Author's Note: Hello All! I'm so excited to be writing again, here is the latest chapter. Thank you so much for continuing to read this story, it means a lot. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter Universe, I just enjoy writing in it.

The first week of term had gone far better than Severus had been expecting it to. Indeed as he had expected some of his students were in fact complete dunderheads. Some of them were quite bright too, but one of the things all of them had in common was that they were dreadfully behind in their coursework. This did create some problems for him, he was expecting that most of the students would have been at a higher level.

Unlike the rest of the professors he had decided that it was best to push the students from the very beginning of the school year. Therefore even though it was only the first week of school he had already assigned papers to his students in all years. The students were beginning to understand that with him as their instructor they would be held to a higher standard than they were in the past. Especially his O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. Students.

Most of his time outside of class was spent in meetings with the Headmaster, and getting ready for his other duties to the school and to the Order. In his time at the school he had barely spent any time with his fellow staff members. This did not bother him much, as he was used to being alone.

Even so he had to admit that the time he spent with Minerva the evening before had been rather enjoyable. It had been a long time since he had been able to sit down with someone and just play a friendly game of chess and have a stimulating conversation. He had forgotten what an engaging personality Minerva had. The two of them talked until Madame Pince so eloquently told them to make themselves scarce.

It was at this point that the two of them bid adieu and went their separate ways, although not before planning to continue their chess game, and their conversation, the next day. They had planned to meet again in a secluded corner of the library, out of the way so they would not disturb anybody who might be studying.

At this moment Severus was on his way to the library to meet her. He hoped that the library would not be too busy, it would be far easier to talk that way. He could not tell Minerva everything, that went without saying. Still, there was no harm in confiding in someone about his job here at the school as a teacher.

As he walked towards the library he felt as if his burden were just a little bit lighter. He now knew that he would not have to go through this whole ordeal completely alone. It was then as he walked through the doors of the library that it happened. The tingling on his arm signaling that the Dark Lord was to call a meeting. It wasn't burning yet, which was a good thing. This meant that he still had a little bit of time before he had to leave.

Unfortunately though this time could not be spent with Minerva, it would have to be spent with the headmaster. He would expect to brief Severus before he left on which information he could give up. He would also be expected to report to the Headmaster as soon as he returned that evening, assuming he was able to return that night.

It would be to his best advantage to turn around and immediately head to the Headmaster's office; this would give him time to compose himself and clear his mind before he had to depart. Still, he felt bad leaving Minerva without any notice. He did not want to ruin whatever chance of a friendship he had with her; things were just starting to look up for him.

Without thinking he began walking to the place they had planned to meet. He was going to tell her something, some reason that he could not stay tonight. Then he could postpone their meeting to another evening. This way she would know that he had not forgotten about their meeting, or chosen to ignore it altogether.

When he reached the appointed meeting place Minerva was already there. "Hello Severus, how nice it is to see you again." She greeted him.

"It's a pleasure to see you again as well Minerva." Severus said with a hint of a smile.

"I've already set up the chess board so we can begin a game of chess. This time I will best you." Minerva said her eyes shining brightly with competitive spirit.

"As much as I look forward to beating you in chess I regret to say that I will be unable to stay." Severus replied.

"I'm sorry to hear that." she said some of the light going out of her green eyes.

"I truly am very sorry about this Minerva but something came up a few minutes ago, a rather pressing engagement." Severus said apologetically.

"Is there any way you could get out of it?" Minerva asked intently.

"I am afraid not, I am under orders from the Headmaster. If it were up to me, and I was able to choose between these two things, I would choose to stay." Severus replied sincerely.

"I understand, I hope everything goes well." She said kindly trying to conceal her disappointment.

"Could we perhaps meet another night this week for a game of chess? Maybe tomorrow night, or this Wednesday?" Severus asked her. He could feel the tingling in his arm getting stronger, he didn't have much time.

"I have plans for this Wednesday night, but tomorrow evening will be fine. What time?"

"Would 7:00 be alright?" He asked her

"That should be fine. Shall we meet here again?"

"Yes, I think that would be a good idea." Severus said. "I really must be going now, it was truly a pleasure seeing you today."

"Thank you Severus, it was a pleasure to see you to. Best of luck with your endeavors this evening." Minerva replied.

"Thank you, I shall need it." He said. "Good evening Minerva, have a wonderful night."

"Good evening Severus." she said, before the two of them went their separate ways.

Severus picked up his pace as he left the library. There was one more stop he had to make before going to the Headmaster's Office; he needed to get his traveling cloak from his rooms, and a few flasks filled with potions. As a potions master one of his regular duties within the death eaters had been to brew the potions that were needed by the Dark Lord, and anyone else in his inner circle.

These could be anything from poisons to simple headache potions. This week however they were all medicinal potions. At least these were ones he could make with a clean conscience. When he had to make poisons that was a different story entirely. One that he did not have the time to contemplate.

It did not take him long to get these materials; he placed the flasks in his pockets and carried the cloak with him. In order to make the most of the time he had before he had to leave Severus took advantage of the many secret passages and found himself outside of the Headmaster's office in a few short minutes.

He gave the password to the gargoyles and quickly ascended to the Headmaster's door. After knocking on the door he was promptly admitted. When he entered Albus rose from his desk to meet him.

"Good evening Severus, what brings you here at this time." The Headmaster asked wearily.

"I have been summoned Headmaster." Severus replied curtly.

Albus' mood immediately changed. "How long do you have before you need to leave?" He asked.

"Perhaps ten minutes at the most Headmaster, the Dark Lord does not like to be kept waiting." Severus said.

"Less time than I would have liked, but I am sure we can get everything settled before you need to leave." Albus remarked quickly. "As this is the first week of school you may report how your classes are going. You may also mention that the Order has not yet met this school term so you have nothing to report on that front."

"As you wish Headmaster." Severus replied. "Will that be all?"

"For now yes. When you return you will report directly to me. Do I make myself clear?" Albus asked.

"Crystal." Severus said. "You do understand that it might be quite late when I return?"

"Of course, but that does not change the situation. I assure you I will still be up and waiting for you." Albus said. "The information you provide will be quite valuable to the Order, the sooner you are able to relay that information to me, the better."

"I will see you when I return then Headmaster."

"I will be expecting you." Albus said sitting down behind his desk and resuming what he had been working on.

Severus took this to mean that their meeting was over and he left. Throwing his cloak on he quickly navigated the halls of Hogwarts and the grounds making his way until he reached the path to Hogsmeade. His pace was brisk and he made it to the village just in time. The Mark on his arm began to burn white hot before he had made it into Hogsmeade. He quickened his pace making it into the village a few minutes later. Upon entering the village without delay he made his way to the appointed place. Quickly he crossed himself, then with a pop he was gone.

It was not long before he reappeared again at the gates of Malfoy Manor. It seemed that more and more meetings have been held here as of late. The Malfoys really were an ambitious family, it would seem that their influence was growing. He just hoped that they did not get themselves in too deep.

The Malfoys were not horrible people their hubris was that they always wanted to be in positions of influence and power. They would find any means to an end. As The Dark Lord came to power Lucius saw a chance and he took it. He was by no means free of guilt, he did agree with many of the core beliefs of the death eaters.

For the sake of his wife, and for the simple matter that he did not like to get his hands dirty Lucius rarely participated in most of the activities. He had attained a high enough rank through his loyalty and ambitions that he did not have to.

Severus gave the signal to the man at the gate, after a moment he was granted entrance. He walked down the path to the main house. It wasn't long before he made it inside and downstairs to where the meeting was taking place. Everyone was already gathered, he was the last one to arrive. He sincerely hoped that his tardiness would be overlooked, it was not pleasant for the one who arrived last.

"Ah, Severus you have deigned to join us." Voldemort said bowing his head. "We are ever so glad to see that you have graced us with your presence.

"I came as soon as I could my lord." Severus replied.

"Yes, but the point remains that you are late. You know the consequences." He answered coldly. "Your wand please."

"My lord, I was in a meeting with the Headmaster before I left. Surely if I am to keep up this act I have to follow through with the duties of the job." Severus reasoned.

"I cannot bend the rules for you Severus, no exceptions for anyone. Perhaps this will teach you to make better use of your time. Now hand over your wand or I will be forced to take it from you. Believe me, it will be easier if you hand it over." He said rather calmly.

Reluctantly Severus handed over his wand, the Dark Lord took it at once. "Thank you for your cooperation Severus, this will make things easier I assure you." Voldemort said with a smile as cold as ice. "Rodolphus, if you would please show Severus the importance of punctuality."

"With pleasure Master." he said stepping forward, his wand out. "Let this be a lesson to you Severus."

"I am sure it will be." he said; quickly preparing himself for what was to come. He focused all of his energy on clearing his mind and blocking everything out. This would be the worst time for him to let his guard down.

Rodolphus pointed his wand at Severus and with a wicked smile on his face uttered the dreaded curse. "Crucio."

The pain was nearly unbearable, but Severus kept his mouth shut and his mind clear. Soon the pain was os bad that he collapsed, banging his head on the coffee table as he went down. Still he did not cry out; he would not give them that satisfaction. The last thing he saw was Voldemort watching him amusedly before everything went black.