Chapter 7

A/N This chapter was originally going to be super long but we decided to cut it in half mostly because with band season starting we didn't have time to write it all. But fear not, young grasshoppers, it is coming next Monday. Enjoy!

Christine Dalen: It's nice to know that our story is that powerful. Hearing stuff like that makes us feel like we are actually doing something worthwhile. Oh, and yes I know where to find you. (If anyone doesn't know me that sounds really creepy lol.)

Amar 2: Thanks :). And don't worry, there is always something new coming.

MaryLeboneFirst: Thanks for the favorite! :D

Two weeks later, Severus woke to the pain of the Dark Mark burning hot on his arm. Knowing he would be punished for being late, he got up off his bed, threw on some clean robes he had left on the floor, and disapparated knowing that his Dark Mark would take him to his master.

Much to his surprise, he landed not inside Malfoy Manor, but somewhere where the slight summer breeze could reach him. When he looked around, he found himself in a heavily forested area. In the seconds after he landed, Avery, Rastaban, and Bellatrix also appeared.

"Where's the Dark Lord?" Bellatrix asked, turning her head in what seemed to be a frantic search.

"He's here Bellatrix, don't get all worked up," Severus commented and she turned towards him, her wand raised. Just as he was about to bring up his in defense, a high pitched voice rang in all their ears.

"No, Bellatrix." Voldemort stepped out from behind a large tree with long, droopy branches covered in leaves.

"My Lord?"

"Severus is the reason we are all here tonight." Severus suddenly felt dozens of eyes on him. "Would you please come by me?"

"Of course, my Lord." Everyone watched as he made his way towards his master and ever after he had stopped next to him. For a moment, the only sound was the leaves rustling high in the trees. It seemed as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.

"There has been a new twist to the game," Voldemort started, his followers hanging onto his every words. "While following Albus Dumbledore, Severus overheard a prophecy."

"What kind of prophecy, my Lord?" Rastaban asked, voicing the question that had been on everyone's mind. Voldemort turned to his left and nodded.

"Severus?"

"Someone is coming to destroy our master." A loud gasp from Bellatrix rang through the air and the Death Eaters shared looks of shock and fury.

"We must destroy them!" Lucius Malfoy exclaimed and many echoed him. A slight smirk appeared at the edge of the Dark Lord's mouth.

"That is the plan." The crowd became quiet again, waiting for more. Voldemort's snake eyes grazed over each of his followers before he spoke again.

"The prophecy speaks of a boy, born at the end of July, who will have power I know not," Utter silence sat, as if even the woods were listening. Almost all the Death Eaters could feel chills running down their spine as they waited for him to continue. "After searching, my sources have showed me that two boys have the qualifications." Severus' heart started to beat faster. It couldn't be her son. "Neville Longbottom," It couldn't be her son. "and Harry Potter."

No.

"Let's kill them both, my Lord!" Bellatrix yelled, fury in her eyes. "Let no one question your authority!" Voldemort held up his hand to prevent further outbreaks.

"That won't be necessary. I know whom the prophecy speaks of."

"Who, my Lord?" Severus whispered, not even caring that he wasn't supposed to be talking.

"Harry Potter, son of James and Lily Potter." Anger and excitement flooded into all the Death Eaters eyes. Severus, though, stood still with terror. "No one must kill him but me," Voldemort continued, oblivious to the reactions, "but I need you all find the Potters and bring Harry Potter," he paused and Severus held his breath, "to his death."

In the next few minutes, all of the Death Eaters disapparated, their minds fresh with their task. Severus, however, couldn't leave.

"My Lord?" he asked, approaching the Dark Lord once again.

"Yes?"

"My Lord, I'm not questioning your judgement, but must it be the Potter's son? The Longbottom boy carries the same qualities."

"Not all the same," Voldemort countered. Severus looked at him, confused. "Neville Longbottom is a pureblood. Harry, is a halfblood."

"But why a halfblood? Wouldn't the pure blooded boy be stronger with the pure magical core?" Even though he didn't believe that, he was desperate for a way out.

"No, Severus. I'm a halfblood, so it's only fitting that a halfblood would rise to try and destroy me." When he didn't respond, Voldemort continued. "Is there some reason you don't want Harry to be the one I kill?"

"Lily." Understanding washed into his master's eyes.

"Oh, yes, the Evans' girl. The mudblood. You had a thing for her back when you were still in school, didn't you?" Severus' blood boiled at the casual insults thrown at her.

"Please don't hurt her, I'm begging you!" Severus pleaded, on the verge of hysteria now. Voldemort sighed and turned away from Severus.
"There can be no other way." Severus' breath caught in his throat. "Harry Potter must die." He stood in utter shock as he watched Voldemort walk away. No. This couldn't be happening. He had to do something, he had to tell someone, he had to help.

Lily. He had to tell her, and fast.

Without a second thought, he disapparated to Hogsmade. He sprinted down the street, not even caring about the looks he was getting. "Lily!" he screamed. "Lily!" Another minute of frantic search showed she was nowhere in the town so he disapparated to the Hog's Head. Nothing. "God damnit, Lily!" he whispered and disapparated straight to the Leaky Cauldron.

He entered the pub and frantically searched for a glimpse of red hair among the crowded bar. His heart leapt for a second until he realized the red haired woman was not Lily and was instead that Margret Weasley, or was it Molly? He did not dwell long on the details if the woman who was not Lily.

Severus then turned to the tables and continued his search. He then spotted her, sitting in a way back corner. He sighed in relief and thanked his lucky stars he had found her. At that moment however she stood up and began briskly walking to and out the door. Severus followed her at a half run just trying to keep up.

"Lily!" He shouted but the wind was strong and prevented his cry from entering her ears, "Lily!" He tried again and she stopped and turned around.

"Sev?" She asked, slightly confused.

"Lily, we need to talk." His voice sounded serious and grave and he could see her becoming hesitant at the encounter.

"What's going on Sev?" She asked, concerned.

"I don't know where to start." Severus said, how was he supposed to explain how much danger she was in?

"I don't have a lot of time I have to get back to Harry."

"He's in trouble!"

"What? What do you mean?"

"I mean that he is in trouble and so are you I tried pleading with him I did but he refused to spare you-"

"Him? Who is 'him', Sev? What the hell is going on?" She was becoming angry about her confusion and his lack of specifics. Her arms were crossed tight around her body and her hair was being blown every which way like fire and her eyes were ignited with flame and fury. Severus decided to just come out and say it.

"The Dark Lord, Lily. He is after your son."