The Return Of Snape [Voldemort X Severus Snape]

chapter 21

"We have been awfully rude, Severus," Voldemort announced, as they entered the dungeons in the cellar of the Manor. Severus could see his former student huddled in a ball in the far, right hand corner of the room. There was a single candle burning in the room, creating shadows from the few objects that were contained, those being an exceptionally uncomfortable looking metal bed, with manacles attached to each corner, covered in straw for what would have been a mattress, with a thin blanket for a duvet, one small, metal bowl which Severus assumed was for food and water. There was a rude bucket in the corner for human waste, and a large, steel cupboard, which Severus knew only too well what it contained. The contents were unmentionable to such a young girl.

"Have we, now?" Severus replied, with the air of talking to only a friend, not a powerful Master. Ginny looked up, and a distinct look of fear crossed her dirty face.

"What do you want?" she whispered, and Severus could see her visibly shaking.

Voldemort ignored her, but continued into the cell, beckoning to Severus to shut the door. He sat on the bed, and didn't speak until Severus had done as he was told, and was seated next to him. "Ginevra, it's been an awfully long time since we last spoke," Voldemort said, his tone perfectly pleasant. "And I'm afraid that our last scene together ended rather abruptly."

"I didn't notice," Ginny snapped, and Severus could see that all to well know Weasley spirit coming through her eyes, and into her tone. For a moment, she looked like a younger, prettier version of Molly.

"No, I suppose you were a little tired at the time..." Voldemort's smile was imperturbable, but Severus knew it all too well. Ginny Weasley was on a thin line. "I owe a lot to you though, Ginny." Voldemort stood up, and walked towards her, and crouched down in front of her. One hand moved slowly forwards, into her hair, stroking in what seemed like a loving caress. Ginny winced visibly, but didn't dare pull away. "I was so close to having my life back, that day, down in the Chamber of Secrets. I am sure you know precisely what I speak of." Boldly, Ginny looked into his eyes, but she refused to make any sound. Voldemort continued to stroke her hair. "And then Potter..."

And now, Voldemort had finally got a reaction from her. Ginny's eyes filled with tears, and spilled over the edge, at the mention of Harry Potter's name. "Oh... Do you love him, sweetheart?" Voldemort asked, his tone so kind, so caring, so loving, Severus wondered if he really did care. Ginny was nodding now, nodding forcefully, she seemed to be forgetting who she was talking to. "Is Harry the man of your dreams still, my sweet?"

Ginny fell forwards, her head resting on her knees, her shoulders shaking as the tears flowed. Voldemort put his arms around her in a fatherly way, still stroking her hair, but looked over his shoulder triumphantly at Severus. "H... He br... broke up with me..." Ginny gasped, her speech muffled by her knees. She looked up at Voldemort, tears making tracks through her filthy face.

"Boys at that age hardly know what they want, sweetheart... You girls grow up so much faster these days..." Voldemort slowly leant forwards, and took her fully into his arms. To Severus's surprise, she rested her head on his shoulder, and continued to cry hard. "Go on, you cry, Ginny, let it all out, my sweet..." Voldemort looked up to Severus once more, smirking. "Isn't three month of solitary confinement an amazing thing?"

Severus raised an eyebrow, but nodded all the same. "Alright, you got this one right."

"You're so nice," Ginny chocked out through her laboured breathing, and loud sobs. "Why are you so nice?"

"Everyone can be nice to a sweet, young girl such as yourself," Voldemort said softly. "Now, let's get you out of here, my sweet, you can have a room close to my own so we can get better acquainted."