Severus Snape: "__" Would Include...

Severus' Reaction to The Dark Lord Wanting to Meet His S/O...

Another scene from the Severus Snape with a Hufflepuff story. Having married to avoid suspicion, Severus assumes you mourn the arangement–not realizing that you' d saved him because you have feelings for the foolish man.

"Ah, Severus. I was beginning to fear you'd lost your way."

"My lord," he said, bowing before the Dark Lord.

"I wish to know of the status of your marriage."

"Of course, my lord. Only ask, and I shall answer."

"I have heard rumors, Severus, that you have yet to claim your...bride." Nagini lifted her head and the Dark Lord caressed the glistening scales.

"The marriage ceremony was completed in full, my lord."

"Do not lie to me," Voldemort hissed.

"My lord, I would never attempt such a thing as I know it would be useless. I took her maidenhead, as tradition dictates."

"Yet you have not spilled seed in her? How are you to produce a child for the wizarding world if you do not take the necessary steps, Severus?"

"My lord," he said, lowering his head.

"As I am bound to my wife until death, I felt it wiser to wait rather than force her. I had planned to seduce her into supporting our cause, my lord. She is a powerful witch with a keen mind which may prove useful."

Voldemort studied him for a moment, leaning back in his throne. Long fingers steepled, he eyed his faithful follower. "As always, Severus, you prove to be my most loyal follower," he drawled. "I admire your cunning, yet as you know I am not a patient lord. Before the month is out, you will bring your witch to me."

"Yes, my lord." A pause.

"Speak your mind, Severus."

"My lord, she is...stubborn. It may likely take more time."

"Of that I am aware," he drawled with a smirk. "I merely wish to see your new spouse for myself."

"Of course." Severus bowed.

"I will, however, expect you to have bedded her by the next equinox," he said. The underlying threat was clear. He didn't have to say what would happen should his expectations be unmet. "You may go." With a nod, Severus turned to leave. As he reached the doors, however, the Dark Lord spoke. "I wish you luck in your seduction, Severus."

Hiding his repugnance, he bowed then finally left the room. Striding through the halls of Malfoy Manor, he went to the main fireplace then flooed to his home at Spinner's End.

. . .

Several hours later, he sat before the hearth. A large fire crackled, illuminating the glass of fire whiskey in his hand. He sifted the glass, watching its contents swirl. Good luck in your seduction, Severus.

"Fuck," he growled. He downed the last of his drink; a burning sensation slid deep into his stomach. He ran a hand through his hair. His seduction. Setting the empty glass down beside an equally emptied bottle, he growled. Fuck.

Honestly, he shouldn't have been so affected. It was going to happen eventually. Consummating the marriage was an inevitability. Not a matter of if, but when.

Y/N. Poor Y/N. He wasn't a novice by any standards. Still, you'd only seen his mask. No doubt you thanked Circe each night that passed with your virginity intact.

"Severus?" His head snapped up. Standing a few feet away, you studied him–looking out of place amongst the dark shadows of his rooms. It was the first time you'd addressed him by his given name. He lowered his hands. "Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

He blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

You grew braver in your posture. "Are you alright? You look tense–like something's bothering you."

"I'm fine."

You remained watchful, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, though I appreciate your concern." He looked back to the flames, fully expecting you to return to bed. Instead, you came closer, drawing his attention.

"Can you just not sleep?" you asked, tone laced with sympathy. "Do you want me to get you anything?"

"No, no—I'm alright. Just tired. Go on to sleep."

After a moment of hesitation, you finally relented. Pressing your lips together, you gave a nod. "That may be for the best. I never was very good at potions. I'd likely end up putting you in the hospital by accident." He gave a scoffed chuckle, making you grin in response.

The two of you fell into a comfortable silence. He sensed you were waiting–for what, he wasn't sure. He gave a weary sigh. "I...there's something I have to tell you."

"A bad something?"

"Yes."

You looked about. "Would you like me to sit down?"

"That may be best."

Once you were seated, he eyed you before scrubbing a hand over his face. "I don't know how to tell you," he admitted. "It's...I have to do something."

"What do you have to do? Just start with that."

He gave a heavy exhalation. "The Dark Lord wishes to meet you."

Your eyes widened, yet–to your credit–you remained outwardly calm. "...The Dark Lord?" You hugged yourself. "As in...You-Know-Who? That Dark Lord?"

"Yes."

Silence. "...Are you a Death Eater?"

"Yes."

You inhaled, blinking several times. "Give me a moment, please." Seconds ticked by. You'd heard the rumors, had suspected as much. Yet to have it confirmed? You refocused on him. "Is he going to kill me? Is that why you're bringing me to him?"

"No," he said fiercely, taking your hand in his. "No, you're safe from that. He wants to test me, not you."

You nodded but pulled away from him. "When do I have to go?"

"At the end of this month."

"Oh." After a long silence, he started to pull away. You grabbed his wrist. "I have questions."

"I may not be able to answer them."

Another nod. "Can I still ask them? Will you tell me what you can?"

He gave a tired breath. "Yes."

You studied his face. Later. "We can wait until tomorrow. For now, let's go to sleep. You look exhausted."

As he went to pass you, you reached out. "Severus." He looked to you, surprised by the intense cast of your eyes. "It's going to be alright."

Whether a question or reassurance, he didn't know—somehow sensing that neither did you. All he could do was nod.