Chapter 13-

Severus was instantly on his feet. Whether he agreed with Albus or not, there was no way that he wasn't answering this summons. He hated to disappoint his daughter, but it was more important than ever to make sure they knew what Voldemort was up to.

"Capricia, my love," he said, gently shaking her. "Come on, love, wake up."

The naked woman roused, looking up at him with heavy eyes. "What's wrong, caro?" She asked, sitting up.

"I'm going to the Dark Lord." He said, clutching his left forearm. "If I'm not back by nightfall, contact Dumbledore. Can you stay here with the boys? Keep them in their rooms all day." He added sternly.

Not that Capricia was actually listening. "Oh, Severus, no." She protested, grabbing his arm. "We finally have our full family back. Why risk that for this stupid war?"

"I have to, Capricia." He said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I have to; this is what I do. I'll probably be back in a little while, though because it's summer, he may keep me longer. Don't worry about me."

He hurried to get his cloak and mask, stopping in his lab to gather a few things and then left.

***

He Apparated to Riddle Manor, where Voldemort had taken up residence, to find that it was not a full meeting. Only the Inner Circle was there: Macnair, Avery, Nott, Malfoy and the LeStranges. That bastard Pettigrew was there as well, not that he was in the Inner Circle. He was Voldemort's attendant, standing nervously beside the throne the Dark Lord sat on to preside over the others.

Severus approached the snake-like man, bowing low even as he carefully closed his mind. He'd never prostrated himself before the Dark Lord, as some of the others did, which had always garnered a different reaction from the Dark Lord. When he was angry, it usually cost Severus at least a hex. No matter what though, Severus knew the Dark Lord admired his strength, for never giving in to the urge to take the easier path.

Today, he seemed to be in a good mood, smiling down at his Potions Master. "Severus," he greeted, as Severus rose to his full height again. "You're late." He said, voice full of warning.

"Please, forgive me, my Lord." Severus said smoothly. "I was working on a potion. I believe you will find it quite interesting. I know I did." He pulled a vial out of his pocket, offering it to Voldemort. It was a dark red potion that was a very thick liquid. "I have access to several ancient potion books, thanks to the libraries belonging to my family." He said by way of explanation as Voldemort peered closely at the vile. "I have explored them in depth and during the summers I have worked on adapting them. As my Lord knows, many ingredients that were once used have been declared illegal or have disappeared, but with enough experimentation, alternate ingredients can-"

"Yes, yes, Severus. I understand." Voldemort waved the explanation away. Even the Dark Lord, who was a decent enough Potioneer in his day, couldn't take an explanation when Severus Snape got going on about Potions experimentations. No one could, not even he was strong enough to hold up against such an onslaught on meaningless knowledge. "What does it do?" He asked, popping open the cork on the vile to sniff it and see if he could discern any ingredients. There was always the possibility of poison, after all.

"If it pleases my Lord, it is a potion that can be used to strengthen Muggle Repelling wards. It goes beyond those wards. Not only does it force Muggles away, it also curses them with bad luck. 80 times out of 100, if I have read the book correctly, it ends up killing the Muggle. It can be placed around the Manor, my Lord, and you won't have any problems with those outsiders occasionally wandering in. I am not sure what would happen during the Revels, as Muggles then are Apparated directly in, but as the potion will be a closed circle around the manor, I know there will be some effect." Severus explained smirking evilly at the end as was expected of him.

Voldemort smirked. "That's quite interesting." He drawled. "Dare I ask if this means you intend to join us during our next Revel then, Severus? After all, wouldn't you want to watch to see the effects first hand? It would assist you greatly, I believe."

Severus wasn't sure about what to say, as he had a long history of choosing not to participate in Revels. He knew the Dark Lord wanted him to stay, but then again, he always wanted him to stay. The Dark Lord enjoyed seeing his men during the Revels; it allowed him a chance to get to see their darker sides.

Luckily, Lucius stepped up and saved his younger friend. "I think you'll have to excuse him, My Lord." He said, clapping Severus on the shoulder. "I know firsthand that he's quite busy. You see," he added, leaning in conspiratorially towards the Dark Lord, "Narcissa and Capricia were supposed to have a Witch's Night Out last night, after Capricia went to check on her son. However, Capricia never made it back from Snape Manor."

Severus cringed, as the room burst out into friendly jeers. Unbeknownst to Dumbledore, because honestly there was only so much humiliation one man could take, Severus was often subject of such teasing. Unlike at Hogwarts, he knew that these men, unlikely though the idea was, were honestly just teasing him in a friendly manor. Severus had the bad luck to be the youngest member of the Inner Circle and the only one wholly devoted to his wife or ex-wife and they all made sure he never forgot about it.

"Ah," Voldemort himself sounded amused. "Dare we ask if another wedding is on the horizon, Severus?"

"No, my Lord." Severus said, shaking his head. "I don't think I could take marrying her again." He added, causing the others to laugh. "But the boys were causing trouble last night, so I asked her to stop in. I'm sorry," he turned and offered Lucius a smirk. "I didn't know I was keeping her from anything."

Lucius laughed. "You won't hear me complaining. And hell, I didn't hear many complaints from Narcissa either. You'll never know how grateful I am that you take Draco in during the summers. Narcissa won't even sleep in the same room as me when he's home."

"I am always shocked by just how little control my Death Eaters have over their family." Voldemort mused. "Their wives especially."

"If you'll forgive me, My Lord," Rodolphous stepped forward, grabbing his wife lewdly as he did. "I don't think you understand the dynamics of marriage. One has to keep his wife happy or she'll make his life hell."

"They've simply learned the Golden Rule of Marriage, my Lord." Bellatrix said, grinning lasciviously at her husband. "Should you ever marry, you'll understand."

"Hm." Voldemort contemplated his head female Death Eater for a moment before turning back to Severus. "I called you to inquire about the Headmaster. What is he doing? Where is Potter?"

The friendly part of their conversations over, Severus reinforced his mind shields. "The Headmaster is running around, trying to reorganize the Order of the Phoenix. He's contacting the living members of the last Order. Potter and the Mudblood are in the headquarters of the Order." He lied without missing a beat. "The Weasley children have all been distributed off to their graduated siblings. Potter's friend, the youngest male, is in Romania and it's doubtful he'll ever return."

"Excellent." Voldemort said, well satisfied with the answers. "The Ministry is doing our job for us, attacking Dumbledore as they are. Only those completely loyal to Dumbledore will be joining him any time soon. Thankfully, those blasted Weasley's are gone, so perhaps the elder ones will prove to be smarter than their parents and stay out of the country if they know what's good for them."

"The eldest, William, has come back." Severus had to point out. "I don't know if he intends to stay at the Weasley home or not, but he intends to remain here until the siblings he is responsible for finish school. And Percival, the third son, is still here. Charlie won't come back though. He hasn't returned home for any significant period of time since he graduated."

"Hm." Voldemort mused over the situation for awhile. "I will have to think on it. I've heard that young Weasley, Percival that is, is quite ambitious. Perhaps he would be a good recruit. An impeccable family and I've heard he was never one for his parents' politics. As for William, we shall see."

"Was that all you needed me for, my Lord?" Severus asked, trying desperately to hide the hope in his voice. "It's just, I have a potion brewing. I've got to get all the hospital wing's potions finished and delivered to the school before I can begin going out on my hunts."

Voldemort was beginning to look angry, but had relaxed as Severus finished. Severus's hunts were perhaps his true claim to fame within the Death Eaters. Lucius may have vouched for him, back when he was a skinny, seventeen year old obsessed with potions, but as they learned that he periodically began Apparating around the world to some of the most dangerous parts of the world solely to collect potions ingredients, they learned he was anything but weak. He came back from those missions bruised and battered beyond anything Voldemort ever did to them, but always with a satisfied glint in his eyes that worried the other purebloods, as they were used to easy, care-free lives. They knew, without him saying a word that he was a stronger man than most of them and should they ever push the issue, he could likely kill them without a qualm.

Him taking the position he now had at Hogwarts had only solidified his power within the ranks, as he was now directly responsible for a large number of their children.

"Ah, your hunts are upon you." Voldemort said, nodding. "Well, I want you to be well rested before you go try to kill yourself. I can't very well lose my Potions Master, now can I? That is all I needed you for, though I know a few of the others were planning on going out Muggle Baiting."

"My Lord, with all due respect," Severus smiled. "I currently have a warm body in my bed. Not even my hunts are as important now."

"Then, by all means, you may go, Severus." Voldemort said. "You have pleased me- I am beginning to think perhaps I was mistaken about you. You know, Severus, that I have long thought you to be the traitor."

Severus bowed slightly. "Yes, I know. I know what is said about me, I've had rumours swirling about me my whole life. But I've remained loyal to you for all these years, holding my position for your return." He scowled. "I'm sure any of my fellow Death Eater's children can attest that teaching is not my occupation, but I have held it because it was my Lord's order. I am loyal."

Voldemort leaned in slightly, staring intently at Severus. Severus could feel the other man pushing at his shields and carefully kept his memories focused on his lab. "Very well, Severus." Voldemort said after a moment. "But make sure you make time to brew some more of this potion." He said, waving the small vial. "I'm sure your fellow Death Eaters would love to experiment for you."

"Of course, my Lord." Severus bowed deeply again. "Until next time." He waved good-bye to Lucius and quickly Apparated away.

***

Capricia was still in his bedroom when he returned. She had dressed, unfortunately, and was pacing around the bed. "Oh, thank Merlin." She said, rushing over to him when she saw him. She ripped his uniform off and closely checked him over. "You aren't hurt?"

"No," he said, hugging her. "I'm fine. His trust of me is growing."

"Oh, I hate this. Why don't you just come to Italy with me? He'd never dare come there. We wouldn't have to worry about this foolish war. We can take the children and never return." Capricia urged.

"I wouldn't be able to live with myself, Capricia." Severus said, laying his head on top of hers. "I feel responsible for too many things. I have to see this through to its end."

"And you put our children in danger in the meantime." Capricia hissed, pulling away to glare at him.

He pulled her back to him, ignoring her struggles. "Don't be foolish." Severus said. "Our children are in no danger. For one, the Dark Lord doesn't know that Hermione is my daughter. I'm going to have to tell him before Hogwarts begins, but not until then. Because of her affiliation with Potter, I'm afraid she's in danger anyways. I will do all that I can. As for Blaise, well, there is no evidence he is my son and not even the Dark Lord wants to court your anger."

"You can add Zinone to that list." Capricia muttered. "If he hurts her, I'll kill him." She added viciously. "You can tell him that."

Severus grinned. "I might just." He hugged her again and then released her. "I am going to go talk to the boys and then I have to go see Dumbledore. After that, I'll stop by to see Serena. I'll tell her you said hello."

"Her name is Zinone." Capricia said, grinning.

"Ridiculous." Severus scoffed, smirking. "She's a Snape."

"Yes, but more importantly, she's a Zabini." Capricia said smugly.

"Ha." Severus laughed dryly, wrapping his arm around Capricia. "You do realize, of course, that neither of our children is ever going to go by the names we want? Blaise hasn't answered to anything besides 'Blaise' since he was six years old. Hermione is going to be the same."

"I'm not going down without a fight." Capricia said, stubbornly jutting her chin out. Severus smiled, realizing he had seen Hermione doing that very gesture since she was eleven years old.

"Neither am I." He assured her with a smile.

"Alright then, I'd better let you get going." She said, kissing him and stepping away. "I'm going to stay for awhile; I wouldn't want to leave those two alone. They'd burn down your house."

He grinned fondly. "They know better. But I'd love for you to stay if you have nothing better to get back to."

"It can wait." She said. "Do you think I could come with you to go see her?"

"No." He shook his head regretfully. "Capricia, she's in the Order Headquarters. I can't take you there; you aren't part of the Order."

He was trying to be gentle but saw that he'd said the wrong thing. "Honey-"

"She's at the Headquarters?" Capricia said, looking shocked. "Severus, what part of 'I don't want her anywhere near this war' did you not understand?"

"Capricia, be reasonable." He said, rolling his eyes. "Potter is with his godfather. His godfather is an escaped convict. Where did you think they were hiding Black?"

"I don't like this, Severus Snape." She said in a warning tone. He sighed, knowing exactly what she really meant: I want you to change it, now.

"I don't either." He admitted. "But she's going to be there until she feels comfortable again. She's safe there, that's what matters. Dumbledore himself is the Secret Keeper. Now, stop being foolish. I'll see you later."

He turned, heading towards his sons' rooms. Draco and Blaise had their own bedrooms, with a connecting sitting room between them. If he knew Capricia, which he did, she would have locked both bedroom doors. As there was no door to the hallway in the sitting room, they would have been stuck. There was nowhere for them to go besides their bedrooms, their shared bathroom or the sitting room.

If he knew his boys, which he could also confidently say that he did, they'd be going stir-crazy by now. He walked in through Draco's room, which was decorated in shades of cream and darkly stained wood into the sitting room.

"Dad!"

"Uncle Sev!"

He got two teens running at him the moment he stepped inside. "Whoa!" He exclaimed, catching each boy while desperately trying to maintain his balance. "What in Merlin's name is wrong with the two of you?" He demanded, hugging them back before releasing them.

"Mum told us where you went." Blaise said, looking up at his father, face tense with worry. "I can't believe you're spying for Dumbledore again. You're going to get killed!" The boy looked ready to burst into tears, causing Severus's heart to catch.

"And then who are we going to have to turn to?" Draco demanded, looking more spoiled than ever. "I demand you stop it, Uncle Sev. Now."

Severus grinned fondly at the blonde boy. "You two know I'm far too stubborn to die. I'm spying to make sure innocent people who can't defend themselves don't die. You know this."

Severus couldn't remember a time when his boys hadn't known he was spying. He had never brought it up, but he supposed gossip couldn't be avoided. Most of his peers, including Lucius, were firmly convinced he was spying or, at the very least, on his own side. They didn't really hold it against him, because all of them would do the same, if they had the opportunity.

"So what?" Draco had always taken emotions harder than Blaise did. Never was he more annoying than when he was feeling an emotion that he didn't want to be feeling. "They're just Muggles. Muggles have a population problem anyways!" He protested. "There are 7 billion of them. When animals get overpopulated, it's legal to hunt them. Let them hunt!"

"Draco." Severus shook his head while resisting the urge to roll his eyes at such a ridiculous justification. "I thought I had taught you to think for yourself. I don't know how your father and I ever believed such an idiot thing. Don't ever repeat that again. I won't even go into all the things wrong with such an idea. Muggles are just as valuable as you are. Don't you ever forget that, I mean it."

"Yes sir." Draco said, sighing. "But Sev, honest! We all know sooner or later Potter's gonna off him again anyways. Why do you have to get mixed up in it?"

"I have to join in because if we don't wrap this up soon, the two of you and Hermione are going to be pulled into the war- she's already far too involved for my liking. Don't worry about me- I wasn't even injured tonight. Now, I'm going to see Dumbledore and then I'm going to check on your sister. Capricia is here, should you need anything." Severus said. "I'll be back in a few hours. Until then, I expect the two of you to be good little boys. Are you going to?"

Far from being relieved, the boys protested again, though this time it was for a different reason.

"Sev!" Draco pouted.

"We hate when you treat us like this." Blaise whined.

"And I hate to treat you like this." Severus admitted. "But it's one of the most effective ways to punish you. I can't exactly bend you over my knee anymore. You both are getting big; you're almost as big as me."

Severus was a tall man, and he'd been surprised to see in the last few days that both boys were steadily getting taller. Blaise had to be at least six feet all by now and Draco was mere centimeters below him.

"So, we're locked in?" Blaise asked, crossing his arms. He wasn't at all appeased by his father's words.

"Yes, you are." Severus said. "While I'm gone, I want you two to be thinking about ways to apologize to your sister. If you come up with a few reasonable ideas, perhaps I'll allow you some books from the library."

They both had several bookshelves in each of their rooms, but they were filled with the boy's favorites and most well-read books. Good for a few reads, but he knew the boys would quickly be bored.

Sure enough both perked up at the promise. "I'll see you soon." He promised.

***********

Okay guys, here's the next installment. I hope you enjoyed it. I never really understood the logic behind Voldy Crucio-ing people all the time. You have to figure, most of his men are lazy purebloods who live off their family's wealth. I don't think they would have stuck around if they were being casually tortured, Dark Lord or no Dark Lord. So, therefore, Voldy isn't as evil in my story. Still crazy, still relatively evil, but not a lunatic. I can defend this by saying, you have to figure that in the beginning, at least, Tom Riddle gained power because he was charismatic. He knew his followers and knew what to say to get them to follow him. Why wouldn't he continue to do so for them once he came back? And besides, how funny is it when the married men try to offer the single (of course) Voldemort dating/marriage advice.

Anyways, that's my defense at least. And, if there is anything non-canonical here (you know, besides everything that's happened so far), well it's my story and it can be AU if I want it to! Lol, just throwing it out there, because some of you might be confused. Off the top of my head, I can't remember when the Lestranges escaped, for example, so here they're already out. Deal with it.

As always, please let me know what you thought about the chapter. I'm worried about the 'familial interactions', so if you could tell me how you liked them I'd really appreciate it. Also, I'd love to hear your own thoughts on Voldy/DE interactions. How do you think it did/should have happened?