Chapter 5 Unavoidable Fate
Severus frowned and placed his hand over where the dark mark used to be on his forearm. "Are you alright," Severus asked Esrelda noticing his frown? "What were you thinking about darling," she asked as she placed her hand over his?
"Couldn't you just read my mind or use Legilimency on me," asked Severus apprehensively?
"No Severus, It is better for you if you get things out into the open. Your body is free from Voldemort's grasp, however your sole is held captive by the memories. You must allow yourself to heal," she said with a soft smile on her lips that made him want to melt inside.
"If you truly think it will do me some good Esrelda then I will not argue with you. After I saw you turn to stone, when Professor Dumbledore took your wand I fainted," he began.
*Flash back*
Severus awoke on a bed in the hospital wing. He blinked back hot tears as he remembered the sight of his wife turning into a stone horse. "Severus it's about time you woke up," came the voice of the headmaster.
"Where is my wife," asked Severus with his voice cracking?
"She is under the protection of the mermaid queen and the inhabitances of the black lake. She will be safe there, Severus. As for her wand I will keep it with me. Voldemort would never have the nerve to attempt to take it from me," said Albus as he held Esrelda's wand examining it.
"Severus, I know it's going to be hard for you to be away from her, so I thought that perhaps you'd consider taking a job here at Hogwarts," said Albus in a hopeful tone. Severus sat up and looked at the headmaster.
"I would do anything to remain closer to her. She is my life, my reason for living. What job would you have me do, headmaster," asked Severus as he wiped the tears from his eyes with the sleeve on his robes?
"Professor Slughorn has retired from the post of potions instructor, and head of Slytherin house. You can stay closer to Esrelda if you agree to take those positions," said the Headmaster as he helped Severus to his feet and began to lead him down to the dungeons.
"Esrelda asked that we protect not only you, but her nephew Harry Potter," said Albus as the two men walked down the stairs together. Severus's jaw dropped in shock.
"Why would I protect the child of the one who enjoyed tormenting me on a daily basis," asked Severus as the two men walked down into the dungeons? Professor Dumbledore opened the door which led into the personal living quarters that would soon belong to Severus Snape, walked through to the bedroom and pointed to the window which looked out into the depths of the black lake.
" You will do this because she wants you to do so," he said calmly as he pointed to the window. Severus walked to the window and glanced out.
As he gazed through the window he could see the giant squid that lived in the black lake was twisting its tentacles
around the motionless statue which he knew was his wife. The squid seemed to be protecting Esrelda as if she were a precious jewel. It made him feel better knowing that she was safe, and that he could see her from his new living quarters anytime that he wanted. He closed his eyes and tried to see if he could still hear her thoughts.
He was shocked to find that he could still hear her voice. "Severus, I am here for you my love. Please I beg you, trust professor Dumbledore. Whatever he asks you to do, know that it will end good. Harry Potter is our only hope! I know that he will one day save us all," said her soft voice in his head. Severus lowered his head and let the tears flow freely.
"I give you my word, Esrelda, I will protect him," he said out loud. He then turned to face the headmaster, and wiped the tears from his eyes with his sleeve.
"Headmaster, there is something you should know about. The Dark Lord Voldemort has propositioned me to join his death eaters. I think he may kill me if I refuse. How should I handle this," asked Severus with a serious look on his pale face. Albus stroked his long white beard thoughtfully.
"This matter is most serious, Severus. The Dark Lord is not known for letting a person live very long if they refuse to do his bidding. Perhaps you should try to get some sleep. I need some time to think on this matter. I will send for you once I have formulated a suitable plan of action," promised Albus as he left his new potions master alone in his quarters.
The next morning Severus awoke just as the sunlight started shining through the depths of the black lake, which made the round window glow with the shadows of various creatures. He got out of bed and walked over to the underwater window to gaze out at his wife. As he approached the window he saw the giant squid still was wrapped around the horse like statue which was his wife. The squid's tentacles seemed to be caressing the statue lovingly. Severus closed his eyes and imagined that the tentacles were his hands, and that she was in his grasp in her human form.
He stood in front of the window letting his imagination grow more and more erotic in nature. He and his wife didn't even get to enjoy their wedding night. His wild daydreaming was interrupted by Esrelda's voice in his head. "Severus, darling, you have an extremely dirty mind. I certainly hope that when I am returned to my normal human form that you can control yourself." Severus smiled wickedly to himself as he thought his answer to his wife.
"It wouldn't be so bad if that damned squid would not caress you as he is doing now. Quite frankly I feel very aroused just watching that squid. I wish I were that squid right now,." Esrelda's soft giggle echoed in his head.
"You should get dressed, Severus, go eat some breakfast, and talk with professor Dumbledore. I believe he has found a plan of action regarding Voldemort," came her reply.
Severus took a cold shower, used a teeth cleansing potion , and then got dressed before leaving the dungeons. He went up to the great hall and took a seat at the table usually occupied by the members of Slytherin house. He looked around to see where the empty plate which his morning meal would appear on was sitting, when he noticed Headmaster Albus Dumbledore waving him toward the staff table. Severus got to his feet and walked over to take the seat next to Dumbledore.
"I see you forgot that you are now a member of our staff," said Albus with a large smile on his face. The two wizards ate their breakfast in silence, then walked together up to the headmaster's office. "Severus I know this is not going to be the easiest thing for you to do, however I am afraid that we have no other choice. Lord Voldemort is known for killing those witches and wizards whom refuse to join him. Esrelda would never forgive me if I allowed Voldemort to kill you before Harry is of age to aid us," said Albus.
"Our only choice is for you to join the ranks of the dark lord as a spy for our side. Make him trust you. Do whatever you must to stay close to the dark lord. Once you have gained his trust report your findings to me," said Albus as he took a seat in his chair behind his desk in his office.
"Headmaster this could prove to be most dangerous. What if I am found out, and he kills me," asked Severus cautiously?
"Don't get found out! It's as simple as that. You will need to be almost in constant use of your occlumency. Go and prepare yourself Severus. Make sure that you tell Voldemort that you are one of the most trusted instructors employed at Hogwarts. I am quite sure that he will find you most useful," said Albus as he flicked Esrelda's wand at his door making it open.
Severus went back to his chambers in the dungeons and gazed longingly out his window into the black lake. The Giant squid appeared to be asleep with its entire body encircling around the motionless horse statue. Severus closed his eyes and mentally called out to Esrelda. "Esrelda, I might as well be dead. Professor Dumbledore wants me to join Voldemort as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. Do you think my occlumancy is strong enough to withstand Voldemort," he asked?
"Severus I taught you everything I know. If he can't see my thoughts, then his mind reading and leggimancy is no match for you. I trust Dumbledore, Severus. He knows what you are capable of. No matter what you are ordered by Voldemort to do, don't let it change you. I will never give up hope. Try your best to protect my nephew," she said.
"I won't let you down Esrelda," said Severus as he turned to go.
Knowing that the wizard he once considered to be his friend was definitely a follower of Lord Voldemort, he apperated to the lavish mansion where Lucius Malfoy called home. As he approached the massive front doors he noticed a frightened, and cowardly looking house elf standing on the porch looking around apprehensively. "Master has been expecting you sir," said the house elf as he opened the door for Severus.
"Thank you," said Severus as the house elf took his cloak and hangs it for him.
"DOBBY," screamed Lucius from the dining room! The house elf ran quickly into the dining room and bowed low to his master.
"Master Snape is here sir," announced the frightened elf.
"Go and get a bottle for young master Draco, and this time make sure it's not too hot or cold," yelled Lucius as he kicked the cowardly house elf. Lucius smiled warmly at his old friend. "Severus, I am glad you've come. I wanted to talk to you in private before the Dark Lord arrives. Come into my office so we can talk," said Lucius. Severus watched as Lucius lent over and placed a tender kiss on his tiny son's head. He would probably never know the joys of fatherhood thanks to this man and his traitorous ways. He felt a wave of fury come over him as he surveyed this death eater and his family.
Severus followed Lucius into the richly furnished office. "Please have a seat old friend," said Lucius as he gestured to a comfy looking arm chair by the fireplace.
"Lucius, let's get one thing clear right now. I am here to speak with the dark lord about joining him. I have no wish to speak with my ex-friend who cost me the witch that I only hours before, married. I don't know if I can ever forgive you," said Severus with a cold look on his face. Lucius bowed his head sadly.
"Severus, I had no choice. If I refused the dark Lord's order, my family would have been killed. Surely you can understand my reasoning? I told your wife how to break the spell on the amulet. I never wanted to hurt you or her majesty. I beg you to forgive me old friend," said Lucius as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
Severus didn't look at Lucius or say anything for a long time. "I wondered how she knew about the amulet. If she forgives you then I will as well" said Severus softly. Their conversation was drawn to a stop as a soft knock was herd at the door.
"Come in," called Lucius as he got to his feet.
"Darling, The Dark Lord is waiting in the sitting room for the two of you," said Narcissa calmly. "I'm going to take Draco up to the nursery," she said as she left the room.
Voldemort stood in the middle of the sitting room waiting for the two wizards to enter. "So Severus Snape, I see you did not bring your wife with you," he said quietly. "I told you that I would return her to her human form if you decided to join me. I never break any promises that I make," said Voldemort with a smirk on his face. Severus hid his thoughts from the dark Lord as he spoke.
"My wife left me when I told her that I was going to join you. She considers me a traitor, and wants nothing more to do with me," said Severus as he altered his own memories to reflect the lie that he had spoken.
"This is so very sad," said Voldemort shaking his head. "Pity she was more beautiful in her human form. It's such a pity she has to remain a virgin for the rest of her life. She would have made a wonderful mother to some very gifted children," said Voldemort as he pictured Esrelda in his own bed.
"Yes," said Severus as he hid his obvious disgust for the dark wizards comment. "It's done and over now my lord," he said as he hardened his facial features to hide his true feelings on the matter.
"Well an old life comes to an end, and a new one begins," said Voldemort. "If you are ready to join my death eaters tell me what can you do for me, "ordered the Dark Lord. Severus didn't have to think on this long as he and Albus Dumbledore had discussed it thoroughly the day before.
"I am a very gifted potions brewer. I can brew any potion you may desire for the healing of other death eaters. I also happen to be employed at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry as the head of Slytherin house and potions master," said Severus as he dared to look the Dark Lord in the eye.
Voldemort looked very interested in what Severus had to say. "Humm, this will be most useful Severus. How is your standing with the headmaster," he questioned?
"I am one of his most trusted instructors my Lord," answered Severus calmly.
"That is very good, "smiled Voldemort . "You will be most useful indeed. Raise your left sleeve and present your arm" ordered Voldemort softly. Severus did as he was told and clenched his teeth as the dark mark burned into his flesh. "Lucius will instruct you in the few things that you will need to know. You will be contacted when you are needed. For now return to Hogwarts and keep our meeting secret," instructed Voldemort as he waved the two wizards away from him.
After the Dark Lord left Lucius handed him a dark black cloak that resembled a monks robes. "This is the required uniform that you must ware at each meeting that you are called to," he told his friend and new comrade. They spent the rest of the day together so that Lucius could teach him everything he needed to know. After a long and tiring day Severus chose to sleep instead of joining the Malfoy family for dinner. Even though he had the permission and blessing of Albus Dumbledore and his wife, he still felt like a traitor.
A few weeks later Severus awoke in his bed with a sever burning in his arm. "What the hell," he whispered as he grasped his arm in shock. The dark mark was burning excruciatingly and the mark was darker than before. He threw on his cloak and ran out to the apperating point. When he opened his eyes he saw the Dark Lord and the other death eaters standing in Lucius Malfoy's Dinning room.
"So glad that you could make it Severus said Voldemort silkily. Here's what we are going to do tonight. We must increase our numbers so that our great vision will be achieved," said the Dark Lord as he walked around the long dining table. After the meeting was over Severus went outside to get some fresh air. He started to run as fast as he could. He had to warn Professor Dumbledore. He finally ran into Albus Dumbledore in the woods not too far from Godricks Hallow.
"Headmaster Voldemort is going to kill the Potters. You have to save them, he panted.
"Thank you for the warning Severus, now go quickly before your absence is noticed," ordered Albus as he cast his patronus to warn the other members of the order. Severus went on recruiting raids as the other death eaters called them. Many whom they came across joined the Dark Lord that night. The ones who refused were tortured and killed. Then they came to the town of Godricks Hallow and started recruiting. Severus healed the death eaters who managed to get themselves injured.
Severus stood outside as Voldemort and the other death eaters burst their way into the home of James and Lilly Potter. He cringed as he heard the screams of James and Lilly. Then he heard the curses and angry shouts of Voldemort suddenly go quiet. He hid as the other death eaters carried out the limp body of Lord Voldemort. He did not move until they apperated. Then once they were gone he ran into the house fearing the worse.
As he entered the house the first thing that he noticed was the lifeless body of James Potter lying on the floor. He ran upstairs and slid down the wall at the sight of his childhood friend Lilly lying dead on the floor with her young son clasped tightly in her arms. For a moment he felt like all hope was lost. He turned to go when he heard a muffled cry come from the blanket in Lilly's arms. "How is this possible," he asked himself as he kneeled down to retrieve the softly crying baby from the arms of his dead mother.
He held the softly crying baby closely to his chest and attempted to calm the baby. As he held baby Harry in his arms he couldn't help notice that the child had inherited his mother's green eyes. "You are lucky to be alive, we should get you to headmaster Dumbledore. You will not be safe here," he said softly to the baby boy in his arms. He did not feel it safe to apparate with the now sleeping baby Harry in his arms, so he used the flu to go directly to the headmaster's office.
"Albus, the aurors didn't arrive in time to save the Potters. I had to bring young Harry with me to protect him in case the other death eaters came back," said Severus attempting to quell his anger while the baby was in his arms. Albus took the sleeping baby from Severus's arms.
"I will take him to madam Pomphrey and get him checked out. You should go now Severus I am quite certain that the Dark Lord will be waiting for you," said Albus as he left the office with baby Harry in his arms.
*End Flashback*
"You know the rest because it was your life, and you lived it," said Severus calmly. "Now you know the truth about how I became a death eater and how things led up to what happened to you. I never meant to come off as being a total hard ass but when you go through half of the things that I've seen and been through in my lifetime, you tend to get a bit harsh. If you will excuse me, I need some time alone," said Severus as he got to his feet. Harry and the others looked after him as he walked back up to the castle.
" Aunt Esrelda, I didn't mean to upset him. I was just curious," said Harry with his eyes cast down.
"Don't worry, Harry, he'll be alright. He just never shared that much of his like before. Give him time to himself and I'm sure he'll come around," she said as she patted his shoulder encouragingly.
A/N Thank you again for reading my story. Please leave a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 6 Summer with the Snapes is next.
