room to my liking."
Severus smirked. "To my liking, you mean. It is my room, after all."
"For now," Voldemort murmured, with a smile in return. "You know. It'll be mine once I become Headmaster."
"Tossing me aside..." Severus muttered.
"You wouldn't be so lucky," Voldemort responded, now laughing. "Come here."
"I'm starting to wish I'd stayed for the cheesecake..."
"You're so antagonistic. You should be happy, you're about to get lots of sex."
"S'pose..." Severus sighed, and sat on the bed. "I can't wait until you are Headmaster, you know."
"You'll be Deputy."
"'Consort'," Severus said, nodding.
"Consort doesn't necessarily make you Deputy, I have come to realise," Voldemort replied, sitting up and kicking off his shoes.
"Indeed." Severus raised an eyebrow at Voldemort as he walked towards his lover, and sat down next to him.
"If you do not wish to be my Deputy, then Lucius or-"
"No, I'll do it," Severus said hastily, before the B word could be mentioned. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to."
"Thank god for that," Voldemort muttered, drawing Severus closer. "Now. New bed needs a test. It's calling for it."
Severus laughed. "You're hearing things, Master."
"Tell me something, Severus." Voldemort ran his fingers through Severus's silky hair. "Why will you never call me that in public, but always in private?"
"You're only my Master in private," Severus responded lightly. "And I like the power rush I get from it, you know, able to be exceptionally disrespectful towards you and receive no reprimand."
"I'll whip your ass in public."
"No you won't," Severus responded. "You won't ever debase me in public again."
Voldemort looked at his lover, and knew that he wasn't joking. "I won't," he replied. "I respect you too much."
"Mm, you are fantastic..."
And Voldemort and Severus began kissing and undressing, and the new bed proved to be surpassing enough for their high standards.
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The Reformed Magical Decree of Wizarding Britain
The Minister for Magic and Headmaster Of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Lord Voldemort
And His Deputy
Severus Snape
Head of Magical Law Enforcement and Magical Accidents and Catastrophes
Memphis Yaxley
With:
The Head of Azkaban Prison, Interrogation of Suspects and the Wizengamot
Lucius Malfoy
Head of Mudblood and Muggle Prevention
Bellatrix Lestrange
With:
The Head of the Muggle Born Registration Committee
Dolores Umbridge
Head of the New Auror Department
Rodolphus Lestrange
Head of International Magical Cooperation
Rabastan Lestrange
Head of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
Walden MacNair
Head of the Control of Magical and Muggle Objects
Antonin Dolohov
Head of Magical Transportation
Cedar Travers
Head of the Departments of Mysteries
Augustus Rookwood
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry
Assistant Headmaster and Dark Arts Professor
Professor Amycus Carrow
Assistant Headmistress and Muggle Studies Professor
Professor Alecto Carrow
Transfiguration
Professor Denver Jugson
Charms
Professor Ransom Mulciber
Potions
Professor Aizel Surr
Herbology
Professor Bronte Mackgil
Ancient Runes
Professor Nott
Magical Creatures
Arithmancy
Caretaker
Argus Filch
"Umbridge?" Severus asked incredulously, turning to face Voldemort. Behind the Dark Lord stood a crowd of Death Eaters, all anxious to see the list. They looked outraged at Severus questioned Voldemort, but no one spoke.
"I think you would be surprised," the Dark Lord said quietly, his eyes fixed only upon Severus, as if no one else in the room mattered.
"You haven't mentioned my proper title."
"Then they will know we're sleeping together. Do you really want that?"
"I expect they've already guessed, Voldemort."
Voldemort smirked, winked, and then turned back to the others. "This list is highly confidential." Severus could hear in the tone of his voice that his smirk had disappeared. Voldemort always managed to speak with the air of being very annoyed and angry, cold and uncaring. Severus certainly loved the other version he knew of Voldemort much better. "Every member on the list will have a place of exceptional power in the new Wizarding World, should we succeed. I shall be meeting with each Head of Department to discuss my plans for their particular division." Voldemort turned to look back to Severus, and picked up the list from his hands. "What do you want to do tonight?"
"Get drunk and have sex. Maybe invite Lucius."
Voldemort handed the list to Lucius.
"I'm assuming you mean for the drinking bit, not the sex?"
"Obviously. And do not ask Bellatrix."
"She's good in bed, you know."
"Shut up."
"You're just afraid of getting drunk and inviting her to join us."
"Shut up!"
Glaring, Severus walked towards Lucius, and stood next to him. As Voldemort continued talking, Severus leant in to Lucius and whispered in his ear. "Drinks tonight?"
"I was hoping you would ask. Any special occasion?" Lucius replied, his eyes still fixed on Voldemort.
"Not particularly." The group around them had dispatched, and Severus gestured to Voldemort. "I suppose we have a couple of things to tell you."
"I'll bring some wine. I shall see you around eight." Lucius bowed to Voldemort, and turned on his heel, following the others out of the door.
"It is half past seven now... Why is he returning to his home for half an hour?" Voldemort connected them.
"It does mean we get half an hour to remove any pent up sexual tension."
Voldemort laughed, shoving Severus up the stairs. "It'll have to be quick, you know. You'll have to get undressed as we go up the stairs."
"Shut up! People will hear!" Severus glanced over his shoulder, thankful no Death Eater was around.
"It's my house."
"Ours." Severus paused. "You do not make sense, my love."
"Why so?" Voldemort asked, frowning at his lover as they entered the sitting room.
"You want to keep this secret for the time being, and yet you talk quite plainly of it when we are in public together," Severus responded.
"No one has ever heard me say it," Voldemort replied as they sat down next to each other on the sofa. Severus poured drinks.
"I am certain Yaxley knows."
Voldemort smirked. "That was your doing, if you will recall the day which I nearly died in..."
Severus ignored the Dark Lord's exaggeration, though did think to himself how close it came to not being an exaggeration one little bit... "We are constantly together. Even if they are not aware of the full extent, every Death Eater knows that I sleep in your rooms." Severus took a sip of his drink, and sat back, leaning against his lover, relaxing fully. "And that your absences from here mean you are at Hogwarts with me."
"They'll know for certain soon enough." Voldemort kissed the top of Severus's head, gently. "Besides, you are hardly respectful to me in public."
"I'll be worse, once this is official. Only then," Severus continued. "I will be kissing and touching you in public, whenever I please."
"In public you will be my submissive," Voldemort responded, resting his cheek on top of Severus's head.
"Keep dreaming."
Voldemort sat back, sighing, as the door behind them opened. "Being rude again, Severus?" came Lucius's voice from behind them. Severus turned to look, but Voldemort didn't bother.
"Of course he is, Lucius, he can not help it," the Dark Lord said quietly. "Come and sit."
"Tell me you love me."
As Lucius sat down, Voldemort tilted his head to look at his lover. "I love you." He smiled briefly.
"I brought wine from my great-grandfathers time," Lucius spoke, unaware of any connection. "No occasion has seemed good enough for an awfully long time, and I got impatient." He stood up, and took three wine glasses from the cupboard, pouring three glasses of the wine and handing them out. He raised his own in a toast. "To the New Magical Decree," he said, a smirk present on his features.
Severus and Voldemort echoed, each drinking deeply from the glasses.
"Worth the wait?" Severus asked Lucius. The Malfoy closed his eyes for a moment.
"Oh yes... This sort of thing makes sex seem pointless..."
"I'm not too sure about that," Voldemort muttered, drinking some more down.
"Do you know," Severus began, glancing to Voldemort for a split second. So now he wanted sex? "I have been Headmaster for almost three months now. It's almost Christmas again."
"Is there going to be anything special planned for Christmas, my Lord?" Lucius asked, a manic grin on his lips. Severus rolled his eyes.
"Yes, sex all day long!" Severus said quickly, looking to his lover with a smile. "Sorry, you're too busy for anything else, Master."
Voldemort laughed. "You may do whatever you wish, Lucius, but I am afraid I cannot turn that offer down."
"The Death Eaters may notice if you do not make an appearance on Christmas day, you know," Lucius said quietly.
"The Death Eaters will certainly work this out before we announce it," Severus said. "If they have not already."
"Paranoid, Severus," Voldemort said, laughing coolly.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with your fiancée, Severus," Lucius chided. "The Death Eaters merely think that you spend your spare time planning with the Dark Lord, and that you are already taking on the role as the Deputy."
Severus shrugged. "Alright. But I still don't think that there will be many shocked faces when my other title is announced."
"Why should it matter?" Voldemort said softly, eyes narrowed at Severus.
Severus shrugged, and sat back against Voldemort, drinking some more wine. "I suppose we've kept it a secret for so long, it is a difficult habit to get out of."
"Honestly, Severus, there is nothing to worry about. I know this situation needs to be a secret from the rest of the world for now, but I think that the Inner Circle at least can be trusted with it," Lucius continued, swirling his wine around the glass thoughtfully. He took a slow sip, and sat back, clearly enjoying the smooth, fruity taste. "May I ask who will be your witness for the ceremony?"
"Well, it is a fairly intimate ceremony, so someone we both feel comfortable with. It's something we need to discuss-" Voldemort beckoned to Severus with one hand. "Though I suspect you will play some part in it, Lucius."
Severus nodded in agreement. "I certainly wouldn't want anyone else there as our witness," he said softly.
"All you'll have to do it witness our signatures, and sign yourself, and also sign to say that you watched the ceremony performed. It is not a huge role, but an important one nonetheless."
Lucius smiled. "I would be delighted, naturally. Severus has always been like my brother to me. I am glad for him to finally be getting married, in effect, to someone he cares deeply for."
"And I am certainly glad to be that man," Voldemort said, his breath tickling Severus's ear as he spoke. The Headmaster smiled at his lover, hardly able to believe still that it was finally going to happen for definite.
x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x
The Dark Lord, heavy hood covering his face, his red eyes glowing brightly from underneath it, walked alongside Severus Snape, towards Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley. It certainly was a typically dark sided day, it was dark, raining, windy and freezing cold. Severus was dressed in very thick robes, and his fur lined cloak. They were receiving several frightened glances, people were skittering out of their way in an effort to stay alive. Not that there were going to be any murders on Knockturn Alley from the pair today.
"You've no idea how much I wish you'd taken my idea of the Polyjuice Potion up."
Voldemort inclined his head towards Severus, and for a moment the Headmaster could see his smirking mouth clearly. "What, and ruin my fun?"
"Certainly not mine."
"If you want me to pay for the Potion ingredients, shut up."
"Don't funds become joint very soon?"
"No. I get it all, yours included."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Over my dead body," he muttered.
"I wouldn't say that..." Voldemort warned, cool laughter reaching Severus's ears. "The bond hears everything, and it might think that you mean it." They reached the shop, and Severus dutifully opened the door for his lover, glowering slightly, and followed him through.
There was a shuffling sound from behind the till desk as the bell above the front door jingled. Severus shuddered at the distastefulness of it. The sound grew louder, and Borgin appeared, standing up hurriedly. He recognised Severus instantly.
"Ah, Professor Snape!" he cried. "What can I do for you today? Ingredients – or something spec-" He stopped talking, instantly, as Voldemort reached up and pushed his hood backwards. Borgin stumbled backwards, his mouth forming a rounded 'O'.
"Ingredients, the usual, please," Severus spoke, ignoring the mains trail off. "Oh!" Severus continued, as if he'd quite forgotten the man stood next to him was the most feared in the entire Wizarding World for centuries. "The Dark Lord." A smirk forming his lips, he beckoned carelessly to his lover, and Voldemort stared around him.
"O... Of course... M'Lord..." Borgin walked around the counter, and bowed so far his nose was almost touching his knees. "It is an honour... How can I serve you..."
"You can serve Snape, I am merely paying," Voldemort snapped icily, staring now right at Borgin. The man twitched involuntarily, and for a moment Severus was reminded of Wormtail.
"Yes... M'Lord..." Borgin mumbled, bowing repeatedly now.
Severus watched incredulously for a moment, before he moved quickly towards Borgin. "Come, Mr Borgin, we don't have all day."
Borgin grumpily looked up at Severus. "Right you are, Professor," he mumbled. "What'll it be?"
"I'll take a bag full of those mummy fingers, I think..." Severus rummaged around in his pocket for a moment as Borgin bent down behind the desk.
"Mummy fingers?"
Severus smirked, and pulled a folded piece of parchment. "Tacky name, I know. They are just bones with mummification cloth wrapped around them, wonderful for your strengthen potion."
"I suddenly don't want that stuff anymore."
Severus continued to smirk as he read out his list of ingredients to Borgin, who hastily stuffed the smaller, paper bags into a large bag, ready for Severus to shrink, and pocket for the time being. When they were finished, Borgin heaved a sigh of relief and began to add up the price. After he checked, and then double checked, he announced that it had come to seventy seven galleons, six sickles and two knuts, complete with ten percent discount.
"Your prices have increased since my time, I see," Voldemort hissed, slamming the money onto the counter with a loud thud.
Borgin winced, visibly. "The trade got tough a few years back," he said, defensibly, and to Severus it was clear that he was referring to Voldemort's demise. The audacity of the man was amazing, Severus could hardly believe it, and Voldemort clearly felt the same as waves of shock emitted through the bond.
"Well, things are different now," Severus snapped, drumming his fingers angrily on the counter. "I expect you to keep a good stock of these ingredients, Borgin, I shall certainly be needing more in the future."
"Of course," Borgin bowed once more. "Thank you for your business M'Lord, Professor." With that he walked into the back room, muttering to himself.
Voldemort pulled up his hood once more to mask his face, but Severus could tell his eyes were still narrowed angrily at the spot where he'd last seen Borgin standing. "If he wasn't such a damned good source, I would love to kill him."
Severus smiled as they left the shop. The wind resumed it's blowing, making his robes flare out, giving him the illusion of being a bat. Beside him, Severus felt Voldemort's arm brush against his as he cast a spell to keep his hood from flying off. "I know you would. But then, when isn't that the case with you?"
They began walking back up the highstreet, people still watching them with a certain amount of caution. A couple of people even went as far as to bow, but Voldemort continued to walk, ignoring all attention. For a moment, Severus wondered how he managed his air of cool indifference, and was about to question it when Voldemort's thoughts filled his mind. "Silence yourself, if that is the case then you should tread lightly."
A smirk crossed Severus's features. "I do."
"Whatever you say, Severus. And now, lets go home and start brewing."
"No. To start off with, only I shall be brewing, you'll be nowhere near the cauldron." Severus knew how dangerous that could be, the Dark Lord liked fire a little too much for his own good. As they conversed, Severus looked around him once more, his eyes narrowed. He noticed one of the now seventh year Slytherin's watching him with cool interest from a doorway of a shop, and the boy nodded his head respectfully towards his new Headmaster. Severus smiled, and nodded in return. The boy looked to his Professor's companion, and his eyes widened as he finally realised the only person it could be.
"Who is that?"
"One of my more favoured students." They continued, and Severus could still feel the boy watching him from the distance.
"Slytherin?"
"Of course."
"Perhaps you could start recruiting some more seventh years. Our new young generation, if you like. Draco is already apart of it." Severus turned to look at Voldemort for a moment, frowning slightly. The Dark Lord looked back, and Severus could see the glowing red eyes through the darkness of the hood. His stomach back flipped several times, and then he smiled.
"Like I was."
"Like you were... Except then, I didn't have such a wonderful lover."
Severus chuckled. "Indeed you did not." Voldemort's eyes were fixed upon him once more as they continued to walk. Severus smiled to himself for a moment, looking at the floor as he walked.
"What?"
"Nothing. You just make me blush when you look at me like that." Severus looked up, his gaze now defiantly looking into Voldemort's own. There was a dark chuckle from the hood, and for a moment Severus wanted to rip the hood from his head and kiss him for a long while.
"Well, you are the woman of of our relationship."
"You need to be quiet now."
Voldemort continued to laugh, and Severus continued to pull him onwards, now very anxious to get home and have a very early night.