Chapter 5
AU / Same world as all of my previous stories.
The world and the characters in it belongs to J.K. Rowling
AN: This story will be a multi-chapter one, I don t know how long or how frequently will I update but I will try not to finish on a cliffhanger. If you got any constructive criticism feel free to share it.
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After the talk with Lucius, Severus Snape continued his way through the dimly lit corridors of Malfoy Manor, his heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and dread. He knew what awaited him in the main room the presence of the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort, awaited him there. The weight of his talk with the blond man hung heavy on his shoulders, and every step felt like a march toward an inevitable reckoning.
As he entered the main room, Severus was met with the chilling sight of Voldemort, his red eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. The air was thick with tension as Severus approached, his every movement measured and deliberate.
Voldemort's gaze bore into Severus, his expression unreadable as he awaited the report of his faithful servant.
"Severus," Voldemort's voice echoed through the room like a cold whisper, "Tell me, how did the task I assigned to you fare?"
Severus swallowed hard, steeling himself for the inevitable disappointment he would have to deliver.
"My Lord," he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him, "I regret to inform you that I was only able to secure the position of Potions professor at Hogwarts."
A low, dangerous hiss escaped Voldemort's lips as his patience wore thin. "Is that so, Severus?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom. Without warning, he raised his wand, unleashing the cruel power of the Cruciatus Curse upon Severus.
Agony engulfed Severus as he writhed on the floor, his body contorting in unbearable pain. Through the haze of torment, he could hear Voldemort's voice cutting through the air like a blade.
"Do you have any excuse for your failure, Severus?" Voldemort's voice rang out, each word laced with malice.
Struggling to form coherent thoughts amidst the torture, Severus managed to gasp out a response. "My Lord," he choked out between screams, "I... I also managed to persuade Dumbledore to give me the position of Head of Slytherin House."
Instantly, the torture ceased, and Severus lay gasping for breath, his body trembling from the ordeal. Voldemort's expression shifted, a twisted smile curling upon his lips as he regarded Severus with newfound interest.
"Is that so, Severus?" Voldemort's tone had changed, his voice now filled with a perverse sense of satisfaction. "You have done well to secure such a great position. However," he added, his gaze hardening once more, "I am disappointed that you could not accomplish more."
Severus felt a chill run down his spine at Voldemort's words, knowing that his failure would not go unpunished. I would hope this was a good enough lesson for you as I have no time for your discipline you more. We have a more pressing matter at hand . Severus Snape lay on the cold stone floor, his body still trembling from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse.
As he struggled to regain his composure, the heavy door swung open, and Lucius Malfoy strode into the room with an air of authority.
"Severus," Lucius greeted with a nod, his silver eyes gleaming with curiosity as he took in the scene before him. "I trust everything is in order?"
Severus managed to push himself up into a sitting position, his dark eyes meeting Lucius's with a mixture of weariness and determination. "As well as can be expected, Lucius," he replied, his voice strained but steady.
Voldemort, seated upon his throne with an aura of dark majesty, turned his crimson gaze toward Lucius. "Ah, Lucius, you are just in time," he remarked, a twisted smile playing upon his lips. "Tell me, what have you discovered about the prophecy?"
Lucius stepped forward, his expression grave as he relayed the information he had gathered. "My Lord, after much research and investigation, I have determined that there are only two families that fit the criteria outlined in the prophecy: the Longbottoms and the Potters."
Voldemort's eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity as he absorbed this revelation. "Is that so?" he mused, tapping his long, skeletal fingers against the arm of his throne. "It seems we have a clear course of action ahead of us."
Severus and Lucius exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the implications of Voldemort's words. The fate of two families now hung in the balance, their lives subject to the whims of the Dark Lord.
"It must be dealt with at once," Voldemort declared, his voice resonating with authority. "Bellatrix will handle the Longbottoms. As for the Potters..." He paused, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "As a favor to you, Severus, I will wait till they hold their child in hand then I shall personally pay a visit to James Potter and ensure that he suffers as much as possible."
A chill swept through the room at Voldemort's words, a palpable sense of dread settling over Severus and Lucius. They knew all too well the extent of Voldemort's cruelty, and the thought of what awaited the Potter family sent a shiver down their spines.
As Voldemort rose from his throne with a predatory grace, his crimson eyes ablaze with anticipation, Severus and Lucius knew that their roles had been cast. They were but pawns in a game of power and domination, serving at the whim of a master whose thirst for control knew no bounds.
With a flick of his wand, Voldemort summoned his loyal servant, Bellatrix Lestrange, to his side. She stepped out of the dark behind the throne. Her eyes burned with a fervent zeal as she eagerly awaited her orders, a fervent devotion to the Dark Lord etched upon her twisted features.
"Bellatrix," Voldemort intoned, his voice cold and commanding, "You shall journey to the Longbottom estate and ensure that they are dealt with swiftly and decisively. Take Rodolphus and Rabastan, and Crouch Jnr. with you. "
Bellatrix bowed her head in reverence, a wicked grin spreading across her lips at the prospect of unleashing her unholy fury upon the unsuspecting family.
Severus and Lucius, you both can leave now. Finished the dark lord.
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Severus Snape stood in the hallowed chambers of Hogwarts, his heart heavy with the burden of the dark revelation he had uncovered. With determined steps, he made his way to the towering oak door that led to the office of Albus Dumbledore, the venerable headmaster of the school.
Upon entering, Severus found Dumbledore seated behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes twinkling with a wisdom that seemed to transcend time itself. "Severus, my boy," Dumbledore greeted warmly, though a hint of concern flickered in his gaze. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Severus wasted no time in relaying the grim tidings he had received from Lucius Malfoy and How the meeting with Voldemort went. "Headmaster," he began, his voice grave, "I have urgent news regarding the prophecy. Lucius has discovered that it pertains to the Longbottoms and the Potters."
Dumbledore's expression darkened at the mention of the prophecy, his mind already racing with the thoughts of such knowledge. "Merlin's beard," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency.
"We must act swiftly Severus. We need to protect these families."
Severus nodded in agreement, though a shadow of doubt lingered in his eyes. "I fear it may be too late for the Longbottoms, Tom sent Bellatrix and his henchmen to them tonight" he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "But perhaps there is still hope for the Potters. Riddle said that He will wait till the child is born."
Dumbledore's gaze softened as he regarded Severus with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "We must do everything in our power to ensure their safety," he declared, his voice resolute. "And Severus, I know that this will weighs heavily upon you. But I want you to stay away from the Potters. Leave the rest to the Order."
Severus swallowed hard, his jaw tightening with resolve as he absorbed Dumbledore's instructions. Despite the weight of his own personal turmoil, he nodded in agreement, understanding the necessity of following Dumbledore's orders, even if it meant suppressing his own instincts.
"I will do as you ask, Headmaster," Severus replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within him. "But I cannot help but feel a sense of dread for what is to come."
Dumbledore placed a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "You have already done more than enough, Severus," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "Your loyalty to the Order and to the greater good will not go unnoticed."
With a final nod of acknowledgment, Severus turned to leave Dumbledore's office.
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A few days later when the shadows of dusk had settled over the quaint village of Godric's Hollow, Albus Dumbledore, the venerable headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, made his way to the modest cottage where the Potter family resided his mind is still full of regret. As Severus said the Longbottoms were dead not long after the meeting with the new Potion professor. The weight of guilt pressed upon his mind, urging him to expedite his meeting with Lily and James the cozy confines of their home, Dumbledore found the Potter family gathered around the hearth, their expressions a blend of anxiety and anticipation. Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew, loyal friends to the Potters, stood by their side, their presence a testament to the gravity of the situation.
"Lily, James," Dumbledore began, his voice grave yet tinged with a hint of reassurance. "I fear the time has come for us to discuss matters of utmost importance."
As Dumbledore expounded upon the dangers posed by the dark wizard Voldemort, James Potter's resolve hardened, his determination to protect his family burning brightly in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe," he vowed, his voice unwavering.
Dumbledore nodded solemnly, acknowledging James's steadfast commitment. "Then you must consider the Fidelius Charm," he advised, explaining its intricacies and potential to shield them from harm. I will even offer myself as your secret keeper.
However, James remained resolute in his decision, his trust in his closest friend unwavering. "I respect you Albus. But Sirius will be our Secret-Keeper, I trust no one more than him." he declared firmly, glancing at his friend with unwavering confidence.
Yet Sirius had other plans, a scheme born from the depths of his cunning mind. With a persuasive charm and a glint of mischief in his eyes, he turned to James and Lily. "Why make it easy for Voldemort? He knows we are close, and I would be your first choice" he proposed. "Let's use Peter as the Secret-Keeper. I'll serve as the decoy, drawing attention away from the truth."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as James and Lily weighed the risks and rewards of Sirius's proposal. In the end, their trust in their friends prevailed, and they agreed to Sirius's plan, placing their faith in his plans.
Under the cover of darkness, Dumbledore cast the Fidelius Charm, weaving its protective enchantments around the Potter family and their chosen Secret-Keeper. With a flick of his wand and a whispered incantation, their fate was sealed, their whereabouts hidden from prying eyes.
As Dumbledore ushered them into a secluded safe house, a sense of both relief and trepidation settled over the group. For in the heart of uncertainty, they found solace in the bonds of friendship and the hope of a brighter future, where love and loyalty would triumph over the darkest of evils.
As the days passed within the confines of the safe house, tension lingered in the air like a thick fog. Every creak of the floorboards and rustle of the wind outside seemed to echo with the weight of their precarious situation. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, the bonds of friendship between James, Lily, Sirius, and Peter only seemed to strengthen.
Sirius, ever the jovial spirit, did his best to lighten the mood with jokes and anecdotes from their Hogwarts days. His laughter echoed through the dimly lit rooms, momentarily dispelling the shadows of fear that lurked in the corners.
Peter, on the other hand, remained quiet and watchful, his gaze darting nervously from window to window as if expecting an unseen threat to materialize at any moment. His newfound role as the Secret-Keeper weighed heavily on his shoulders, and the gravity of the responsibility seemed to age him beyond his years.
Meanwhile, James and Lily found solace in each other's company, drawing strength from their love and the shared hope for a future free from fear and persecution. They spent hours reminiscing about happier times and imagining the life they hoped to build for their young son, Harry.
But even as they clung to moments of normalcy, the specter of Voldemort loomed ever closer, his dark influence spreading like a poisonous vine throughout the wizarding world. Each day brought news of fresh attacks and disappearances, a grim reminder of the dangers they faced.