Just To See You

Chapter one: Prologue: The Vial

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The hidden valley was shrouded in darkness so thick it looked solid. In the deepest, darkest part of the valley, an old mansion stood. A light flickered on in the highest room and showed the silhouette of a tall, skinny man. He turned around and as he heard a knock on the door.

"Severus," Voldemort called. When Severus had kissed the hem of his robe, he asked, "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes, My Lord." Severus's voice had hesitation in it. Voldemort waited. "I've never seen a potion this difficult, this impossible. This potion was written more than a thousand years ago. Half of the ingredients are...extinct. Where will we find the horn of a Minotaur? Among others."

"Nothing is impossible. How long will it take?" Voldemort asked, knowing he would not like the answer, but that it could also work in his favor.

"Well...If you count the time needed to find all the ingredients, the brewing, stewing, and settling, and getting the ritual completed...at least a year and a half...it's clearly not practical! Even the ritual is highly complex. One tiny mistake and the entire thing is useless!" Severus said, handing Voldemort the directions.

Voldemort glanced at the list. This would indeed take at least a year and a half to make, and then add in who he needed for it, it would take almost two years. He knew The Order was looking for him, but they would never find the valley, let alone the mansion or himself. With Dumbledore gone, many doors had been flung open in favor of the Dark Lord. Recently Voldemort had been suffering losses at the hands of The Order. The Order was far too informed of his plans. He had an unworthy follower. A spy. He would be stopped. Not only stopped, he would be destroyed.

"You will not make a mistake." A death sentence was written in Voldemort's blood red eyes.

"My lord, who will be your...donor?" Severus asked with a hint of fear. He knew what the ritual entailed and inwardly shuddered at the thought of being in that position.

"Do not ask me questions, Severus. I have him picked. He's the only one with enough powerful innate magic to be worthy of this honor. Now, did you make the other potion I asked for?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, My Lord," Severus handed Voldemort a vial of black liquid. It seemed to bend the light, as though absorbing it. He knew better than to ask who Voldemort would use it on. He did not envy them. He prayed it would not be him.

Voldemort gazed at the vial for a moment. "This will blind him forever, yes? With no chance of regaining his sight?"

"Yes, My Lord" Severus replied.

"Good, I want to you watch young Master Malfoy and tell me when he is asleep. But first, invite him for tea and put a sleeping potion in it."

Severus nodded and began to walk out the door to the Dark Lord's bidding.

"I am not done with you yet, Severus." Voldemort snapped. "Let me see your arm. We're going on a little trip tomorrow."

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