Punishment
Ready? Prepared? One is never prepared to face a Dark Lord who has every intention of ripping through your mind like it was wrapping paper on Christmas Day! But I must be calm, we were prepared for this and I have memories to show him. I can make it through this, I CAN! "Severus, why did you not come when I called?" "I was with Dumbledore my Lord, and I was unable to leave his presence at the time because he wanted me to find the Potter boy. And later I could not leave because Dumbledore found Barty Crouch Jr. I am sorry my Lord, but I was unable to prevent Dumbledore from questioning him and I was unable to prevent the Minister from having the Kiss administered. Your loyal servant is dead." The Dark Lord was obviously not pleased with this news and Severus braced himself for the retaliation that would follow. "Your incompetence astounds me Severus! I had hoped that in my absence you would have been able to present me with better news than this upon my resurrection. But this is what I hear? 'Your most loyal servant is dead,' 'I was unable to leave.' I had hoped for better, but you disappointed me. And you are aware of how Lord Voldemort punishes those who disappoint him?" Severus' face whitened and his lips thinned, "Yes, my Lord, I am aware," and he braced himself for what he knew would follow. "CRUCIO," screamed that high pitched menacing voice, but it was soon drowned out by the screams of Severus and the Dark Lord looked on in pleasure. "Perhaps you have something better to tell your Master, Severus? No? Then I suppose a few more minutes of this should help clear your head." I must endure, I must endure. And when he is done I will tell him more, but for now I must endure!