The Root of Protea: Of Snapes and of Lillies

Chapter 2 - New Start

"You've done well for me, Severus." Voldemort smiled in the fading light of the sunset.

Since the night he had saved Lily, Severus had been meticulously pondering what his next step should be.

As if it was an answer to his silent question, a few days later, Voldemort had asked to meet privately with Severus in a rural forest.

"Thank you, sir." Severus said with a stoic nod.

"I wonder though, if you're willing to take on a special mission for me?" Voldemort asked with a curious grin.

Severus was quiet for a moment before he asked. "My lord?"

"I need a spy, Severus. I always need more spies.....but you're perfect for the job! If you do as I say, I'll even let you pick the location!" Voldemort laughed.

And if I refuse, you'll kill me. Severus thought to himself, coming to grips with the harsh reality of truth he had always tried to blind himself to.

Severus merely nodded at Voldemort in acceptance while his mind raced furiously.

Pick the location......

Hmm....,.

Perhaps there was still a way that Severus could use this new assignment to his advantage........

"Go on, then!" Voldemort taunted. "Tell me where you want your station to be! Consider this a gift, that the dark lord himself trusts you so much, he allowed you to tell him where you'll carry out your duties!"

Severus knew this could very well be a trap but he tried his luck as he answered after a long moment, "...........Hogwarts."

Voldemort blinked. "Hogwarts? Not somewhere else? But you just graduated from there! Aren't you tired of school?"

Severus began to grow nervous.

Severus needed to come up with a believable excuse quickly or Voldemort would grow too suspicious of his potential motivations....

"On the contrary, I always enjoyed school. I'm actually interested in becoming a professor." Severus answered.

That wasn't entirely a lie.

Voldemort looked askance at first, then his face cracked into an expression of amusement before he opened his mouth and laughed out loud at Severus's declaration.

"A PROFFESSOR?!? Severus, my boy, you're only eighteen! There's no way Dumbledore will hire you! I myself was turned down for a similar job at your age! What makes you think you'll succeed where I failed?" The mirth was plain on Voldemort's face as he leered at Severus.

"My Lord..........I got top marks in school and I'd like to try. It was your ample generosity that gave me the confidence to do so, my lord." Severus said with a bow of his head.

Severus knew how well Voldemort loved to be flattered.

It seemed to work.

Voldemort's evil smirk remained as he nodded, "Very well, very well........Ambition! Like a true slytherin! I'll leave you to it! But Severus......" Voldemort trailed off and his smirk fell.

"Yes, my lord?" Severus asked.

"Don't disappoint me.........I expect a detailed weekly report, either from Professor Snape.....or from Severus, the Hogwarts janitor!" Voldemort cackled as he raised his wand and apparated away.

Once Voldemort was gone, Severus scowled.

Severus had come to hate Voldemort more and more over the last few days.