Chapter 6

The Ministry atrium was silent save for the rasping gasps of the Dark Lord. Lightning still crackled in the air as the stranger's grip tightened, and with an astonishing display of physical strength, the wizard crushed the Dark Lord's windpipe. Voldemort's body hung lifelessly before being tossed onto the marble floor.

Death Eaters, Order members, Aurors, and civilians staggered back at the display of the hooded figure.

An authoritative voice cut through the stillness. "Your master is dead. His reign ends here. From this moment on, by Right of Conquest, you are mine," as he said this, swirls of black magic tendrils started to emerge from his palm, shooting straight at the Death Eaters.

The Dark Mark on almost every Death Eater's arm seared, sending the masked wizards and witches down to their knees, clutching their arms in agony. The Dark Mark glowed sickly green before shifting into a serpent sigil coiled around an emerald flame.

"Hear me," The wizard amplified his voice, so it reached the whole of the battlefield that was the Atrium. "By Right of Conquest, I have claimed these combatants and the title of Lord Slytherin! Their allegiance now lies with me, whether they liked it or not," he added while looking over the hunched figures.

Lord Slytherin's gaze fell upon Severus, who was still crouched behind rubble, blood staining his robes. He strode forward, wizards and witches parting before him, and seized Severus's wrist.

"You will not bear this mark," he proclaimed as Severus felt the Dark Mark dissipate from his arm. Still gripping Severus's wrist, the wizard leaned down and whispered in his ear. "Leave now. You do not want to be caught up in this next bit."

Before Severus could respond, a shriek split the air. Bellatrix Lestrange, wild-eyed and frothing with rage, hurled herself forward. "TRAITOR! You dare erase the Mark? You dare to claim us? I will never bow to you!"

Her curses flew at Lord Slytherin, who did not flinch and merely deflected them, standing partially before Severus, acting as a shield.

"You mistake me for a man who tolerates defiance," He said coldly.

Lord Slytherin struck her to the ground through his new Mark. Her body convulsed, and her screams tore through the ruined atrium. Soon, nothing remained but ash scattered across the marble tiles.

The Death Eaters fell to their knees, trembling with fear of their new Master, while The Order stood frozen. Albus watched as the tide of war shifted in a single heartbeat. No one noticed Severus dissiperating except for Lord Slytherin, as all eyes were still on him. As Severus left, he heard Lord Slytherin ask, "Now where is Fudge?"

Severus woke with a start. His breath was ragged, and his body tensed as he realized that he was in an unfamiliar location. He found himself slightly sinking into the soft mattress of the queen-sized bed someone had placed him in; its canopy was draped with black curtains, and the pillows felt far too indulgent for a man such as himself.

But then reality hit him, and panic rose in his chest. 'Where was he?' he mentally asked himself as his eyes darted across the chamber. This was certainly not Foula. He tried to get up and scoot off the bed, but before he could swing his legs off the side, a firm hand pressed against his shoulder, pushing him back down into the mattress. This startled Severus more than he would admit. How had he not sensed this person in the room?

"Not so fast," came the smooth voice.

Severus's eyes snapped to the figure beside him. His eyes widened as he recognized the man from the Atrium battle, Lord Slytherin.

"The Healers recommend bed rest," Lord Slytherin stated matter-of-factly. His tone was calm. "You have been unconscious for three days. I will not have you undo their work in a fit of stubbornness."

The Potion master's breath quickened. "Three days?!" His voice cracked with disbelief. "Where—" His words faltered as the confusion of the last few days' events started resurfacing. "What... what happened?"

"You are safe," Lord Slytherin murmured, leaning closer.

Severus's breath caught as the memories started to resurface. The Battle with Potter and Black, the torture... the box.

His breath became shallow, and he clawed at the sheets while his vision blurred. Not the box. Not the dark. He was afraid of the dark, even if he often dwelt in it. Severus's vision was tunneling. He tried to sit up again, he felt the need to escape, and the room tilted violently. The sheets tangled around him.

"Severus." Lord Slytherin's voice cut through his twisted thoughts. Then he felt the hand on his shoulder again. "Severus, look at me."

The Potion master's chest heaved, and he gasped, half-choking, half-sobbing.

"You are not there," Lord Slytherin said slowly as he rubbed slow circles over Severus's back while Severus's nails dug into the sheets.

"Breathe," Lord Slytherin urged, leaning closer. "In. Out. Focus on my voice. The Healers said this might happen. You are not in that box. You are not alone."

Lord Slytherin did not move his hand until Severus's breathing steadied. Only then did he ease back. "Black taunted me, told me that they were going to bury me alive."

"Black? Sirius Black? He was involved as well?" Slytherin asked as his eyes narrowed.

"What happened?" Severus asked. "I remember the box moving, but then I think I lost consciousness."

The castle shook as Lord Slytherin's magic enveloped the room while he crouched down at the foot of the dais, carefully checking over the unconcious Potion master. His anger flared when he found his body marked by fresh wounds all over.

"Healers!" He shouted. Several white robed figures rushed forward from the shadows. He did not need to indicate who they had to treat.

Only once the Healers were at work stabilizing the Potion master did Lord Slytherin rise. His fury had not dissipated as he looked at the gobsmacked Lord Potter and Dumbledore. "Seize them!" He ordered as his minions descended on the two. For once, Albus Dumbledore was speechless as he tried to figure out what had just happened. He knew his sources weren't wrong. Lord Slytherin had been looking for Snape. Why the hell was the man so angry now?

Lily Potter was dragged forward as well. She shrieked when being pushed down on her knees. Beside her, Fleamont followed.

"My Lord, please! I swear to you, I know nothing of this. My son knows nothing of this." She uttered, pleading.

"You knew nothing of what your own husband planned?" Lord Slytherin raised a brow. He walked towards her and bent down towards her ear to whisper so that only she could hear. "Just like you weren't complacent in the death of your youngest?"

Lily froze, her eyes widened. "How do you..." She uttered, but Lord Slytherin had already retreated from her person. His eyes were as cold as ever.

"My Lord! That is a separate matter entirely!" She quickly said as she trembled and feared for her and her son's lives. "I will make an oath on Magic itself to prove my innocence, and my son will do the same!"

"MOM?!" Fleamont uttered in shock while the other nobles gasped. An oath on Magic itself was only done in extreme cases. If the Wizard or Witch lies during the oath-taking they would be struck down by a bolt of lightning.

"Then make your oath, and we will see," Lord Slytherin stated coldly.

"I... Lily Marie Evans Potter," she started, swallowing slightly before continuing, "Swear upon Lady Magic herself that I had no knowledge of my husband's schemes in regards to his cooperation with Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, nor his intention of harming Severus Tobias Snape. The only knowledge I have about my husband's dalliances is through his mistress, for which I have already filed a divorce petition. If I have lied, may Magic strike me down immediately."

Everyone waited with bated breath, but no lightning struck Lady Potter down. "Well, this is interesting," Lord Slytherin remarked.

"Fleamont," Lily hissed. "You make your oath as well."

Fleamont had been staring at his mother in shock.

"Fleamont!" Lily whispered. "Make the oath!"

"I, Fleamont Julius Potter," he uttered nervously, "Swear upon Lady Magic herself that I had no knowledge of my father's schemes in regards to his cooperation with Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, nor his intention of harming Severus Tobias Snape. The only knowledge I have about my father's dalliances is that he has had a mistress for over nine years and has a son out of wedlock. If I have lied, may Magic strike me down immediately."

"I'M SORRY WHAT?!" Lily screamed, wanting to stand up, but the Death Eater behind her pushed her back on her knees. "YOU KNEW?! YOU FUCKING KNEW?!"

Several Noble ladies gasped as a Lady of her stature shouldn't have sworn so vulgarly.

"Your oaths to Lady Magic have been recognized." Lord Slytherin said almost gleefully. "I will even approve your Petition of Divorce right here and now," he added, and then indicated for his minions to let up Lady Potter, no, the former Lady Potter, and her son. Fleamont would not look his mother in the eye as she gave a curtsy to Lord Slytherin before marching her son out of the room.

James looked gobsmacked as he watched his now ex-wife and his son leave the hall. "Now, about you two," Lord Slytherin started. "Treason for one,"

"Treason?!" James uttered. "We were only trying to help! Word on the street was that you were looking for that traitor!"

"You thought I wanted him as a prisoner?!" Lord Slytherin uttered in surprise. "When have I... that's..." he choked in disbelief. "Tonight, I intended to court him." His gaze swept over James and Albus. Just how poor was their intelligence network? Even Lord Greengrass, one of the more reclusive Lords, had expressed his enthusiasm for the Wizarding Monarchy finally having a consort.

"Court him? HIM? SNIVELLUS?" James shouted with incredulity. "That bastard is only good to be someone's sloppy seconds!" James continued. "Why in Merlin's name would you even care about him?!"

"How dare you speak like that about my beloved!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" refurbarated through the room as Lord Slytherin severed James's wand arm from his body. James clutched the bleeding stump of his arm as his eyes widened with disbelief. "Beloved?" he rasped, as confusion twisted his features and realization finally hit. "You mean to... court him?"

Lord Slytherin's lips curved into a cold smile as he ordered his Death Eaters to take Potter and Dumbledore to the deepest dungeon.

"That is basically what happened," Lord Slytherin explained to the Potion master as he sat by his side on the bed, idly stroking his back to avoid another panic attack.

"You wished to court me?" Severus asked as he finished analyzing the retelling in his mind. "Me?"

"I have my reasons for thinking very highly of you, Severus Snape." Lord Slytherin stated. "For me, you are the only one worthy of being my consort. Could you imagine me being married to the Weasley girl? Some of my court have made that suggestion. I can honestly say that I see no future with her."

"But you see one with me?!" Severus questioned as his eyes narrowed.

"I know what you are capable of, Master Snape. I know your worth." Lord Slytherin stated as he tilted Severus's head towards his hooded visage. "I do not need a gold digger as my spouse. I need someone ruthless and intelligent. Let me prove my interest. Let me court you formally." Lord Slytherin said as he cupped Severus's cheek.

"All I ask is for a chance,"

Severus thought for a minute. Here was a man who was promising to cherish him. To make him his consort. Severus hesitated briefly, though he said, "I don't think I ever developed feelings towards a man." The Potion master took a deep breath as he continued, watching Lord Slytherin intently. "That is not to say that I do not find men attractive. That was an avenue I haven't explored yet. I will confess that I have felt attraction to men, but I dare not engage in such feelings, and I fear that I might be wholly unqualified to fill the position you have in mind."

"To me, you are very qualified!" Lord Slytherin objected. "Tell me! Who has filled your head with this nonsense?!"

"Only if you tell me why you always wear a hood," Severus shot back, though he regretted it immediately.

"Tit-for-Tat. I like that." Lord Slytherin stated. "I fear you will be scared away when I lower my hood," he confessed while the Potion Master's eyes widened. "You may not believe my tale, Severus, but I swear on Lady Magic that it is the truth. And No... You do not owe me your part. I already know your past. If we are ever to attempt a relationship, I wish to be upfront about both my appearance and my identity." Lord Slytherin stated.

"Tell me, Severus, do you remember the name Harry Potter?"