CHAPTER 3: From Norway to Britain

February, 1980

Living in Norway after graduation was tempting for Severus. Not only was the war far away from him, but his connections with researchers from Scandinavia were starting to come through. Even as a Potions Master, a few of them suggested that a path to becoming a Healer was possible in their country. Apparently, the realities of the war hadn't hit them all the way up north.

They kept him busy inside the fortress of Durmstrang. When he wasn't working on his research, Karkaroff had him assist with potions classes for their older students. Although this was far from exhilarating for him, the extra gold was ideal to stock pile. Unlike so many of the people he associated with, his well being was not inherited. His mother mentioned something to him about leaving the small house in Cokeworth to him whenever he graduated, but beyond that, surviving was up to him.

He was incredibly busy the whole three years of studying. In fact, when he had a moment to spare, most of the thoughts were heavy with guilt. The search for Hermione had stalled. He had heard nothing beyond his semi-annual visits to the Ministry when he returned home on holiday to see his mother. Severus knew that he should have put forth more effort early on in the search before he moved out of the country. Maybe if he had, he would have known what happened to her. Now, with prospects of staying in Norway, he virtually signaled his search was abandoned.

His heart ached. He hated it. He missed her so much. Sometimes, it hurt so much it was hard to breathe. Severus would sit inside his small accommodations and look around the room, wonder what it would have been like to have Hermione share the space with him. It would have been crowded, but very cozy with her near. He wouldn't have minded in the least. Life would have been perfect for him. Nothing of excess. Just him, his wife, and his research.

This is why he welcomed the extra work. It was a perfect distraction and a good way to finally cope with the loss of losing Hermione. The physical attachment to her was virtually gone. It was more difficult emotionally to let go.

Severus had learned that he was a gifted teacher. Of course, the first few weeks were horribly disastrous. It didn't get any easier until he lost his temper with some of the 5th year students. With the Dark Arts being un-taboo, his response to the young men purposely exploding a cauldron would have made the Ministry for Magic aghast. But it earned the fear and the respect from the students. Word had spread about the events of the class, and soon Severus became something of a legend.

It was early one afternoon that one of his classes was interrupted by the Head of School. Severus was in the middle of a classroom discussion about the properties of Moondew in brewing. There was a sharp rapt at the door of the classroom. Severus motioned for one of the students to answer, and he was surprised to see Karkaroff.

"Good afternoon, class. Professor Snape," he addressed in his thick Scandinavian accent.

"To what do we owe the honor?" Severus replied.

"You are needed immediately inside my office."

Severus furrowed his brow. "Can it not wait until the end of class?"

"No." He then turned to the class. "You are all dismissed."

The students were murmuring under their breath while they gathered their belongings and left the classroom. Meanwhile, Severus raked his brain, wondering what was so important that he had cancelled one of his advanced potions making classes. Did he do something to warrant his dismissal? No, of course not! Igor usually praised the work that he was doing for the school and for the students.

Thinking it wasn't too urgent, Severus began putting away his materials. Karkaroff was beginning to get impatient. "That can wait until you return. We must not keep him waiting."

Severus could put two and two together. He raised his eyebrows, completely surprised by what Igor was implying. "The Dark Lord is here? Now?"

"Yes, and it will be my head if you continue to keep him waiting!" he snapped, holding the door open to urge him to move faster.

Quickly following behind Igor's fast pace, Severus now was wondering what the Dark Lord needed that had him travel all the way to Norway just to see him. It either was very bad news, or it was a favor Severus could not refuse. He tried to clear his mind of all distraction, but the shock of this unexpected visit was probably enough to make him forget anything else around Durmstrang.

The two men paused at the door where the Dark Lord was waiting. Both knew that this meeting was nothing to take lightly. To travel all the way from Britain meant that if he was displeased, it could very well mean their lives were at stake.

Slightly trembling, the door opened, and Severus immediately fell to his knees in submission, just as the Dark Lord liked.

"My Lord," he uttered without looking up at the formidable wizard.

Voldemort did not respond until Severus reached the hem of his robes, where he placed a kiss on its hem. "Glad that you did not keep me waiting too long, Severus. Arise."

Severus did as he was commanded and finally made eye contact with him. He swore the other man's eyes were redder than ever before. The power emulating from his was so strong. Karkaroff also knelt and kissed the robes of the powerful wizard. Voldemort motioned him aside, as if his services were no longer needed.

"I wonder, Severus," the man began, "if you feel that you have been of any contribution to our cause since you left England."

Severus swallowed, understanding that the dangerous wizard was not happy with him at the moment. "My Lord, my allegiance has not wavered since I started my studies here. Surely, you know that, and surely, Igor has reported to you as well."

Voldemort studied him for a moment, a long finger resting against his pale cheek. "I'm not questioning your allegiance to me. I'm questioning your participation. I have plenty of wizards and witches who are sympathetic to our cause, just not ready to support us directly. Of course, that will change soon," he said smugly, "but you, Severus, my educated, brilliant potions master, you have barely lifted a finger."

"Sir, I mean no disrespect when I say that I long to join the ranks, but the distance -"

"The distance shouldn't deter you!" he snapped. "I let you live simply because your intelligence is vast and your skill is hard to come by. You could be a powerful figure, but your lack of effort tells me that you don't want it anymore." He stood up and began pacing. "Now, I get word that you may stay in Norway indefinitely after you have finished this term. How do you expect to serve me all the way over here?"

Severus swallowed thickly, feeling his mouth go dry. He had to choose his words wisely. "My Lord, I know you will take over Great Britain. It is inevitable. You understand that the most powerful and ancient magic, those spells that some call 'Dark' are embraced in this part of Europe. And your ideals - I can hardly find a soul who does not disagree with our cause. Once Britain falls, my Lord, the rest of Europe will join you. Don't you want someone here with clout? With my connections, I can assist you with this region when it happens."

"Great Britain will not fall until Dumbledore is gone," Voldemort declared.

"What does Dumbledore have to do with me?"

The Dark Lord waved his wand and and ordinary issue of The Daily Prophet appeared on the large desk next to him. "Do you subscribe all the way here?" Severus reached for the newspaper and read the page that was opened. It was the classified ads.

"Dumbledore is the pillar of the resistance," Voldemort continued. "Kill him, and the rest will not be sustained, including his pathetic school. But you personally know how protected Hogwarts is. It is virtually impenetrable. I need someone on the inside."

Severus found the advertisement. It was for three teaching positions at Hogwarts: Defense of the Dark Arts, Potions, and Divinations. "You need a spy," he finished for him.

"Igor tells me you have been most helpful here with the students. He gives his highest recommendations and will be sorry to see you go."

Severus looked over at Karkaroff, who looked slightly put off. At that moment, he didn't realize how valuable he had been to Durmstrang and the rest of his colleagues. Never had he considered that he could have had a future in that nation, but that was all for nothing.

Because the Dark Lord was not going to take no for an answer.

Thinking of going back to Hogwarts crushed him, for more reasons than one. He always felt he got slighted there, from both his peers and the staff. How could it be that James Potter got the Head Boy badge and not him, when his intelligence was far superior than the majority of the student body? How did none of the professors ever catch the Marauders tormenting him relentlessly until he stood up for himself? The favoritism was blatant, and he was never on the receiving end of it.

Now, on top of the lost memories of Lily Evans, he had to add the fresh ones of Hermione. The biggest problem of all was that all of the memories shared with her were within the confines of the castle grounds. Every single alcove would remind him of a time where he was loved, and that love would never return.

But Severus did not have a choice. He had disappointed the Dark Lord by his absence. He had a feeling that this would be the only way to redeem himself. Otherwise, he had no use anymore. He knew the Death Eaters had made plenty of progress while he was in Durmstrang, so it wasn't of any importance to get him back inside those ranks.

So, it was Hogwarts or his life.

"I'll apply, my Lord," he said. "Is there a preference to the position?"

A thin smile lined the dark wizard's face. "Not the Defense position. I may need you there way beyond one year. Why not your expertise?"

Yes, teaching urchins how to not blow up a cauldron for the next decade will be grand. "As you wish. But, what if I do not get a call for an interview? And you know as well as me that Dumbledore will be suspicious of anyone applying. He had suspected my allegiance well throughout my education. What if he decides not to go with me?"

"That will not be the case. And if it is, I will assume you did not perform your task efficiently, and I will have no use for you," Voldemort said.

Severus nodded curtly, gripping the newspaper tightly in his hand. "Well, then I must be off to mail my application."

"Do not disappoint me, Severus," he heard as he exited the office.

For some reason, Severus knew he would get an opportunity to interview for the position. He also had a feeling he would get the job offer as Potions Master.

He didn't know what was worse: Being at Hogwarts, being a teacher, being a spy, or being murdered.