Time as a Healer

Severus walked up the sweeping gravel driveway up to the stone portico. Malfoy Manor was much the same as that last time he had been there and although he was wearing his Deatheater mask and robes, he was under no illusion that his arrival would be a surprise. He decided to let the charade play out.



As he approached, the doorway opened and he stepped inside. Lucius Malfoy stared at him as he entered.



‘You may as well remove the mask, old friend. I would know you anywhere.’ He said quietly.



Severus waved his wand and his mask disappeared. He looked at Lucius and tried to gauge his mood before he spoke. His face gave nothing away.



‘I heard a rumour that the Dark Lord has once again risen from the grave.’ He said smoothly.



‘Indeed he has. And I believe he is expecting you.’ A nerve pulsed in his neck as he waved a hand in the direction of what had been a formal dining room but had been commandeered as a throne room.



Severus looked at Lucius and acknowledged the fear he saw there. If he had not known the current incumbent was an imposter, he would have felt fear too. What he couldn’t understand was why his old friend was so convinced this person was the Dark Lord. Lucius was a clever wizard, surely he could see beyond a glamour, no matter how effective it was.



Severus swept past him and into the Throne Room. The space was dimly lit with pale, glowing torches and on the centre dais sat the supposed Dark Lord. At a distance, Severus would never have known the difference. He approached and immediately knelt, head bowed, before the wizened figure.



There was silence for a long moment. Severus heard shuffling of feet as the observing Deatheaters became aware of his presence and a whisper went around the room. He also heard a low chuckle from the dais.



‘I see I am not the only one risen from the dead. You may rise and look at me, my most faithful of servants.’ The voice was thin and reedy.



Severus stood and looked at the face in front of him in shock. He could see no glamour. His blood ran cold.



‘Surprised to see me, Severus?’ He asked, a thin smile on his face.



Severus paused a moment. ‘Relieved, My Lord.’ He murmured.



The Voldermort smiled, his red eyes flashing slightly. ‘As am I to see you. I had no idea you had survived…until recently….’



‘My Lord…’ Severus bowed respectfully ‘I have been abroad, recuperating.’



‘Indeed. And may I assume you are fully recovered?’ He stared at Severus coldly.



‘I am, My Lord.’



‘You may approach me.’ He beckoned Severus with a thin finger and he walked slowly towards him, his face emotionless as he looked on the face of his former master.



Severus bent and kissed the ring on the proffered hand. ‘My Lord?’



‘I have a job for you Severus. You may be unaware that the Order of the Phoenix still operates, under the command of Harry Potter, no less….’ He paused, watching Severus’s face for a response.



‘I was unaware of this, My Lord.’ He replied softly.



‘Well, be aware of it, Severus. I need you on the inside. And this time… we will not fail.’ His eyes glinted dangerously and Severus bent his head.



‘My Lord…’ He murmured, taking a step back



‘You may leave.’



Severus bowed low and then backed slowly out of the room. Lucius was stood in the shadow behind the door and fell into step with him as he walked from the throne room. They did not speak until they were in the fresh night air when Severus turned to him.



‘When did he return?’ He asked him, his voice low to avoid being overheard.



Lucius looked around carefully before answering. ‘Two months ago… it was a..surprise…to all of us.’



‘How, Lucius? I was under the impression that Potter had succeeded.’ His face was serious and as he looked him in the eye, he could see Lucius felt as desperate about the situation as he did.



Lucius sighed. ‘I do not know, old friend. Narcissa and I were away and when we returned, we found the Dark Lord here, as if he had never been away.’



‘And your own position Lucius? Where do your loyalties really lie?’ Severus was glaring at him now.



‘My loyalties lie where they always should have, Severus. With my family.’ Lucius raised his head proudly.



‘In that case, perhaps we can assist each other. Meet me tomorrow in the Three Broomsticks. Bring Draco. I may need him.’ Severus murmured and nodded and with two long strides, he disappeared into the darkness.



Severus apparated to Spinners End and was about to walk the short distance to his house when he saw a faint movement by the railings opposite his front door. He paused and thought for a moment. Realising his house was being watched and it was probably unwise to return home, he walked back a ways and apparated again with a quiet ‘pop’.