Sick

Part Two — 1977

We move back in time now, just for a few chapters, to establish what has happened in Severus' past. This is when the story starts to get more violent and slightly more distressing — but I promise that we will return to the present day when fixing Severus can begin. Until then, this story is rated for violence and torture and metaphoric imagery…you have been warned. ~ SS19

Chapter Six:

"You are hungry for blood. I can smell that. You desire revenge against someone who has treated you unfairly — not just unfairly — no, it is more than than that. He has crossed boundaries, has he not? Stepped over the line? I can see that in your eyes, the pure hatred that flows through your veins, and it intrigues me, for you can do much with anger. Dark Magic, of course, spurns from rage. Tell me, who is he? The person who has, and do not deny it, pushed you here? To me?"

A long pause, as if the other, the subservient, was deciding how to answer.

"Albus Dumbledore." He replied, and the very syllables seemed poisonous to his mouth, the way he tried to spit them from his very being.

"How intriguing. Most say a parent, or a peer. But for you to say him…" Lord Voldemort rose from his throne and walked around Severus Snape, surveying him, judging him, appraising him. He examined the thin figure, the slightly too tight robes, the dark hair, feeling his magical essence, that seemed to be fuelled with only the emotions that resulted from disgust. And fear. "What did he do? What could he have possibly done, the oh so saintly Albus Dumbledore?"

Snape did not answer straight away. Either he had not heard Voldemort, was processing his question, was not sure how to answer, or perhaps all three. "He violated certain barriers that stand between a perverted old man and his student."

This truly had caught Voldemort's curiosity, not just the tone of voice, but the very words he had used, "Is this so?" He waited to see if Severus would offer any more on the subject, but he did not seem to be the most talkative of people. Voldemort smiled to himself, coming back to look at Severus' face, "Your talents, you say, lie in Potions and the Dark Arts, is this correct?"

"Yes." Severus replied, his voice much softer now. His expression turned almost distant. "I am attached to those in particular."

"However, I also hear that you are skilled at most wandcraft; transfiguration, charms, defence. You strike me as one who is very intelligent, one who has aspirations for more than just being a servant. Tell me, Severus, why are you really here? Is it to fight for my noble cause? Or is this a thirst for revenge, and nothing more?"

Severus turned his head, and his voice was sharp and acerbic, "And does it matter, if I am here for the cause, or for revenge? Surely, if I am simply willing to do your bidding, that is enough? Because I will do your bidding, as long as you command it."

Voldemort raised his eyebrows, "An intelligent answer. I do wish to know the answer, though. Will you enlighten me, knowing that it does not affect or change my decision in any way?"

Severus' dark eyes met his, "Then I am here for revenge. I will destroy Albus Dumbledore for what he has done to me. I will not stop until he lies in a bloodied mess at my feet, having screamed for and begged for mercy. I will not stop until he is dead, and he has suffered for his crime. Is that what you wished to hear?"

Voldemort nodded, "It is. Unfortunately, my decision will not be one you wish to hear at the present time. You are too young and too volatile for me to Mark you. I am interested and intrigued by your skills, and believe that you would be a worthy addition to my cause. I wish to place you in someone's care until you graduate Hogwarts next month. You know him, I believe? Lucius Malfoy? He will be able to…tutor you in the ways of a Death-Eater, until you are ready."

"You are hungry for blood. I can smell that." He was sat in his throne once more, eyes fixed on the group in front of him. "He is dangerous. I can imagine he will be…impetuous and spontaneous when you place him under pressure. I am sure he will provide very good sport for you, so I will relinquish him into your…possession…until he graduates from Hogwarts next month. When that happens, he becomes mine, and I shall Mark him when I see fit." He saw the looks of gratitude on his follower's faces, and allowed himself the smallest of smiles. "I believe he will test you beyond anything you imagine him capable of. There is something lurking, there, deep in his soul. Something dangerous. Something dark. A disease, of some kind." He contemplated this for a long moment, before raising his head. "Have your wicked way with him, as you have so begged me for. I understand that you have been starved of blood and other such things — and I do not intend for you to suffer. He is yours to do with as you so wish." That was his dismissal, but he called one of them back. "Lucius. A moment."

Lucius bowed before his Master.

"Do be careful. I do not wish anyone to suspect, at that school. Anything you do to him must remain as invisible as possible — or at least explainable. Although, based on what he has told me — I doubt anyone would notice, or perhaps even care. Also. I want some pieces to play with, so to speak. Do not destroy him completely. Just…see how far you can push him. I will be very interested to hear your results."

"Of course, my Lord."

He let Lucius go, and folded his arms into his cloak. He was very interested indeed.