When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 27: The Terrible Perfect Place

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 27: The Terrible Perfect Place

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

July 1996

Calm overcame him as he saw the last train leave in the distance, but he knew it wouldn't last for long. Calm never came when the Dark Lord was involved. He had to return to his service. Had to go back to the death, torture, coldness, and arrogance among the fanatics with stupid ideals. Ideals he'd never truly agreed with. He'd only joined them to gain respect, to fit in, and to further advance his knowledge in the Dark Arts.

But in some ways, he fit in well. He was no saint and had just as much blood on his hands as any of them even if he hadn't actually committed the atrocities himself. He'd managed to avoid most of the Dark Lord's raids, but he'd been the messenger. If it weren't for him, if he'd have flown away and hidden, many people would still be alive.

Like Lily.

Closing his eyes, he broke his view of the landscape. He refused to think of her more than necessary. He took a deep breath and headed to the Headmaster's office. First that master, then back to another one. A darker one, but one that he also was a pawn for. And that one didn't like his tools to delay. The Dark Lord knew exactly when he was free to go to him.

When he finally reached his destination, he touched the statue with his wand and said the password. The stairs moved, allowing him access. When he reached the wooden door, he knocked and opened it to enter the old man's office. With a quick scan of his eyes, he noticed Dumbledore staring up at one of the paintings.

"Headmaster?"

The man turned. "Severus, come in." His reply was too soft. Sounded too resigned. Too tired.

He crossed the room and waited in front of the main desk until Dumbledore sat. The old wizard extended his arm, wordlessly telling him to sit. He complied. They remained in silence for a few minutes.

"I suppose you have plans, Albus?" Severus finally asked, having enough of the silence.

The sparkle in the man's eyes was fading, and he looked so much older than usual. "I fear this year is going to be complex for you. I must ask you to go back to him and give him some aid."

"Aid?"

"Yes, we need to build a stronger trust between the two of you. I must tell you that the aid I have might end in murders and in Voldemort getting more power in the ministry."

Severus swallowed. This was his job. He had endured it for years, and he could do it again.

He only nodded.

"I will give you the old location of Amelia Bones. It should please Voldemort, but there's a risk they still could find her and . . ."

"Kill her," Severus finished for him when he saw the man was having trouble.