| Granian
Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scotland, UK
Posts: 21,308
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Elijah Wilde
Graduated |  Farmer Carter | | Ama's Secret
Third chapter for Severus :] Quote: Chapter 3: Through the Pain
Nothing good had come out of Dumbledore’s death, nothing ever would. Not only did Severus miss his old friend, but innocent people were being hurt as a result of Dumbledore’s loss, as well. Severus knew the next person who would feel unnecessary suffering was young Draco Malfoy. The boy had already been permanently marred by the experiences and preparations to become a Death Eater which he had gone through, but now he was going to be punished by the Dark Lord for failing in his appointed mission and there was very little Severus could do to help him.
Severus knew that the least he could do was to try and prepare Draco for his meeting with Voldemort. He felt it was entirely his fault that Draco was being punished in the first place; all of this was his fault. Dumbledore would still be alive if it weren’t for him.
“Listen to me carefully,” Severus said, taking a seat next to the boy. Draco was still very shaken from the events, tear streaks were evident on his face. “You are going to have to be strong when you face the Dark Lord. Don’t break down, be a man. I will help you with the pain afterwards. Do you understand?”
Sadly, Draco nodded his head. He was scared to death, Severus could tell, but like him, he had no choice but to face the consequences for his failure. Together the two of them slowly walked into Voldemort’s chambers, Draco looking as if he were going to his own execution. Severus didn’t think things would go well with either one of them, but he feared most for the boy. He knew very well how to handle anything which Voldemort might throw his way.
“Well, we meet again,” Voldemort intoned dryly as they entered the room. He was looking more sinister and reptilian than ever, his nostrils were mere slits and his red eyes glared eerily at them. Was he actually turning into a snake, Severus wondered. Being a skilled Occlumens, Severus was able to disguise his disgust even from the master of deceit. He stood, preparing himself for whatever was to happen next.
“Both of you disappoint me,” Voldemort started, sounding almost sad. Severus knew the man knew no remorse, that this was all an act of his. “Draco, you have prepared for this task for months and you show your weakness at the last moment and fail miserably? And Severus, while I appreciate the fact that you wanted to help the boy by completing the job yourself, it was not your place to do so. Nevertheless, you never would have been placed in a position where you would have to interfere were it not for this one’s incompetence.” He gestured disgustedly in the direction of Draco. “Therefore you will be spared from punishment for the time being, Severus, but I am warning you never to defy me again.”
Severus bowed his head and stiffened. He had every reason to fear for Draco. He already knew what was going to come next.
Voldemort looked directly at Draco with his evil red eyes. “You are still young and have shown some promise, and that’s the only thing that is stopping me from killing you right now. Still, you need to suffer great pain for what you have done, and suffer you shall. Crucio!” Voldemort shouted, pointing his wand at the unprepared Draco.
Draco immediately fell to the floor, screaming and crying uncontrollably. It was clear to Severus that he had never experienced pain like this before, as certainly few people had and survived. Draco contorted himself into a foetal position; his pitiful wails could be heard for miles. Severus felt for the boy, he certainly didn’t deserve this torture. If only, he thought once again. Finally, it was too much for even someone with as much control as he had to take.
“My Lord, I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time. This will have been a lesson for him and I will see that he won’t step out of line again,” Severus whispered to Voldemort, much more calmly than he felt. He knew he had to give the impression that the boy’s wellbeing was not that important to him, or else he might catch on.
“Perhaps you are right,” Voldemort commented, finally withdrawing his wand from Draco’s direction. “Take the boy out of my sight, and be warned that disobedience of any kind will not be tolerated. That applies to both of you.”
Severus gathered the body of Draco off the floor and carried him to safety. Draco was still sobbing and crying uncontrollably, he didn’t even seem to be aware of what was happening or where he was. Severus feared the experience might break the boy, he was so very young. Quickly, he performed a spell to ease the worst of Draco’s suffering and help him forget most of his ordeal. There was no reason for Voldemort to have put a young boy through something like this. Severus vowed revenge, not only for Draco’s suffering, but for Dumbledore’s death and so many other wrongs that had resulted since Voldemort had come to power. He could barely wait for the day when this Dark Lord was finally defeated, and he swore to do anything he could to hasten it along.
Severus spent the entire night caring for Draco and tending to his needs. By morning, he was finally better. Severus was happy to see the boy’s improvement. If anything had happened to him it would have been entirely his fault. He was an exceedingly strong man, but he honestly didn’t know how much more he could take. He knew the time was coming soon for him to serve his true mission.
__________________
When I look into the
MIRROR OF ERISED
all that I see is
YOU
*wink*
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