Chapter 35 Snape, A Turning Point

Both men, Severus and Voldemort, were appropriately savoring their respective cups of tea. Severus, emotionally altered due to the death of his supposed "friend," death is always challenging, but when it's close, it makes you think!

Although Severus had participated in battles for Voldemort and had killed some people in combat, it wasn't personal. He didn't feel hatred or anything of the sort towards such individuals. It was just a game of interests. Sometimes, politics isn't always moral, and some actions, even if cruel, are valid to gain power. He needed that. He was born to be more. Moreover, he would regain Lily's love. It was only a matter of time, and he knew how to be patient. Even Potter couldn't stop him.

After contemplating the gains and losses, he erased the last living look of Avery at the moment of his death from his mind, taking a deep breath. The calming effect of the tea helped. He would deal with the second matter and gain an advantage from it.

"My Lord, there is an event I would like your opinion on, and if you find it useful, I would like you to consider a single wish from your servant," Severus said, looking at Voldemort with a sincere expression.

Voldemort, on the other hand, was interested in Severus's swift emotional recovery after his friend's death but not entirely surprised. Snakes are utilitarian by nature. Betrayal, alliances, enmities, or friendships are merely a matter of interests, and he sensed this in Severus, his ambition.

"See, Severus, I am not someone of unreasonable nature," Voldemort swirled his tea cup in a cyclical motion and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice. "I value loyalty. Notice that I do not use the Unbreakable Vow within my inner circle of followers, just as I did not use it on you. It may seem foolish at first glance, but what I demand from my inner circle is done willingly; it requires dedication and commitment, something a vow cannot shape. I need people dedicated to my cause with all their hearts."

Voldemort took a final sip of his tea. "Tell me, and if you deem it useful, I promise only one favor, Severus, my servant."

Severus responded with a slight nod of his head. "I witnessed a unique event during my stay in Hogsmeade, at the Hog's Head Inn. A scene involving Miss Sibila Trelawney and Dumbledore in a supposed job interview."

Voldemort reacted by pondering. "Intriguing, the Trelawneys come from an ancient lineage of seers. Their family has participated in some prophecies. But Sibila seems not to possess the talents of her bloodline. My investigations into her make her appear as an incompetent fool. What did the old goat want with Sibila?" he asked as he continued to contemplate.

Severus glanced sideways as if remembering something. "It's not the meeting that's important, but what happened during the meeting," Severus said, inciting Voldemort's interest. "I was enjoying a meal while eavesdropping, people were discussing things like Quidditch and the fear of war. Some drunkard was talking about facing the Dark Lord and stopping the war. But I was focused on Dumbledore. He was uncomfortable with the drunkard in front of him, and with his hypocritical, saintly demeanor, he wanted a reason or something to dismiss her as a teacher. The standard was too low even for him. But everything changed suddenly.

The woman dropped her glass of pumpkin juice, and her eyes became glassy, as if she was delivering something beyond the veil or the truth. And she began uttering words with difficulty, as if her voice struggled to emerge from her hoarse and slow body.

'The one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... Ravens burn, specters foretell the fall...'" Severus finished, falling silent.

"What else, what is the continuation of the prophecy, Severus?" Voldemort asked, thirstily.

"The problem is, before I could hear the complete prophecy, I was expelled from the bar by the owner. Obviously, a follower of Dumbledore," Severus said, somewhat irritated at being ejected.

Severus saw Voldemort lose his composure for the first time, revealing an irritated and uncomposed side, which frightened him, wondering what he would do. But nothing happened.

"When did this event occur?" Voldemort asked, with an irritated tone.

Severus replied, "On the day of the Ministry Ball, one day before the end of July."

"And why didn't you share this sooner, Snape?" Voldemort said, pointing his wand at Severus. Before Severus could respond, Voldemort cast a "Cruciatus" spell.

Severus felt his body being torn apart, experiencing the most excruciating pain he had ever endured, while writhing in hopelessness.

A few moments later, Severus managed to speak. "I was investigating the prophecy further, my Lord, but I was interrupted by the Malfoy incident," he said in a loud tone, his breathing difficult, in considerable pain. He even claimed it was reasonable!

Voldemort stopped his actions. It was not the time to vent his anger. He would do that later, at a more appropriate moment, with someone else. Mrs. Pettigrew, his guest, seemed very restless lately. Some "education" for her would be good.

Voldemort calmed down, sitting in his chair, and said, "Severus, take care of the Narcissa investigation, as we discussed before. I will leave the task of investigating the prophecy to Peter Pettigrew."

Severus, still affected by the pain, was not clear in his thoughts and a bit resentful towards the member of the Marauders, his lifelong enemies. He said, "That rat wouldn't know how to do anything right, let alone be reliable." But he flashed a malicious smile. If the Marauders knew that his great friend Peter was a spy, how would they react?

Voldemort, who had already regained much of his composure and understood Severus's history of hatred, responded only with patience in his voice: "The brave, the Lions, they are so foolish and reckless, but they are valuable tools if you know how to use them. They are willing to do anything, challenging any limit."

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A/N: Hello, everyone! It's Artars here. I hope you're enjoying this arc; things are about to get exciting. I really liked how it all turned out, but no spoilers. If you have any tips or questions, please feel free to ask. Also, I want to let you know that next week I'll be posting 3 chapters. I managed to get some relief at my job. Thank you for accompanying me this far.