Fire & Ice: War Games

The Dark Lord

‘Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.’

George S. Patton (1885-1945)


Pushing McGonagall’s words from his mind, Severus retreated to the familiar sanctuary of the Slytherin dungeons. He winced inwardly as the burning sensation in his arm steadily grew with every forced step. It had taken almost all his will power not strike out at his transfiguration’s professor anymore then he had. He resisted the urge to claw at the skin on his arm as the flesh began to crawl as though a brood of newly hatched flobberworms had taken up residence there.

As the burning sensation steadily spread through his arm into his chest, Severus sharply inhaled and quickened his pace. Bypassing the entrance to the Slytherin common room, he slipped through the abandoned passages that would lead him to the other side of the forest’s edges. The cool damp air of the dungeons slowly began to give way to the fresh cool air of the outside world as he drew closer. His pace slowed abruptly as the sound of a familiar voice drifted within range of his hearing.

“......stupid centaurs. Just who do they think they are anyways? Pushing people around like they’re the masters’ of the world.”

Severus’ eyes narrowed as he recognized the voice. “Great, just what I needed this morning. Why can’t these busy-buddies take a break once and a while? Not that this morning has started off any better then most others.” He muttered under his breath as he fingered his wand. The intense burning of his body had seeped into and settled in his stomach. His muscles cramped and contorted as the muscles of his neck jerked upwards. Salvia pooled in his mouth as he bent over, a bitter coppery flavor coated his mouth seconds before his breakfast splattered the passageway floor. Spitting the last remnants of the foul flavor out, Severus waved his wand over the chunks of partially digested food and stomach acids as he mumbled a cleaning spell.

Despite the throbbing burn in his abdomen, Severus rested against the mossy wall as the nausea slowly began to wear off. Concentrating on his breathing, Severus was unaware that he was no longer alone in the shadows. He jumped slightly as he felt something brush across his ankle and turned for a second pass. The Slytherin slide down the side of the wall, collecting small crumbs on his robes and in his hair. Reaching a shaking hand into the space before him where he suspected his unknown guest was, Severus smiled as relief flooded his mind. A rough, almost dry tongue gently licked his pale fingers before soft fur was eagerly rubbed against them. A soft purr echoed in the rumbling silence with only the sound of water dropping to the stone floor somewhere in the abyss ahead of him.

“Mr. Paine, you gave me a start there. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were ever sorted into Slytherin.” Sighing, Severus scratched the caretaker’s familiar underneath her chin. “Where’s Ogg, huh?”

“Right here, Mr. Snape.” The caretaker’s gruff voice said softly off to the boy’s right side. “Illicit ingredients gathering again, Mr. Snape?”

“You know me, Ogg.”

“What time do you plan on returning from your trip into the forest?”

Severus smiled at the caretaker through the darkness. While the student population and some of the faculty disliked and steered well clear of the castle’s caretaker and his feline shadow, the Slytherin rather liked the squib. Once one got past the man’s rough, prickly exterior, Severus had discovered an intelligent and thoughtful individual hidden inside. The pair often spent several hours a week secluded in the caretaker’s office discussing various topics of mutual interest. The few times that he had served detentions with the man after forming their new friendship, the caretaker had allowed him the use of his wand in cleaning which in turn had allowed them to discuss the latest topic the squib was interested in or let the Slytherin blow off steam regarding the Marauders.

With the caretaker’s friendship and blessings, the Slytherin was able to move about back and forth through out the castle with more ease. Especially considering the simple fact that most of the school’s staff was lazy and when they did venture out looking for troublemakers, they ended up punishing those outside their houses and shielding those of their own. But with the caretaker himself, treatment of each student was the same and no house was safe from him, that alone earned their hatred and fear. “I don’t know, probably be late. The Wallace-Angel plant is difficult to locate and the only place to find is at the forest’s heart.” Severus lied, knowing the caretaker wouldn’t question him.

“Stop by the office later, just so that I know you’re back and needn’t form a search party. Look quite foolish going to the headmaster when I explain exactly why one needs to be formed and why I let a student go in there.” Ogg said gruffly, attempting to hide the affection he felt for greasy haired Slytherin.

Severus smiled, easily hearing the caretaker’s unspoken concern. “Sure, Ogg.” He pushed himself up back onto his feet, “you in the mood to take points away?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“There’s a pathetic excuse for a Gryffindor bumbling about in the cross passageway up ahead.”

“And you want to get out without anyone else knowing. But with me here you get the added bonus of seeing said Gryffindor suffer a mite.”

“Of course.”

“Keep to the shadows then.”

Severus smirked inwardly as he listened to the caretaker’s soft foot falls retreating into the darkness. The burning sensation flared suddenly and he felt as though the insides of his body was on fire. He cursed softly as bolts of white lightening struck at his brain from behind his closed eyes. Biting his hand, Severus’ mouth filled with he irony taste of his own blood as he desperately muffled the jumble of noises tumbling from his mouth. Through the dark haze fogging his mind, Severus slowly became aware of voices drawing closer to him. The harsh baritone voice of the caretaker was accompanied by a familiar squeaking voice that always seem to grate on his nerves, the same voice of a certain seventh year Gryffindor. The same voice he would give to a rat if one was inclined with the ability of speech.

“....I swear, Mr. Ogg, Sir.”

“Rules are rules, Mr. Pettigew, you and your friends make it a nasty habit of breaking them. To be honest with you, I particularly enjoy catching you five.” Severus watched the dimly lit figure of the marauder shrug, seemingly uncaring about the caretaker’s views or opinions. “If you’re of the impression that the headmaster’ll turn yet another blind eye to your mischief making, think again boy. Albus Dumbledore may be the headmaster of Hogwarts’, but Professor Lung is the head of Slytherin and master of Hogwarts’ dungeons. Seems only fitting that Professor Lung be the one to hand out your punishment considering it was his dungeons you were caught trespassing in. Don’t you?”

Severus waited until the caretaker’s voice faded away before hurrying down the empty passageway. He silently hoped his head of house put the nervous twit through the ringer, he feverishly wished he could watch. Unfortunately, he’d have to hear the tale from someone in his house when he returned. A cool breeze greeted him when he finally emerged from the passageway and into the forest. Strays of sun light filtered their way through the canopy, lighting his way in the dark world of the forest. Reaching the edges of the school’s apparition barrier, Severus touched his wand to his arm, concentrating on it, he apparated.




“So glad you could join us, Severus. You remember Narcissa, don’t you?” He said indicating the blond witch on his arm.

“Ah yes, Mrs. Malfoy, formerly of the most noble house of Black. A pleasure to meet you again.” Severus said with a slight tilt of his head in her direction. He was rewarded with what passed for the witch’s warmest of smiles. He shivered and internally shouted with joy that he wasn’t chained to that particular witch, although he knew there were those who were by far worse. He shuddered as an image of Madam Black flickered through his mind.

“I see that the last of number has arrived, Severus.” Turning to his wife, “I’m afraid that I must leave you and join the others down in the dungeon.” A quick kiss on the witch’s cheek and Lucius Malfoy followed the raven haired Slytherin out of the room.

Severus blinked several times as his eyes adjusted in the dim light of Malfoy Manor’s dungeons. A nervous finger brushed along his jaw line, tracing the outside edges of the smooth, silver mask he wore. A reassuring hand perched on his shoulder as though its owner could smell the tiny tremors rippling inside of him. “All right there, Severus.” The boy’s head jerked foward in a sharp, unconvincing nod. “Relax, you’ve earned the right to be here.” The hand rubbed his shoulder, willing the tense muscles of his body to relax.

Before Severus could turn and thank his friend for his reassurances, a middle aged wizard with auburn short auburn hair swept soundlessly into the chamber. The mass of black robes and silver masks parted to allow the recent arrival to pass. Like a set of dominos, they sank to their knees and bowed their heads as he passed as though the wizard was royalty incarnate. At the far side of the room, the wizard turned in a sea of robes whipping sharply around his body. Emotionless cinnamon eyes carefully glanced over the throng of bodies presented before him in mass, blind obedience. A seemingly casual wave of his wand, a grand throne appeared behind him. “It is pleasing to see the multiplications of our numbers today. Stand and look upon the face of your master, if you dare.”

The sound of shuffling feet and the whispering of material filled the stillness as the gathered group of wizards rose to their feet. “While I am pleased with the Daily Prophet’s studious, diligent reports of recent outing in Glasgow, the story itself has lost its attraction and luster. The vast majority of you will be deployed to do what you do best, cause general mayhem and tie up the Ministry’s resources. A select few,” he passed, glancing at a seemingly predetermined few. “Will be entrusted with four special tasks. It is not common knowledge outside the walls of the Ministry, but within the haven of the Department of Mysteries is a prophecy. Apparently a child will be born in the near future who will be in possession of powers so formidable as to bring about the destruction of the single most powerful wizard to live.”

The wizard snorted, “I have no intentions of allowing such a possibility to occur.” he paused, giving his follower’s curiosity time to peek before continuing. “One thousand years ago, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Huffelpuff and Slytherin founded Hogwarts. Before their deaths, each left a piece of a puzzle behind. A complex potion formula to be exact. The four clues were fashioned into four objects of great influence and power on their own. If one deciphers the clues accurately, one can indeed put a stopper in death by brewing a potion.” No one in the chamber dared to move as the silence stretched before them as they waited for the wizard to continue. “I want this formula before the prophesied child is conceived!” The sudden magical force behind the deceleration shook the manor. “Severus,” the wizard hissed.

Willing control over his body, the Slytherin boy walked on unsteady legs through the cramped mass of bodies until he stood before the older wizard. “How can I serve, my Lord.” He tilted his head and waited for a response or a good bout of the Cruciatus curse. He may have been new to the Dark circle, but Severus remember his initiation well. The memory of the curse’s effects was and always would be fresh in his mind.

“Lucius has told me of your advanced potion skills.” Wisely, Severus refrained from interrupting the wizard. “I wish to test those skills and assert their levels for myself.”




Severus slumped in the large armchair and stared absently into the flames, oblivious to the twitching creature standing at his side. Images from only a few hours before replaying themselves in a blurred haze, images he knew would haunt his dreams yet to come. If he had been anyone else, Severus was sure he would’ve questioned the precarious position Fate had dealt him. As it was, the boy was in no condition to do so, his training would not allow for it.

A lifetime almost completely devoted to the path he now followed was suppose to have conditioned him for every scenario, but seeing it first hand had proved him nearly unready and a few seconds in lapsed judgement had barely gone unnoticed by the older wizards. Fate had intervened once more and even accepted his moment’s weakness. After all, this was his first revel since his initiation last Friday. Even the Dark Lord seemingly indulged his inexperience, Severus knew the wizard wouldn’t be as forgiving in the future.

Severus swallowed the bile rising in his throat at the thought of that morning’s ‘entertainment.’ He was grateful that the Dark Lord had expressed in no certain terms that Severus would not be included in the participation when an older wizard the boy didn’t know, attempted to corral him into joining in on the fun. “He has something else for you in mind, Severus.” Lucius had whispered over the boy’s shoulder as the wizards’ began. “He doesn’t intervene for anyone, not even me. Although I would be sorely put as you, my friend.” Severus didn’t bother correcting the blond wizard, instead he concentrated on ignoring the screams emanating only a few feet away.

A slight tug on his sleeve drew his attention back to the present. “Master Snape is wanting something?”

“Some lunch would be appreciate.” The boy replied barely acknowledging the simpering form at his elbow. The house elf bobbed its head excitedly, its over sized ears flopping back and forth before it disappeared. With graduation steadily drawing closer, Severus was all too aware the Dark Lord’s pressure would climax and he would be forced to publically announce his allegiance. For the moment, Severus would use the wizard’s resources for his own means and worry about what the future might bring with it another day.

A soft pop commanded his attention once agin, he absently noted that it wasn’t the same elf hovering next to him. Bandaged hands carefully set the silver serving tray on the chestnut stand. Turning to look at the wizard, “Master Snape is wanting something else?” It asked in a squeaky voice, its blue eyes wide and filled with fear. One dirty, bandaged hand lifted the polished silver covers to reveal the steaming contents, a hearty cut of veal was surrounded by kerneled corn and mashed potatoes. “Dobby brings something else, yes?”

Severus shook his head as he reached for the soft linen napkin. Shaking it out, he carefully laid the material across his lap. His stomach grumbled to life as the smell of the food assaulted his senses as the first bite approached his watering mouth. A generous swallow of the wine followed soon after, Severus watched the house elf wait with apprehension. “You can leave now, I am quite able to feed myself.” The house elf squeaked, trembling, Dobby quickly disappeared from the wizard’s side.

Severus snorted. While his parents had never hovered around him while he ate, neither did his uncle. Unfortunately, that didn’t include Rimball, the house elf. Despite years of mistreatment, the house elf had purposely gone out of her way to ensure that had cleared every last morsel from his plate. Not that he would admit to needing anyone, especially a house elf, Severus was secretly fond of his surrogate parent. Severus longed for the Christmas holiday when he would no longer be forced to play a role that had grown old and would instead be able to be himself, nobody else.

Folding the napkin in half, he laid it across the empty plate with a satisfied sigh. A house elf appeared and quickly retrieved the empty dishes. Severus was left alone, staring into the fire with the wine glass held between two fingers and resting casually on the arm. Stretching his cramped muscles, Severus let the tension in his body dissolve as he relaxed into the comfort of the armchair. Absorbed in the flickering flames dancing in the fireplace, Severus didn’t hear the study door open. Lost in his thoughts, Severus jumped slightly as a hand fell on his shoulder. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”

Chuckling softly, “if you hadn’t been daydreaming, I doubt I would’ve been able to.”

“I wasn’t daydreaming, I was thinking.”

“Don’t do that, you’re liable to hurt something.”

“Funny Lucius, I was just about to say the same thing.”

The blond smiled warmly before sitting down across from Sever in front of the fireplace. A wine flute appeared in his hand as he spoke, “I need to ask you a favor, Severus.” He sipped his drink as the raven haired Slytherin raised a cautious eyebrow. “You may or may not have heard, but Narcissa is pregnant.”

“Congratulations, Lucius. I don’t see how I could possibly help you, however.”

The blond chuckled, “I was rather hoping you would consent to being the child’s godfather.”

Momentarily taken back, “of course. I’d be honored, Lucius.”

“Thanks Severus, I owe you one.” Lucius smiled before changing the subject. The pair of Slytherins spent the rest of the afternoon and into the early hours of the evening spent locked up and secluded in the world held between the four walls of the study. As the last rays of the day slipped away beneath the steady rise of the night, Severus bide his farewell to his host just before apparating back to the forest outside Hogwarts.




The first stars had just began to twinkle when Severus disappated at the edges of the apparition wards. He drew his cloak tightly around his thin frame to ward off th evening’s chill as he made his way to the passage’s entrance. With the evening meal in full swing, the Slytherin easily made his way back into the castle without detection. Deciding his errand could wait until after he was feed, Severus hurried to the Great Hall. Slipping into his seat at the Slytherin House table, he piled food onto his plate.

“Where have you been all day?”

“Out,” his voice left no room for further comment as his gaze flickered over the Head Table before returning to his plate.

“Did you skip a detention or something, Severus?”

“Why?”

“Ogg is glaring at you.”

Severus turned his gaze toward the caretaker and shrugged. “Who knows, Tobias.” He quickly finished his dinner and slipped from the Great Hall.

“Back all right I see, Mr. Snape.”

He turned at the sound of the gruff voice behind him and smiled. “Of course, I am a Slytherin.”

“And a smart ass,” the gruff said with a hint of amusement.

“That too. How’s our friend Pettigew?”

“Three months hard labor under my watchful boot.”

Severus couldn’t contain the snicker, “don’t suppose the boy would be willing to scrub the old potion’s classroom?”

“Your make-shift lab? I suppose it could use a good, wandless scrubbing.” The caretaker smiled warmly at the Slytherin. “Mr Paine is feeling a bit under the weather, could you take a look at him? You know he always gets a bit wild the night before a full moon.”

“I’ll bring a potion by after curfew.” The caretaker nodded before stepping back into the Great Hall, Mr Paine trailing at his feet. Severus’ face twisted slightly, he had forgotten about the full moon and Lupin as well. With both James Potter and Sirius Black still residing in the Infirmary, the sickly Gryffindor would be left alone tonight. In his mind, Peter Pettigew wasn’t capable of restraining a fully transformed werewolf. He slowly made his way down to the Slytherin dormitory.



As though responding to an unspoken command, a snowy owl perched on the Slytherin’s bed post. Severus rubbed the crop of black feathers on the owl’s head before writing a quick note and attaching the rolled piece of parchment to its leg. “Take this to the Watcher. I don’t think he’ll have one for me.” The owl hooted softly and nipped his fingers before flying off. As he settled into his bed for the night with a soft sigh. All and all, the day’s events had left him with a great deal on his mind as the boy fell into a deep sleep. In his dream, a wolf howled.






A/N

Please R & R, author thanks you. And also I need a bit of help here. The next chapter is still being written as I type this. But what I need your help with is this; I have the next two chapters outlined and we will be seeing Lupin here. But I would like your input as well. What do you think that should happen with Severus?