The World of Snape

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Severus awoke the next morning to sunlight streaming into the bedroom and the Dark Lord asleep in bed next to him. Eyes wide, he shifted towards the edge of the bed some more, remembering what had happened last night, but nothing before it. Blinking, he sat up, his legs over the edge of the bed, his mind whirling. He had to concentrate on what he could last remember.

The Dark Lord rolled over, still fast asleep, and Severus was so concerned that Voldemort was going to try and cuddle him or something, he fell off the end of the bed, hitting the floor with a soft thump. Rubbing his backside, he slowly stood up, relieved that he had not woken the Dark Lord.

He had to get out. Quietly, he crept around the room to the wardrobe, which he opened slowly in case it creaked. The robes in there were either green or black, very soft and silky material. He reached into the cupboard, and pulled out the first set of black robes, hastily pulling them on. They were very beautiful, soft and floaty around him, and somewhere at the back of his brain, he recognised them, and decided that they must be his own if he knew them.

After that, he headed for the door, anxious to get out of the bedroom. He wasn't used to being allowed to stay in bed with the Dark Lord, but he supposed that if they really were married then it would be a normal event. As he walked down the marble staircase of the Dark Lord's mansion (Was it his as well?), he began to think about Dumbledore. The old fool had been alive three years ago, but he couldn't remember the time of him being dead. In fact, the last thing he remembered Dumbledore saying, now he was thinking clearly, was how Severus needed to teach Harry Potter Occlumency.

Ah, now it was returning! Bellatrix had just been released from Azkaban and the Dark Lord had told her and her husband that they would be bonded. Severus had asked the Dark Lord if they could be bonded.

He stopped dead at the bottom of the stairs and Bellatrix came walking towards him.

“Snape!” she called. “Where is the Dark Lord? I need to speak with him.”

Severus blinked stupidly as he looked at her. “How long ago did you get out of Azkaban?” he asked her, ignoring her earlier question.

“What are you talking about Snape? Why should I keep count?” Her eyes narrowed at him. “Why are you wearing the Dark Lord's robes?” she asked, curiously.

Severus glanced down at himself, and then suddenly remembered where he had seen them from. The Dark Lord was wearing these when he was reborn, and he liked to wear them to gatherings.

He looked back up to Bellatrix. “Do you think he will be angry?” he asked, unsure of himself.

Bellatrix's eyes were still narrowed in concentration. She didn't understand what was wrong with Snape. He was acting like a complete fool. “Well, how should I know? You're the one that's sleeping with him.”

That sparked a new memory.

“Do you know what, Bellatrix?” Severus asked, smiling at the woman.

“What?” Bellatrix snapped irritably back.

“You're a complete bitch.” He grinned in her face, before walking onwards, out into the garden. He knew that obviously he was now very powerful because she hadn't tried to curse him. He glanced over his shoulder, and she was still standing in exactly the same spot, watching him walk. He had never done anything like that before, in his long years of knowing her, he had never been quite so brutally honest with her.

Looking back to where he was walking now, Severus could see a small figure approaching the house. She had long, black hair, and looked very finely dressed. As Severus got closer, he recognised her as Ginny Weasley. She looked different without her red her, he thought. A moment later, it dawned on him that they weren't at Hogwarts, this was Lord Voldemort's house. What was Ginny Weasley doing at Lord Voldemort's house?

“Hello, Severus!” Ginny called.

Severus froze. What did she think she was calling him?

“Excuse me, Miss Weasley?” he hissed at her, his voice silky and smooth like it usually was when he was around Gryfindor's. “What did you just call me?”

Ginny wasn't listening. She was too busy staring at his robes. “Why are you wearing Master's robes?” she asked him curiously.

“Well... I...” Severus spluttered, hardly believing how she was speaking to him. “What do you mean, Master?” he continued, a moment later.

“You know what I mean.” Ginny continued to stare at Severus. “Are you sure you're alright? You seem a bit... Distant.”

Severus found himself staring gormlessly back at her. “I... No, I am quite... Quite alright...”

“Well, that's good then,” Ginny replied. “You know...” Ginny suddenly put her arm through Severus's. “I wanted to talk to you anyway. There was a lot more going on with you at school then you let on.”

Severus's mind was reeling, but he managed to nod at her anyway.

“I always wondered how you managed to keep things secret. It must have been hard for you, you know, not being able to contact Master even though you knew he was the one for you.”

Another memory clicked into place in Severus's mind.

“You... You know, Ginny,” Severus replied. “You... You should go inside... It looks like it's going to rain...”

Ginny shot him another strange look, before nodding at him, and turning around to head inside. Severus watched her go, feeling not quite so confused now.

As he continued down to the edge of the Dark Lord's grounds, there was a pop just in front of him, and Draco Malfoy appeared. “Sev, what are you doing all the way down here?” Draco asked him, smoothing out his hair. Severus noticed it was longer than usual. “Did you see Ginny on the way in? She forgot to pick up her...” Draco trailed off. “Why are you wearing the Dark Lord's robes?” he asked, his expression completely shocked.

Severus sighed. “Never mind that,” he responded quickly. “Ginny just went up to the castle. I didn't think you two got on anyway?”

Draco tilted his head to one side, staring at Severus. “We're dating. Remember?”

Severus blinked. He didn't remember that. “Oh. Right.” He pretended to know and smiled slightly.

“Are you alright, Severus?”

Severus nodded automatically. “Yes, just tired. Been thinking about Hogwarts,” he continued, beginning to improvise slightly. “Didn't Dumbledore die there?”

Draco shrugged. “Don't remind me about Dumbledore. I try to forget my screw up there. It's pathetic, Father is still disappointed in me over that.”

“What do you mean?” Severus asked stupidly.

“You know, I spent the entire year trying to kill him, not accepting any help, and then leaving you to do it?” Draco narrowed his eyes. “Look, I need to give this to Ginny,” he said, beginning to walk towards the mansion. “I will see you tonight.” He bowed slightly to Severus, before continuing up the slope.

Severus stood still for a moment, as another memory slotted into place.

Above his head, a load clap of thunder sounded, and a bright flash of lightening was seen, before a very heavy downpour began. Hastily, he ran up to the mansion, getting back into the entrance just as another clap of thunder came. Dripping wet, he wrapped his arms around himself, standing in the doorway, watching the storm outside.

He jumped as a hand lightly toughed his shoulder, and moved away hastily, worried it was the Dark Lord, or Bellatrix back for revenge. It was Lucius. He relaxed instantly, seeing his oldest friend.

“Why are you wearing the Dark Lord's robes, Severus?” Lucius asked, and Severus felt relieved to hear his cool voice, and to see those icy eyes.

“I like them,” Severus replied, wondering why it was such a big deal.

“Fair enough.” Lucius glanced out at the weather. “Oh for goodness sake, I can't apparate into the Ministry looking like a drowned rat.”

“You still working there then?” Severus asked conversationally.

Lucius cast him a sideways look. “When haven't I?”

Severus smiled. “You were always at the Ministry. Even when I first moved in with you when we were young.”

“I suppose it has been a great many years. Well, when one has money, these sorts of things are easier.” Lucius smiled.

Those words stirred right at the back of Severus's mind, and he suddenly remembered more. He looked at Lucius for a moment, before closing his eyes. This memory had been an... Important one, to say the least. “Excuse me, Lucius...” Severus murmured, noticing that the rain had eased off now and that the sun was coming back out. He walked into the grounds once more, and this time headed for the lake. Reaching the edge of the water, he looking into the far distance and saw a small island in the middle of the lake, with a tree in the centre of it. Smiling, he reached up into the air and took off, soaring across the water to the island. The ground was completely dry because the leaves on the tree were so thick. Smiling, Severus sat down on the ground, his back up against the tree, looking out over the beautiful lake, letting the sounds of the wind and water around him take over. It felt so nice to be relaxed like this.

“I thought you would be here.”

Severus jumped, and looked up. Standing in front of him was the Dark Lord, looking down at Severus with a look of concern on his features.

“Why?” Severus asked softly.

“It's our romantic spot.” Voldemort took a step closer, a small smile on his lips. “Why are you wearing my robes?”

Severus glanced down, and then back up at Voldemort. “I... Got confused, when I got up this morning. I recognised them so assumed they were mine...” Half expecting punishment, he looked down at the grass in front of him.

Voldemort approached him, and knelt down in front of him. “Severus... What happened yesterday?”

“I don't know,” Severus replied truthfully. “I don't know.”

“Do you remember things now?”

“Sort of...” Severus mumbled. “I remember some things.”

“Us?”

Severus shook his head slowly. “No. Not us. Not us in the present.”

“I see.” Voldemort stood back up, and turned away from Severus. “I have to return. There are matters that have to be dealt with.” Slowly, he looked back over his shoulder. “I'll work this out.”

He made to take off, but Severus quickly stood up. “Wait-” he called desperately. Voldemort stopped, and turned back.

“Yes?”

Severus hesitated for a moment before replying. “I love you...”

Voldemort smiled. “I love you too, Sev,” he replied, but his voice still seemed distant.

“It's just weird... I don't remember you ever being this nice before... It's hard to get used to.”

The Dark Lord simply nodded, and Severus could tell he understood, before he took off into the air. As he vanished into the distance, Severus collapsed back down under the tree, his hands shaking. The memories were pooling together around him, it was tight around his chest, he couldn't breath, he was suffocating, drowning -

Voldemort laughed coldly and beckoned to Bellatrix. “Come closer Bella, tell me all about it.” -

- “I know you well enough to be quite sure you have never waited for me. When we have not met for months at a time, you have not spent your nights alone.” Severus stood up, and moved as far away from the Dark Lord as he possibly could.

“And if I have?” Voldemort asked coldly, still watching the Potions Master carefully. “Does it bother you that much when you know that my affections lie only with you? She means nothing to me at all, Severus.” -

The jealousy swelled up within him as he thought about Bellatrix Lestrange, that vindictive bitch that he argued with so readily, the woman that stole his love, the woman that was always in the way of his desires, of his dreams, the woman that tempted the Dark Lord -

“I have not spoken to Bellatrix in a week if it makes you feel better,” Voldemort said softly. -

It was over. It was over for good. Bellatrix would never be with the Dark Lord again, he had made sure, the Dark Lord was his and his alone. Nothing would change that now -

“So. Have you been practicing?”

“Yes,” Potter said, looking at one of the legs of Severus’s table.

Severus smiled to himself. “Well, we’ll soon find out, won’t we?” he replied smoothly. “Wand out, Potter.” He watched as Harry moved into his position, facing Severus with the desk between them. “One the count of three then, one – two –“ The office door banged open and Draco Malfoy sped in. Severus raised an eyebrow at the petite Malfoy in front of him.

“Professor Snape, sir – oh – sorry –“ There was a look of surprise on his face to see Snape and Potter with their wands pointed at each other. Severus quickly lowered his wand.

“It’s alright Draco, Potter is here for a little remedial Potions.” The look of surprise changed to one of pure gloating and glee.

“I didn’t know” -

- He had found himself in a difficult situation in Hogwarts once the Dark Lord had returned, trying to please both sides and yet make no advancement for the Light Side. He had so many secrets, and when he needed to be with the Dark Lord the most, he could never be -

“I didn't think you were coming!” Severus cried, and ran towards his lover, and kissed him hard on the lips.

The Dark Lord held Severus tightly to him, and kissed his hair. “I could not leave you alone, especially on a night like this one... I thought you would be upset...”

Severus nodded. “I need you more then ever,” he murmured. -

- Their relationship had only been casual to begin with, Severus was scared of the Dark Lord. -

- “Lucius tells me you are an exceptional potions Master,” Voldemort said, conversationally, sitting back in his seat. Severus was suddenly aware of how close together they actually were.

“He always speaks highly of me, I’m afraid he may be exaggerating, my Lord,” Severus replied, nervously.

“Nevertheless, I have a need of an expert potions Master. I know you are in favour of my ideas,” Voldemort said, his eyes not leaving Severus’s for a moment. “Tell me, Severus, why have you not joined me yet?” The question was abrupt, and it startled Severus.

“My Lord…” He didn’t want to answer the question, his answer was going to ruin everything he had at this house. The Dark Lord would kill him, kill Lucius and all of his family, and everyone associated with them. “I do not enjoy killing and the sort of torture you and your followers enjoy,” he finally settled on, thinking that would be better then his real reasons. The Dark Lord would surely never want a half blood in his ranks, even one that did live with Lucius Malfoy.

“I shall not expect you to do that if you do not want to, Severus,” Voldemort replied swiftly. “As I have said, I need a potions Master for my own purposes, but I still believe you could be a great Death Eater.” Severus felt his stomach lurch. “You will be initiated straight to the higher part of the middle circle.”

“My Lord, I can’t.” Severus was desperately trying to evade it now.

“Why? You’re a Slytherin, pure blooded-” He caught sight of the look on Severus’s face, and paused for a moment. “Aren’t you?”

Severus shook his head. “Half blood, my Lord,” he whispered. “Slytherin though,” he added, as if it made a difference.

The Dark Lord’s eyes narrowed for a moment, before he took a sip of his wine.

“How does the Inner Circle sound to you?” -

- Severus understood now. He never did before. He always assumed that the Dark Lord was pure blooded. He didn't mind when he was told, he didn't care... By that stage he was always going to be Voldemort's -

- Voldemort lent forwards, and placed a gentle kiss on the mans lips. “You’re mine, Severus Snape,” he whispered in the unconscious man's ear. -

- Severus never doubted it. But ownership was different to a relationship, they had never had a proper relationship. Did they now? Wasn't he just owned now? Was he loved?-

- “I haven’t seen you for three weeks, Snape, I do not care about the fact the Order has been reborn at this moment.” Voldemort seemed to glide across the room towards Severus, and with one flick of the Dark Lord’s wand, Severus’s clothes removed themselves from his body and folded themselves neatly on the chair in the corner. -

- “I cannot believe you just did that,” Severus snapped, after the goodbyes were said. “Without asking me before.”

Voldemort sat back down sipping his wine for a moment. “You were sat there in your own rude little world, and for a split second I felt the urge to tell the world about you and I.” He raised his eyeline to Severus’s. “And I do love you.” -

- “Anything else?” Voldemort asked, pouring Severus a drink and handing it to him. Severus realised the Dark Lord was pleased with him.

“One more thing. He knows that the visions are of the Department of Mysteries.”

Voldemort stood up. “You will be rewarded, Severus,” he said softly. “Well done. Very well done.” The other Death Eaters looked slightly jealous at the reaction, though only three knew why for real.

“Thank you Master,” Severus responded, with a private, genuine smile in the direction of the Dark Lord. Lord Voldemort sent in return the smallest of winks, and at once, Severus knew precisely what his reward was going to be. -

- As if all the time around him had stopped, Severus opened the box. Inside, there was a ring. It was solid silver, and when light hit it, it shone brightly with different shades of green, like there were tiny emeralds on it. Impatiently, Voldemort picked the ring out of the box and slowly slid it onto Severus’s finger. Severus had the sensation of heat spreading up and down his body, stemming from that one finger on his left hand. “I have one too.” Voldemort held out his hand, the ring on his was glowing completely green, and when Severus looked, he noticed his was too.

“A true promise of all time love,” Severus whispered in awe. The rings signified loyalty and trust, and that they were now an engaged bond couple.

“If that had not worked I would have let you go now to find your own happiness… But I now know the truth.” Voldemort leant forward, and kissed the stunned Severus tenderly and lightly on the lips. -

-“Come here, Severus.” The Death Eater walked around the Throne, and knelt at the base of it, his head resting on Voldemort’s knee. He felt fingers in his hair. “I trust I did not hurt you too badly,” Voldemort said softly, though with a tad of ice in his voice.

Severus shook his head. “You did what you had to.” He tilted his body slightly so he was looking up at Voldemort, and knelt up so he could reach his Master’s lips to kiss. He felt a quick response, and they were soon kissing passionately. Voldemort lifted the man effortlessly onto his lap and deepened the kiss. “I love you, Voldemort,” Severus murmured into the mans chest when they were done.

“I know. And soon we will be together forever. I truly cannot wait for that day.”-

-Voldemort's moans of pleasure turned to screams, his face grew white and he began bleeding through his nose and mouth, gargling in so much blood he had to spit it out onto Severus's pale, bare chest. Severus reached up, cupping his lovers face, trying in vein to stop the bleeding.

“Severus!” Voldemort screamed-

- “I want to spend the rest of my life showing you off,” Voldemort said softly, kissing Severus on the lips for a moment.

“You're the gorgeous one,” Severus reciprocated with a smile. “I want to show you off.”

Voldemort chuckled. “I love you, brat.”

“I love you too.” -

- “Severus!” -

No. Severus was loved. Severus was loved deeply.

Suddenly, he stood up, walking to the edge of the water, staring up at the mansion in the distance. He was home. A smile reached his lips, and he opened his mouth and screamed – His tensions, his frustrations, his worries suddenly leaving him – He was purged, cleansed, relieved -

He took off into the air, laughing, swooping around the trees, landing only when he saw the Dark Lord hastily coming out into the grounds.

“What was that scream?” The Dark Lord asked, reaching out for Severus in concern.

“My return,” Severus responded, unable to keep the smile from his face. “I'm back.”

Voldemort stared at him for a while, before smiling himself, and pulling Severus into his arms. Death Eaters who had been inside and that had heard the scream were looking out of the windows, but Voldemort didn't care, and neither did Severus. Voldemort grabbed his lovers head, and pulled him into his own, kissing him with such force, Severus felt afraid for a moment, but he went with it, moaning when it became too much for them both. When they pulled apart, Severus's lip was bleeding from where Voldemort's had bitten him. He didn't care. Laughing, he pulled Voldemort back towards him for another kiss. When he looked back up to the window, the Death Eaters were gone, except for Bellatrix, who was watching with jealousy in her eyes.

Some things never changed.

x--x

“I know what it was,” Voldemort murmured, some time later. They were laid together on the sofa, in front of the fire, completely naked except for a black silk sheet removed from their bed for warmth.

“What was it?” Severus asked, quickly, tilting his head to look back at his lover.

“The bond.”

Severus nodded, gazing up at Voldemort in curiosity.

“I don't suppose your first memory was telling Bellatrix and Rodolphus about the fact we were going to bond?” Voldemort asked, his hands playing with Severus's hair thoughtfully.

“It was,” Severus responded quietly. “Why did it happen?”

“We aren't treating our bond right.” Voldemort lent down and kissed the top of Severus's head. “There isn't enough of this,” he continued simply. “Spending time with each other, relaxing. You've been completely stressed and I haven't noticed it.” Severus nodded wordlessly. “I am meant to care for you, and I haven't been. Not in the way you need. In forgetting, you've made me remember, and in remembering, you've made yourself happy again. You needed to forget to remember.”

Closing his eyes, Severus tried to understand, finding it difficult, but slowly getting there. He needed to remember his most important memories of his life to complete the rest of his life, for their bond to work. Everything that had happened in both of their lives was what held the bond together, and it had been falling apart without them even noticing. Another thought struck him.

“The dreams?”

Voldemort nodded. “Related... Maybe now they will ease off a bit.”

Severus nodded. He hoped so.