Alone In The Darkness

"And now, Snape, I will give you one chance to explain why you did not come to my side the moment I summoned you," said the black-cloaked figure. Only then did he turn to see the recently Apparated Severus.

"My master," said Severus humbly, "it is impossible for your servant to Apparate directly from the Hogwarts grounds."

"So explain, then, why you did not immediately leave them?" The voice did not sound entirely in the mood for rational debate and compromise. It appeared that there would be trouble whatever answers were given, however reasonable were the explanations offered. But the game must first be played; even if there was no way to win, by the same token there was surely also nothing left to lose.

"I did not believe that arousing Dumbledore’s suspicions would be in your interests, master," replied Severus. "I came as soon as I was able, and I am sorry that it was not sooner."

"And, Snape," said Lord Voldemort, his already slitted eyes narrowing further, "although I have been most grateful for your services in the past, conveying false information to my enemies, I wonder if you would be so good as to explain why you did so believing it was the truth?"

Severus had no answer, which was no more than was expected. He gazed sorrowfully at the ground as the silent thought passed through his head. Please let this be the end. Please let it be over. The thought unnerved him more than the prospect of his surely imminent demise. Had he found nothing in this life worth living for?

But the words that Lord Voldemort spoke were not those of the killing curse. No such relief was to be afforded Severus.

Not real. Not real. None of it is real. His skin was not on fire; his skull had not shattered; there were no invisible spears running him through; there was no physical counterpart to what he was being made to feel. Not real. Severus did not know if his mantra offered him any protection against the insanity that an extended experience of such pain would bring; once again, he was relieved to find that he did not need to truly investigate its effectiveness. Lord Voldemort allowed him to regain his feet before continuing.

"It is fortunate for you, perhaps, that you can still be of some use. This time, however, I will expect nothing less than your true loyalty." Severus did not trust himself to raise his head and look into those burning red eyes, afraid that his own would burn with equal hatred and fury. "You will repeat the words I give you, and none other. Even though your position in Dumbledore’s confidence is valuable to me, be assured that should you disobey me once more, there will be no further staying of my hand. I shall be watching your progress with interest."

It appeared that Lord Voldemort was about to dismiss Severus from his presence, but before he did so, almost as an afterthought, he spoke again.

"And concerning Lucius – no, his conduct had not escaped my notice – he is not to know of our arrangement. Consider it your punishment for disloyalty, and be thankful I have decided to be so lenient."

With a single word, Lord Voldemort Disapparated, leaving Severus alone in the darkness.