everus nodded, realizing all over again that Voldemort didn't understand the first thing about him. "You know, Severus," he said, stepping closer to the portrait. "That continues to be one of my fondest memories. Albus Dumbledore on his knees, pleading for mercy… a glorious triumph indeed. You'll have to show it to me again sometime." "Whenever you wish, my lord." Voldemort's expression was peculiar, caught somewhere between self-satisfaction and deep resentment. He pulled his wand from his sleeve, pointing it directly at the portrait. "My only regret," he said softly, "is that I never had the chance to accomplish such a thing myself. Crucio." A jet of red light shot out from his wand, though it did no harm to the portrait. It ricocheted …show more content…
There was nothing to do but wait now. Wait, while hoping like hell that Voldemort wouldn't discover the truth. The truth about Lily… the truth about his bloody Horcrux. Either would be a disaster, the first for obvious reasons. The second? Severus wouldn't necessarily be blamed for the Horcrux's destruction, especially if Voldemort believed it had happened during Dumbledore's tenure. But it would certainly trigger his paranoia, which could cost them the entire war. Had it been a mistake to get rid of the thing? At the time, it had seemed like the most obvious course of action – one less Horcrux, the closer they'd be to that final defeat. But he hadn't counted on the boy taking so long to destroy the others. Harry. Yes, that was another cause for concern. Again, he'd been captured. Again, he'd managed to escape. But under what circumstances? Had he been injured? What about his companions? Had there been any casualties? Severus closed his eyes, hoping Hermione Granger hadn't met with some unfortunate fate. He was no fool – he knew that Harry would've never made it this far without her assistance. Simply put, he needed her. Perhaps they all did. Beyond that, there was the matter of the secret weapon. What did that mean? Something of Dumbledore's that Voldemort had taken, obviously, but