The Harry Potter Universe belongs to Ms. Rowling. I own only and only the plot….and that too inspired by my fellow authors don't hate me if you don't like it.

The Traps We Lay….

Severus Snape stood impassively in front of Lord Voldemort, along with the inner circle of death eaters. His mask covered his face from all emotions. Not that he needed it. His face was as perfectly blank as his mask. His death eater robes fitted on him perfectly, almost divinely …..thought Severus disgustedly.

The peaceful summer afternoon, the view of the beautiful countryside, and the silent lives of the guileless peasants that inhabited the village of Little Hangleton… Severus could have been almost …content. Except that now, he was standing in the presence of the darkest lord of all times, who practically reeked of infernos and bloodshed and represented all that was dark and ungodly. And such a man was sitting on a throne built over his father's grave completely free, without a thought of terror in his heart…without the merest shade of anxiety about what may come. And the poor boy…who'd been forced to bleed, writhe and fight in this very place, merely because he had the audacity to be born was hiding like a prisoner in his relatives home, watched by the members of the Order round the clock, like a captive who could escape any time. The thought made his blood boil. And it was only and only the figure of that child, that made him come back to this hell again. Though Potter with all his Gryffindor bravado denied being affected in the least by the death of his comrade, Severus knew. His eyes were pleading for help. He looked so forlorn and lost…that Severus's heart went out for him. He had decided at that moment that he would fight till the last ounce of his breath, to protect this boy.

Not for Lily, or the promise he made on her grave.

Not for Albus, or for the redemption of his soul.

Hell, not even for James Potter, or the stupid life debt he had to repay.

It was for Harry. He had pledged to protect the child. He was determined to watch over Harry and watch over, he would. Even if it cost him his soul. He focused his attention back to the Dark Lord.

"Well Severus, what do you have to say for yourself?" the cold voice questioned.

Severus mentally groaned. He was going to pay for this lack of attention sorely. He had to join back into the death eater ranks, otherwise he would not be able to spy. He had to convince the villain of his loyalty….and instead of listening to each and every word that he said, he was busy pitying a fourteen year old student! Wonderful Severus. Guess it's been too long since you tasted crucio….

"My Lord!"

"Yes Severus…I am waiting."

Fantastic. Fabulous. Fantabulous. Go on Severus….What will you do now? Say 'Extremely sorry my lord..I was plotting your downfall while you were questioning me, so could you kindly repeat you question?' Bloody hell. Think Severus. You are the head of Slytherin house for Merlin's sake. Surely you can manipulate a newly born arrogant dark lord?

Arrogant. That's it!

"My lord…"

That's the beginning. You wouldn't find it informative in anyway. But hey…it was necessary. I daresay the summary was more informative than the chapter itself…. But please please review.

arya305