Severus Snape and the Siren: A Snily Tale

Chapter 12 - A Favorable Exchange

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Lucius had been correct.

Eight days after their conversation, Severus woke one night to the searing pain that emanated from his burning, writhing Dark Mark tattoo.

As quickly as he could, he fled from the castle, raced across the grounds, and scrambled across the hillside next to Hogsmeade where he immediately apparated to answer the Dark Lord's call.

His brief journey ended on the outskirts of some dark valley, the location of which he could not immediately determine.

All he could focus on was the pair of red eyes that gazed at him from the darkness of the scenery.

"Ah, Severus....." Voldemort's eerily smooth voice echoed, "How kind of you to answer me so promptly! I have something very important I'd like to discuss with you tonight."

Despite his youth, Severus understood how to play the game of earning Voldemort's favour.

"It is always a pleasure to serve you, my lord." He said as he bowed respectfully.

Voldemort let out a wicked chuckle as he accepted Severus's praise with a smirk.

"Yes, well, Lucius told me you wish to seek my assistance....." Voldemort revealed as he stepped out of the shadows.

A part of Severus wished Voldemort would have stayed hidden as his dark eyes fell upon his evil master's grotesquely scarred face.

The Dark Lord's black robes thankfully covered his seared skin as Severus nodded and said, "Forgive me, my lord. I spoke my request in passing, nothing more. There are far greater matters you have to tend to, I am no fool."

"Do not be so callous, Severus....." Voldemort
chuckled as he grinned down at the young man already enslaved to him, "If you will take on a single mission for me, I, the greatest wizard of all time, will gladly grant whatever your heart desires. A small price to pay, don't you agree?"

"Of course, my lord." Severus nodded.

"Excellent." Voldemort smirked, "Now then, there is something.....I will not tell you what.....the crew already knows....that I require which can only be retrieved by a short voyage north of the highlands. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord." Severus nodded.

Voldemort's grin fell away, "The ship leaves in one week. I expect its journey will be brief, but those on board must be watched closely to ensure they do not take my spoils for themselves. I need you, as an upcoming elite member of our ranks, to bring what I require to me......Do you understand, Severus?"

"Yes, my lord." Severus lied.

How could he understand when he didn't even know what exactly it was he had been assigned to protect?

"Wonderful, all you'll have to do is watch and tell me what happens.....Should you see anything questionable, simply relay that information to me." Voldemort grinned, "You are capable of flotation charms and simple healing spells, aren't you, Severus?"

"Yes." Severus nodded, "And of brewing potions with similar uses as well."

"Potions, ah, of course!" Voldemort cackled, "Perhaps it would be wise if you brought a few vials along with you.......Now then, Severus, what is it that you want? Wealth?....Women?.....Fame?"

Severus watched an eerie grin crack across Voldemort's dry lips before he nodded and replied, "Gillyweed, my lord."

"...........What?" Voldemort asked as he narrowed his eyes.