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,, Ah, boy. Nice to see you again. come sit down ' Dumbledore greeted him happily, waving his left hand at the Potions Master.

Totally out of character for him. Snape seemed to have noticed the difference as well. He raised an eyebrow questioningly and nodded over to Albus' right hand.

,, Oh that. Well, there were some complications on my last mission. Half as wild. " the Headmaster confessed through clenched teethhis left hand curled into a half-fist as blood rushed to his face. Something seemed terribly wrong. Severus cautiously approached him to look at Albus' hidden hand. What he saw there made him cringe. the Headmaster's hand was completely charred.

"By Merlin's beard! This does not look good. It looks like a malicious...." Snape's thought was interrupted by the older professor.

,, Curse?! I know, Severus, but I had to do it so that Voldemort could finally be stopped. please understand "He apologized to Severus, looking into his eyes. Severus shook his head in anger. "No, Albus. What do you want me to understand? Lord to destroy? WHY DID YOU NOT ASK FOR HELP FROM ANYONE IN THE QUORUM AND PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER INSTEAD? ' Severus yelled at him.

Dumbledore's eyes rested calmly on him.

,, It touches me very much how you care about me, nevertheless it is my decision whether I want to tell someone. ' Albus replied sternly, looking at him thoughtfully. Silence.

"How long, Severus?" he broke the silence, running his good hand over the charred one.

,, The curse will spread quickly. I guess a year. ' Severus replied monotonously. His black eyes glittered suspiciously.

"What did you want to talk to me about? ' he quickly changed the subject.

"Severus? You're the one who has to kill me! If Malfoy fails, then the dark lord will surely come back to you. " Albus spoke urgently to him and eyed his opponent concerned.

a world collapsed inside Severus.

,,Why? Why me? Rose would never forgive me! Yes, she would hate me to the last. And I can understand her because Albus is very close to both of us. But losing her would break my heart. if I don't, Draco will break. What am I supposed to do?" It went through his head. His body trembled. A few tears rolled down his cheeks.

,, Albus. I can not do this! ' he stuttered out in sorrow, his black eyes staring into space.

the Headmaster gave him an understanding nod. ,, I know, but you still have to do it! One day your daughter will understand. But until then, don't say a word to anyone, or we may quash the plan. ' Albus explained his request.

memory fades.

xxxx

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,, Sir! severus just arrived. ' whispered a black-haired woman (whose curls hung wildly) reverently into the Malfoy drawing room. She bowed briefly to a black figure standing with his back to a long table. It was Voldemorthe wore his hood low over his face. Only his red eyes shone out with malice.

"Thank you Bella. Bring him to me! I'm going to teach him a little marnishing lesson. They don't keep me waiting! ", he whispered smugly to his most faithful servant. a hideous laugh rang out in the room. A few moments later, Severus entered. He bowed in humility.

Voldemort turned silently and watched him.

As Seveus slowly got up

his eyes wandered to the dark lord's. A cold shiver ran down his back.
A deathly silence filled the parlor until the Potions master spoke up, "My lord! Being late on my part wasn't appropriate, so I will stand by my consequences. " he whispered guiltily over to Voldemort who just looked at him blanklyseverus had already prepared for the worst, but nothing happened.

,, You can go Severus. You've already missed our meeting, so you better rest so you can teach tomorrow. ' Voldemort whispered softly in his directionseverus didn't know what to take from his reaction.

,, I owe you my deepest gratitude. ' he uttered gratefully and bowed to him again.

Severus turned his back on him.

"Crusius." came the dark lord's cold voice.

"Ahh!" the Potions master spat in pain. His limbs burned like fire. He couldn't hold out for long and fell to his knees. Severus gritted his teeth several times to keep from screaming out loud. He knew full well that Voldemort was just staring at it waiting to see him really weak.

with a bang, the Potions master fell to the ground. "Rose." Was his last thought. Then he fainted.

scene end