The Return Of Snape [Voldemort X Severus Snape]

chapter 11

Severus entered the Great Hall on the day before the students were due to return to Hogwarts. The teachers met here annually for start of term notices, to meet new teachers and to generally get back into the swing of things. He quickly realised that he was the last one to enter. He could hear the buzz of aimless talking amongst the teachers, and wished suddenly that he was anywhere apart from here. More specifically, somewhere with the Dark Lord.

"Ah, Severus," Dumbledore said loudly as he noticed the Defence teachers presence. Severus forced himself to smile, though he knew it wouldn't quite be reaching his eyes. "Let me re-introduce you. This is Horace Slughorn."

Severus nodded to his old Potions Tutor. "Professor Slughorn," he said coolly.

"Ahh, Severus, my boy!" Horace boomed. Severus inwardly cringed, but kept a smile on his face. It had been a long time since he had been called a boy, even by Voldemort. "Haven't you done well for yourself? Wonderful position, glad I inspired you to become the Potions Professor all these years!" Severus wondered why Slughorn assumed that he had been the one to do the inspiring, but didn't comment. Instead, he nodded and moved over to Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, may I have a moment?" he said once Dumbledore had finished speaking to Professor Flitwick. The Headmaster nodded, and together they walked towards the chamber at the back of the Great Hall. "The Dark Lord is making plans to attack Potter's relatives house."

Dumbledore nodded, with a small smile. "I had anticipated that."

"Then if you have anticipated it, does the house have protection?" Severus asked, as if he was deeply concerned with the safety of his students family.

Dumbledore's triumphant gleam had returned. "Yes, of course, Severus. I wouldn't leave Harry alone with no protection." The Defence teacher could suddenly detect a glimpse of sadness in Dumbledore's eyes. "It isn't going to last for much longer. As soon as he is seventeen, he will have to protect himself."

Severus was silent for a moment. He was about to excuse himself, when his mark burned. He gasped loudly, hand gripping his forearm tightly, his hold so hard his knuckles turned white. "He calls me, Albus," Severus said, panting for breath slightly. He bend over, cradling his arm into his body as hard as he could. Very slowly, the pain subsided, and he noticed Albus's hand on his shoulder, the old man looking very concerned.

"I am sorry you must put up with this," he said quietly. "It won't be for much longer now." Dumbledore stepped back slightly. "I take it you must leave?" Severus nodded slowly. "Then I shall not stop you. I shall make your excuses."

Severus thanked the Headmaster, and turned and ran towards the door that led straight into the grounds, ready to Apparate to wherever the Dark Lord was calling from.

x-x

The first thing that Severus could smell when he reappeared was the sea. When his vision became clear, he realised that he was on a beach. The sky ahead of him was almost black with clouds, the sea was dark and choppy, and the wind was howling. Shivering slightly, he looked around, and could see the Dark Lord slightly ahead of him, staring into the sea, robes flying around him, giving him the illusion of being inhuman.

"My Lord?" Severus called hesitantly, walking forwards. Voldemort turned around, and greeted Severus with a cool smile.

"Severus."

"Why… Why are we on a beach?" The words had failed for a second. Severus couldn't understand for the life of him why he had to be here on this cold, lonely and desolate beach.

"I have killed two followers already today for nearly no reason, and so, I thought it would be best if I came somewhere like this – where there is no one to kill." Severus swallowed lightly. The Dark Lord was in a truly foul mood. He wondered just what had instigated it.