CHAPTER FOUR- The Return
Severus Snape's heartbeat was growing faster with every step he took. The burning on his arm was all the proof he needed that the Dark Lord was indeed back, just like Dumbledore said he would be one day.
When he approached the old, ruined house he straighten his robes and prepared himself to see the Dark Lord for the first time in many, many years.
"Severus… I was beginning to think you would not come," said a voice quietly, just above a whisper. "I assume your duties to Hogwarts and Dumbledore came before your duties to me?" The voice questioned.
Snape found the source of the voice and saw it was standing with his back turned to the fireplace. "Yes, my lord. I had to speak to Dumbledore at once," he replied strongly. "Is that it, Severus? What are you keeping from your lord?" Voldemort questioned, growing irritant.
It was true, Snape was keeping something from him. He did not shield his mind properly enough before he entered the room. "I had to see a student was safely back into her dormitory. It will not happen again, I assure you," Snape replied honestly.
"Severus. I have waited to return for fourteen years and you waste time on a single student? Who is she and what is she to you?" Voldemort asked sternly.
Snape was hesitant to revel Hermione's name but knew the Dark Lord would find out about the girl beating Lucius Malfoy's son in every subject sooner rather than later.
"She is called Hermione Granger and she is the most gifted student I have ever encountered," he said hoping that the Dark Lord would change the subject soon.
"Granger? I do not know of any Grangers that have ever come through the Slytherin House. Do not tell me she is a half-blood?" The Dark Lord said.
"She is not a half-blood. She is Muggle-born, my lord. The Sorting Hat put her in Slytherin," Snape answered.
"A Mudblood in the House of my blood?" The Dark Lord said disgusted. "While I am eager to hear about the young Ms. Granger, Severus, you and I have many, many things to discuss. Tell me everything you know about Harry Potter," Voldemort said turning away from the fire to reveal his snake-like face to Snape for the first time.