The Boy The Snake and The Stone

Chapter 27: Choices are Made

After the meeting, both Harry and Severus escaped into their own thoughts thinking about the meeting with the Dark Lord. Harry wanted to know who the 3 strangers in his room that night could be. The first person was the Dark Lord, the second one was also obvious, the headmaster, but who was the third person?

Severus knew this was a lot harder for him to take in, he feared for both his own safety and now the safety of his son. All he wanted was the truth of what happened that night. Everything he was told could be a lie. He was caught between his master, the one he served faithfully until he was going to target the women he loved, and the old geezer who saved him from everything, but asked too much in return. He had to put his faith in one of these two men, and with that it wasn't even a promise that Harry would be safe in the end. That was his concern, he didn't care about his own safety that much, but whatever side had the greatest power to protect Harry was all that mattered. Severus sighed, his mind running in circles already, for he had no proof, he only had to go with what his mind and heart believed to be the best. That, and whatever choice that Harry had as well, since this was also going to be affecting him in the long run, as well.

It was shortly after sun down that the newly instated father and son both walked into their living area and looked at each other, thinking about their lives, and inevitably the war as well. It was what seemed like hours going over everything the thought and felt to be right. Severus explained a lot more about the Dark side this time, opening up and explaining why he joined. Severus told Harry about the controlling factors of both sides, and how there was no for sure that either would come out alive. Harry expressed his thoughts and feelings on the war and everything that he had read up until that point, and everything he felt from both men. It was a hard time for both, trying to figure out what might be safest route for them to take, and everything that they might go through.

"Even with all this, Harry, we cannot be for sure about anything. So, are you sure this is the side we want?" Severus asked one more time, he knew in his heart that is would be best to try to stay out of the way, but with Harry involved, there was no way for that to happen.

Harry looked at his father knowing that he wished that this would not have to happen, "Yes, I think this would be the best chance we have until we can find a way to escape this war all together, unnoticed."

Harry, already knowing that even though they might be choosing a side, they could turn the whole world on end with just a few moments. Severus sighed, but nodded, seeing no other option that was before them. He pulled his son into a tight hug not wanting to let go. He thought he could save him from this war for a couple more years, but it looked like he was wrong. Harry returned his father's hug, just content at the moment, nothing more was being asked of either of them. Severus removed himself from the hug and stood up to write an important letter. He took his time to write, then sent the letter out immediately.

I am your most willing servant, I am still part of your side.

Even after all the lies that have been told.

There is just one thing that I ask of you my Lord,

do not let Harry take the mark.

I want him out of this war, or a promise that he will live to see the end.

That is all I ask of you my Lord, and I will be at your beck and call once again.

Your Potions Master.

It was a simple letter that the dark lord received, and once he read it, the words were gone. He could not deny the Potions Master his request, he would keep the boy safe, or at least out of that rotten Headmasters hands, to the best of his ability. It was like a dream come true on this part, taking away the Light's only golden child, the one those stupid imbeciles have come to rely on when the war is once again on their door step. The Dark Lord was more than happy to have the chance to take the light side down bit by bit, starting with their golden boy. How would they react when their golden boy is not so golden anymore? Would they tremble in fear, would they switch for mercy, or would they see that is not such thing as a Dark and a Light side? Even though the Dark Lord was "Dark" it was in retaliations of that of the Light side, and how they turned their backs on a boy that asked them for help. Why would they do such a thing? Why turn their backs on a defenseless boy? Just because he was in Slytherin? Because he could talk to snakes? No. They feared the powers that he had, ones they did not understand, that they could not grasp in their minds. Powers that were long forgotten, since the Light claimed them to be Dark.

The Dark Lord sunk in the chair, a wicked smile going across his face, first things first he needed the stone, and he was going to use the child to get it. Yes, this would be the child's first task in serving him; but he would not make this child his servant, no this child would be close to his equal. His Potions Master was in some regards, an equal, but not quite since he took the mark, but this boy wouldn't. He would teach the boy everything he knew of the Dark, and build him up from there. This task was simple enough, the fool of a headmaster set it up as task already for the boy, but he would use it as well to see which way the boy ran, would he go to him or the Light. It was all now a waiting game, one that was getting interesting by the second, and he had only time to wait and see the outcome.