Author's Note: this chapter has very crucial elements on the upcoming chapters I have in store. I have made Credence Barebones to appear, and he and Nagini to reunite. He would be pushing 80, but wizards tend to live longer than muggles, hence Dumbledore and Grindelwald being alive. I have mentioned how Dumbledore is beginning to make Severus come to senses, which he will in few chapters. I have mentioned Pettigrew to be drafted to the order late, because he had joined the Death Eaters first, and will serve a very important role with the Potters, and no, it will not be secret-keeping, it is a secret, no pun intended. Also I wanted to show Severus being irritated from his master whispering on his ear, because when he reforms, it will be a difficult dilemma for him. I have intentionally made a tension between James and Lily, because she had never seen James act like that before, but that was solved in an instant, so here is chapter 3.
Chapter 3
April 4th, 1979
The days went slow, and the news of recruiting other undesirables such as Vampires, the howlers, and centaurs.
Severus was also laying low, in his flat in London. His mother had stopped sending him letters after she had discovered his connection with the missing of Timothy
Which was 3 months ago, and it brought a mixed emotions of an always brooding man, but he had made his decision. He had joined the Death Eaters willingly
He wasn't influenced by Lucius, nor anyone. He was pushed, motivated by Mulciber whom they became closest friends. So far, all of this is his choice just like his mother had said the last Christmas.
His skills had grown more powerful, and his dueling stances had improved too. He can heal his wounds, thanks to his raw talent in potions, so he serves a crucial element on him and his teammates.
Today was a slow day for Severus, his mark hasn't burned, so that must mean there is nothing happening.
A sound of a pop happened, and Severus held his wand in alarm, he aimed at the tall figure, and there he was, his former headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
"Should I ask why you are here professor? Or should I hex you by trespassing my flat area" Severus eyes the amused old headmaster.
"I would ask the same Severus, but I am not thinking like a Death Eater. Put your wand down, I come alone" Albus said with a chuckle.
"Why should I trust you? It was you who said that you hold no power over me, so I should be the one who kicks you out" Severus countered.
"True, very true, but forgive me if I forgot, I could arrest you for several crimes, including the one you dueled, killed aurors, and almost killed a former pupil of mine. Just one patronus call, and the aurors should be in any minute" Dumbledore said in a cold yet composed tone.
Severus felt his eyes widen in shock, so he dropped his wand in a surrender, but still eyed his former headmaster with such bitter look.
"How did you know it was me under the mask?" Severus asks, never broke eye contact over a calm headmaster.
"I never forget my students Severus; I have watched you duel several times on a dueling class. You and Mr. Potter are indeed one of my favorite duelists so far, only rivaling Mr. Black if he stops joking and Mrs. Potter too.
To say Severus was shocked was a huge overstatement, he felt his hands shake in disbelief that he broke an unbreakable eye contact.
"You didn't know? Your former friend is engaged now, you should be congratulating by now" Albus said, eyeing to see any emotions from Severus.
Severus was quiet for several minutes, trying to grasp the reality that he had officially lost her. He did lose her in fifth year, but to hear this news, despite it should be great news, but it should be him proposing her.
"Why should I congratulate professor? She chose her path, and I chose mine. Her path on the other hand, will lead her to death with the arrogant toe rag." Severus spat.
"Ah the school rivalry is still alive and well. Want to know why you are like this Severus, it is because you cannot let go. Mr. Potter had stopped his acts, and determined to be mature, but you on the other hand, still act childish and immature. How the tables have turned" Albus said.
"DON'T YOU DARE TO TELL ME THAT DUMBLEDORE! I HAVE SEEN WHAT HE DID, FELT WHAT HE DID, AND HE HAD MADE MY LIFE A LIVING HELL, BY STEALING LILY AWAY FROM ME!" Severus yells
And the accidental magic around him blew but was absorbed by the calm headmaster.
"You have no right to tell me this, I am doing fine thank you very much. At least the dark lord had appreciated my power. He had also adopted some of my curses that I have made!" Severus shouts but in a calm way.
"I see indeed. Tom does have a fascination of taking some spells and curses that were made, and make it look like he does it." Albus ponders a bit
"Why are you telling his name professor. His name is Lord Voldemort, and soon his name shall strike fear to anyone who dares to say it." Severus spat.
"His name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, and I have known him long before you idolized him Severus. I am telling you this, there is still time to get out, reform. You can join me, and I will ensure your protection over Tom or any of his followers" Albus said.
"And why should I do that? Are you making some fan club cult right now?" Severus asks but was shocked to see his headmaster's lips twitched a bit.
"Ah you are indeed an ambitious man Severus, spoken like a true Slytherin, but we both know you cannot break me. I know you are a natural llegmins, so am I. I know you can perform occlumency, then so am I. All I am offering is your protection" Albus said.
Severus turns around, wondering why an old fool would want to protect him? He is perfect the way he should be heck even stronger. He could take on his headmaster if he wants to
"But you don't want to" Albus smiles a bit, and Severus' eyes widen in disbelief. "Stop that" Severus said.
"As I predicted, there is still good in you, you just need to let it out, and if I had to drag the whole continent for that, so be it" Albus said.
"I am perfect the way I am headmaster thank you, you should leave now, and never come back, because if you do this again, then I have no choice but to send us back to the Dark Lord, and he will deal with you" Severus said smugly.
"Ah the age-old threat I remembered, reminds me of a very old friend I had battled a long time ago, but that's not what I am here for, so I will leave Severus, but remember this, there's still time for you to reform, and you know where I live should you hesitate. Goodbye Severus" Albus said.
The aging headmaster left, and it made Severus yell in anger that he needs to make his place more warded, because if his headmaster arrives in such fashion, it is only a matter of time for any aurors, including the dreaded Potter to discover and arrest him.
He hates himself for that, feeling weak and helpless. No, it wasn't the words of the headmaster that went through his thoughts, it was the feeling that he is and will never be the level he wanted to be.
Apart Lucius, Severus is the best on dueling, but he needs to be number one, and prove to his lord that he can do this and that. If killing his best friend, he will do it in a heartbeat.
April 18th, 1979
2 weeks since he last seen and spoken with his headmaster, Severus had chanted many ward charms, only letting Mulciber and Narcissa inlcuding her husband.
He had to make extra measures, to make sure nothing goes out and he will face a bigger problem, Spending life in Azkaban
His mark burned, and he apparated to Little Hangelton only to receive a mission on the coastline of Northern Ireland.
He, Antonin Dolohov, Bellatrix Lestrange, Lucius, and Mulciber performed a portkey to retrieve some scripture the dark lord demands
But the area was too quiet and too easy for his liking, he went on invigilating while the rest went on to pubs over pubs, and buildings over buildings until they came across a suspicious looking man
They approached him and they found their selves ambushed by aurors of Northern Ireland.
It was a winning battle for the Death Eaters, because Severus had mastered dueling, by taking 20 different aurors and successfully kill 10. The rest were smart to disappear, the fools.
Lucius killed several aurors too and ducked over because one of the other death eaters had shot a jet of green light, He was ambushed by a beefy auror, but Severus was quick to utter stupefy and expelliarmus.
Severus eyes over the pompous man, and he led out a gentle nod with a small smile.
Severus also sees Bellatrix on a killing spree, the witch was quick and deadly with her wand work, but not as quick as Dolohov.
This man is as nasty as the spell work, he makes. Some of the curses he makes are far more sinister to Severus liking. It made him want to learn more from the gruff-looking man later in future.
Suddenly a tall-dark brown- looking man, broad shouldered, and able to casts some jinxes which landed onto Severus chest, and he glared over the man.
It was a close call match, and the man was indeed talented, but he is inferior, because Severus jinxed the man to fall and then knock him out with a killing curse.
This made the aurors to retreat, and then as if fate was their side, a large chest fell on the ground, must be because of jets of curses and jinxes that met through the brick wall buildings and somehow it landed there.
It was hard to open, and Lucius was gifted with other talent, decoding the crypted message.
It took less than 10 minutes and there it was the scribe which the dark lord wanted. Severus sees Lucius to gather round and wait for the portkey to commence.
They gathered in circle and then in a second, they were transported back to Little Hangleton.
Little Hangelton, Riddle Manor.
The news of a success in North Ireland had made the residents of the manor shine in green and silver.
The dark lord had brought many guests, some were foreign looking, and others are from ministry members whom Severus' teammate Lucius knows very well.
There was one member that caught Severus attention and he hadn't seen the coward man for a year, since their last year in Hogwarts.
The coward man has somehow lost all of his upper hair, and his teeth had looked like a real rat.
He still maintains eye contact, and the shivering man stared at him, but broke eye contact in a second
Interesting, Severus thought, a nice little blackmail for Potter, but why the Dark Lord need the cowardly man, unless he is useful for spying, I ponder.
Severus will delve it later, right now there is a delicious feast which he generously dived in.
After they fed and drank, The Dark Lord rose and begins speaking with a boisterous smile.
"My loyal followers, I bear great news. The Ministry is finally looking onto the Muggle registration act, it is not yet enforced, but it is one step of success in which my dear friend Abraxas here will do." The Dark Lord said.
The sound of goblets clinking, including Severus indicates a victory to the world to be pure.
"And another news. I have forged an alliance onto our western allies. The Cult of Gellert Grindelwad. Sadly, he is incarcerated in Nurmengard, but he is left behind his loyal follower, Credence Barebone. Give him some courtesy." The Dark Lord said.
A tall man with a long white hair, similar to his headmaster, but his eyes show hate and it was sharp. Piercing blue eyes, and the man rose with a noble smile.
"I am thankful for Lord Voldemort to personally invite me and my followers. Everyday is a second for a grand victory, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't my old mentor, my master, Gellert Grindelwald" The man named Credence said.
The tall man sat, and the snake whom Severus recognizes, came close to the tall man, and Severus sees the man stroking over the snake with affection. Only the Dark Lord would do such an act, so that leads him to conclude that there is more than this Credence is crediting for.
"With that, I must conclude the feast, but I wish my loyal followers to remain on their seats while our guests leave" Lord Voldemort said.
Severus sees the people that were invited had left, and the whimpering man made a loud squeak which made the followers laugh.
Severus turns to see the Dark Lord eyeing over him, and he suddenly felt a bit nervous, as if he is attending Professor McGonagal's detention.
"I have received a word of you handling the aurors brutally isn't it Severus?" Lord Voldemort asks calmly.
"Yes, my lord, my skills had grown, and I had been practicing every day" Severus said.
"Intriguing, it was three months ago, you had hesitated to kill the wheezing man, and now you have shown us how reliable you truly are, but may I ask, are you that confident that you could take me down?" The Dark Lord asks in calm drawl
His question has brought the loud whispers and short gasps. Severus remains put and shares an unbreakable eye contact over his master's gleaming red eyes.
Severus manages to answer with no hesitation, to which brought the followers a collected surprise gasp.
"No, my lord. I may have grown since the last time I had proven my loyalty, but my loyalty relies onto you, and only you. I would never seep low by choosing ego over loyalty" Severus said confidently not breaking the eye contact.
The Dark Lord's smile slowly appears, and the gleaming red eyes, shines even more. "Noble answer for my loyal follower. Now sit Severus, you have been promoted to be second in command of Lucius Malfoy" Lord Voldemort.
"I am honored my lord" Severus said. He chances a glance over a smug looking Malfoy heir and made a courteous nod to which Malfoy heir had returned the same.
"Another great news. I have been told the scripture has been retrieved?" Lord Voldemort said.
Lucius rose up and gave the dark lord the scripture with a bow on the knee, and then the long pale blond hair man, returns back to the table.
Severus sees the Dark Lord contemplating over the scripture with content, and then he tucks it, and hides it onto his dark cloak.
"This is one of three scriptures we have retrieved, the next two won't be easy, but I will inform you as soon as I recollect information. You may leave" Lord Voldemort said.
The followers rose, and bowed before their lord, and then Severus turns to stare over the short man, and felt his brows widen to see Wormtail had been summoned by the dark lord himself.
Interesting Severus ponders. He will need to keep an eye out over Wormtail and gather much information to himself too. If He knows more of Wormtail than meets the eye, maybe he will discover what is Albus Dumbledore hiding. Only time will tell.
April 19, 1979
12th Grimmauld Place
A patronus message soared above the Potter Manor in Scotland, urging them to meet in 12th Grimmauld Place immediately
Lily complies, grabbing the floo powder and she arrives to see few people were there. and then minutes later, James arrives disheveled, due to hefty paperwork.
She gave him a long, soft kiss, and his problems flushes away, to which she giggles for a bit.
They were waiting for the rest of the order, and then sooner only Mary, Marlene, Alice, Frank, and surprisingly Peter Pettigrew had showed up.
Lily had never seen the short member of the Marauders onto their meetings before, scratch that, she hadn't seen the coward man for a long time.
It was as if James had read her mind, and he chuckles by muttering "I had vouched him to Dumbledore Lils" James said, smiling while holding a glass of firewhiskey.
"I didn't know Jamie, but it is just, I haven't seen him for a while, and he looked quite a bit different, isn't it?" Lily said, eyeing over their friend whom he was chatting which his long-time crush Mary.
"Ah don't worry too much, I keep an eye of him, he is a bit distant, because his father was killed by the Death Eaters recently, and his mother is still in emotional trauma" James said, suddenly getting serious.
"Oh, the poor lad" Lily said with genuine concern. "Don't worry, Sirius and I had made a full protection of his mother, but for now, you look happy" James said, eyeing over his beautiful fiancée
Lily blushed deep red, and then lightly smacking James' forearm. "Oh, stop it you, yes I was indeed happy, because I will be opening my own apothecary shop" Lily glees.
"That's wonderful Lily flower. I mean, it was your dream, and it became true. Want some funds from me or something?" James offered some help.
Lily really loved how her fiancée had offered her help, but she shook it and giggles over James' frown. "I didn't say I never wanted. Just let me deal with the business and when it is booming, then we can partner and share the funds" Lily said with determination.
James came close to give her a soft, mesmerizing kiss, and she melted onto his arms. "I love you Lily Flower. I am very happy for you, and just you know this, I will always support you, no matter the circumstances" James said
"I know Jamie. I love you too" Lily said, smiling. "Now put me down, we have to be presentable in front of guests" Lily mock glares.
"As my lady commands" James bowed, mimicking the muggle movie she had dragged him to watch, and she giggled from his awkward attempt.
"What so funny for I hear a loud giggle from my Lily Rose" Sirius came from behind, and she squealed in joy to give him a long hug.
"Oh, don't worry about Lils Padfoot, she is always like that" James winked, and she understood what he meant which she yelled playfully.
"JAMES!" She spoke. "What? It is not my fault you are good in…..." before he finishes his sentence, she utters a mouth lock hex, and it locked his mouth like a zipper.
"James Fleamont Potter, you will sleep in the chesterfield" Lily smirks. She enjoys seeing him squirm in protest.
Sirius was laughing on the floor, and it reached throughout the whole gang. Mary came to see the commotion with Peter and the short man laughs to see his marauder brother squirm under the mouth lock.
"He deserves it, now it is finally to be quiet for once" Lily smirks, and it made her best friends giggle.
It was Sirius who broke the hex, and then later James looked onto Lily with the definite mischievous eyes, those eyes are not for pranking, and she felt the heat under her neck, which indicates that after the meeting, he will show her what he means of his words.
"Now we have a considerate laugh in those dark times, ah there he is, the headmaster" Sirius said.
And the aging headmaster approaches, and he looks more somber than ever with his moon light blue robes and hat.
They all sat, waiting for their headmaster, and their leader to speak, to which he stood up and spoke with a soft, yet commanding tone.
"It has brought my attention that Tom is now forging an alliance with the cult of Grindelwald" Dumbledore said.
Lily felt the air had become tense, and it is as if it is sucking their breath away, but she still looked into her headmaster with such content.
"I have gathered an insider from the ministry, the poor man doesn't know that he is surrounded by the aurors, so I let him speak with such dignity." Dumbledore said, giving a sip from a lemon drop drink.
"Another sad news, we have lost many of our Northern Irish aurors on a massacre yesterday. A news report indicated that a group of Death Eaters, marched in, and had slaughtered many aurors. Only few had left alive but severely injured" Dumbledore said.
Lily felt James stood up and lets out an immature yell. "We cannot leave them do that Dumbledore; we have to retaliate!" James yelled.
"James. Sit down" Lily pleads. James turns to glance over her serious demeanor, and he complied, but she still feels the anger boiling inside her lover.
"I understand Mr. Potter, but we cannot perform such attacks, for one, we would be facing a bigger problem, the ministry." Albus said.
"To hell with the ministry, many people are dying Dumbledore. I don't want to see any of my friends, lying on the floor on my doorstep" James yelled.
"James" Lily whispered. "No Lily, I am tired for this. This is what Voldemort wants, to strike fear upon us. I am not gonna sulk there, waiting for him to taunt us, and lead us to our demise. If the ministry does not want to side with us, so be it. Let them kill each other and we are not part of it" James steamed out.
Lily broke his hand, and she refused to see his unnatural anger characteristics, and she felt him tense for that.
"I hate to admit it Albus, but James is right" Marlene said, breaking the awkward silence since her best friend yell.
"All be given in time my students, but for now we wait, because if we strike as Mr. Potter had said, we will be walking on a trap, which is why I will only let my dear friend Alastor Moody for this difficult mission. He will inform me their hiding place, and then we will avenge our Irish brethren. For now the meeting has dismissed. I will inform Lords Potter, McKinnon, and McDonald for our mission. You may leave" Albus said.
Lily stood up and excused herself to one of the bathrooms of the place she is visiting.
She lets out a loud sob, she couldn't believe how irrational her lover could be. Very similar to her long-lost friend, Sev. Is she starting to regret it?
If she and James were to form a family, will he be harsh over their children? She had never been abused as Sev did, but she had never seen James's act like that, so she cannot handle it. Maybe breaking off the engagement is a right way, and distance herself with James.
The sound of James soft voice broke her sobbing stupor, and she yelled him to go away, and then she heard a soft whisper of 'I am sorry'.
She stood up from the bathroom, and opens the door, to see her friend in pain, he also grabs his mop of hair, which she knows that he is in genuine guilt to do such act.
"Listen, I am sorry for being uncharacteristic. I am sorry that I yelled at you. I was just. I am scared Lils. I know the loss of your parents had affected you mentally. I cannot bear to lose anyone I love, including you" James lets out a soft tear.
How stupid Lily is thinking, he was doing this to protect her, she would've done the same if he is gone, she would go frenzy and on a killing spree, to which her tears flow freely and then they hugged, letting out a soft sob.
"I am the one who should be sorry Jamie. I was just afraid you would become like that, abusive" Lily said.
"I would never do that Li…." James almost counter but was stopped by Lily's soft hands. "Let me finish. We both have a loving family, we both were raised well, but that got me thinking about Severus, and how his family were abused. It scares me, Jamie. For us to be abusive on each other and letting our frustrations to our kids" Lily said, not looking into his eyes.
"What are you implying Lils, that we should break off our marriage?" James asked, fearing for the answer.
"That's what I am thinking also Jamie, I think we should not see ea.…. mph" Lily was about to call it off, but was stopped by a hard yet composed kiss from James.
She tried to struggle his attempts, but his kiss was evident that it is not true, their silly argument will never be true. They do love each other; they do want what's best for themselves and their future kids.
So, she lets it in, she lets the blissful kiss to flow where their magic aura outshines the gloomy room.
"I am sorry Jamie. I love you; I want us to be married, I want us to be great and loving parents. Promise me?" Lily pleads.
"I promise. I am the one who should be sorry too, for being irrational and angry for the sake of the people I love. I love you Lily flower, I would never ever hurt you. I will protect you and our family" James said, giving a soft kiss on her forehead and she lets out a sad smile.
"Ahem" the cough sound of Sirius, and they turned to see him wiggling his eyebrow.
"I'd love to chit and chat, but you two are living on my property for far too long, no shoo" Sirius said dramatically.
"Oh, so you can snog with Marlene endlessly?" Lily smirks, and it worked, because Sirius was blushing hard.
"You and Marlene? Back again?" James also smirks too, and she loves seeing her friend, and her lover's best friend shrink in embarrassment.
"Y…Yes. Now scram" Sirius flushes. It brought an audible chuckle from Lily and James.
They stared to each other for a moment, and they nod. The pure bliss and love is evident surrounding them, and nothing would ever make her think otherwise.
April 28th, 1979
Another raid mission successfully worked, and They had caused a massive mayhem on a small village in Scotland.
Severus is now being recognized from his peers, and they bow to him for his perseverance, and dedication.
For now, everything is quiet, and Severus sat on his chesterfield, meditating on his daily meditation.
A soft voice had interrupted his meditation, and he opens his eyes to see nothing there.
He closes his eyes for a moment, and then the whisper of 'Severus' was getting louder and louder.
And then he felt sweat dripping over his temples. He grab a cup of water, and drank for a minute, only to realize that it was his master.
"My Lord?" Severus thought. "Ah good, I was waiting for you to respond. I want to congratulate you for your successful mission Severus. You have done an exception job" Lord Voldemort said.
"I am honored my lord, but if I may, can you please stop interfering my thoughts?" Severus asks gently.
He heard a chuckle and oh from his master. "Afraid I would read your mind Severus? Have something to hide?" Lord Voldemort chuckles.
"No, my lord, it is just, it feels weird to invade someone's private moment. I am sorry for me blabbing, but if it is an important notice, then I am ok with it" Severus said.
He heard now the laughter getting louder and then later his master spoke. "If one of my followers spoke to me like that, I would've punished him by injecting nightmarish thoughts onto his brain, but for you. I had grown a special fond with you Severus, ok I will not interfere your private moments, but should I want to pass an information, I would do so" Voldemort said.
"Thank you, my lord," Severus said. "Off you go, once again congratulations, and I will inform you the next mission. Goodbye Severus" Lord Voldemort said leaving his thoughts.
Severus continues to meditate, he hates anyone to interfere his mind-thinking process, it started with his wretched headmaster, and now his master would do it too, and so Severus decides to learn more of Occlumency only on some sense, except if his master had informed a new mission.
He attempts to keep his eyes closed, and the swirling thoughts of the moment he met her, the moment he was sorted, the moment of fifth year, the seventh year, and killing the fool Hufflepuff. He must lock those away, because it stalls him
It made him weaker, and he begins to understand what the dark lord said about memories and thoughts, these really weaken the true potential of a dark wizard such as him
Potter could've been more powerful than him, which is why Severus is now more adamant on becoming the most powerful wizard.
He continues to meditate for several minutes, and then he lets out a loud yawn. He looks onto the time, and it was indeed late.
He sighs, more determined to be the best, and if he cross paths with Potter and Lily, he will show her how wrong she is, and how she chooses death rather salvation.
And so, Severus collapses in his bed, with a smug expression that his dreams are filled with Potter's death and Lily kissing him, telling him tat she wants to marry him.
And so, he drifts to a long, dreamful sleep.