Loving Lily: A Snily Story

Chapter 15 - A Battle and a Gift

Thank you for reading! I don't own any of Harry Potter! Please let me know if you enjoy! Updates every Saturday!
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Severus surmised that Voldemort would act quickly, however his dark master's stealth still surprised him.

During that same night that he had spoken with Voldemort in the filthy alley, Severus woke to the Dark Mark on his arm burning with such an intensity that he grimaced.

Severus slid out of bed, careful not to wake Lily, and dressed himself before he apparated away to answer Voldemort's call.

As he traveled through the air, Severus tried to look forward to the meeting with hope, not fear.

He would eliminate the threat that Peter posed.

He, Lily, and Harriet would be safe at last, that's what would happen.

Severus didn't allow his mind to wander into the dangerous possibilities of what the outcome may be if his sly plan backfired.

He couldn't allow himself to dwell on negative thoughts.

He needed his focus to maintain his Occlumency, lest Voldemort discover his scheme.

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Severus landed in the middle of a clearing somewhere surrounded by dense trees and thick grass.

"Severus!" A voice hissed out, "What a relief it is to know that I can count on your prompt response!"

Severus turned in the darkness to see Voldemort standing a short distance away, with Peter Pettigrew suspended in the air as he struggled for breath while some sort of ominous, black veil of smoke encircled his neck.

Severus narrowed his eyes for a moment and briefly wondered how Voldemort had managed to find Peter that soon......

Once his dark eyes trailed down to Peter's forearm that had been exposed by his unfastened sleeves, the scene made more sense.

The telltale Dark Mark on Peter's arm was plainly visible.

Severus felt his spine tingle with eagerness as he sought to send Voldemort away before Peter had the opportunity to mention anything incriminating to the living evil whom Severus falsely served.

"Your great power knows no bounds, my lord." Severus flattered Voldemort while he bowed to him and added, "I could not find Pettigrew anywhere."

Voldemort laughed mirthlessly at Severus.

Without warning, he made a slashing motion with his wand.

Peter crashed to the ground with a heavy thud as Voldemort released him.

He gasped for breath, coughing and sputtering, while Voldemort turned to Severus and smiled, "I didn't want to rob you of the pleasure, Severus. I'll let you fulfill my command and handle the betrayer."

"Have no doubt, my lord, I shall secure the Longbottom boy's whereabouts before Pettigrew takes his last breath." Severus replied with the unreadable mask of solemn stoicness on his face that he had grown accustomed to wearing.

"No need to worry about that!" Voldemort exclaimed with a wide grin as he lifted his hands, "I've gathered the information that I sought....Pettigrew is yours to do with as you will, Severus, as long as he's dead when you leave him."

".........My lord?" Severus asked with an incredulous scowl, ".....Peter Pettigrew already divulged the location of the boy?"

"Of course." Voldemort sneered, "The brave last a few minutes under the Cruciatus Curse, but cowards like Pettigrew can endure for only mere seconds."