McKay (scribbulus_ink) wrote in time_of_storms, @ 2006-01-21 19:11:00 |
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Entry tags: | chronological, snape |
Severus: 24 September 1997
Original poster: black_cauldron
Music: Awfully Sinister, by Suspiria
"YOU!"
The word came from Bellatrix in a hiss, but Severus ignored it, keeping his attention fixed on the Dark Lord. Voldemort's expression was unreadable, giving Severus no hint of whether or not Bellatrix's vitriol had made an impression, but he couldn't back down. For long moments the red eyes searched Severus' face, then Voldemort seemed to relax back in his seat.
"It seems dear Bella still does not trust you, Severus, despite the several services you have rendered her family," the Dark Lord said. "It is a sentiment her brother-in-law seems to share... although his wife and son do not."
Surprised, Severus looked to the side, where Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco had gathered. Lucius was regarding Severus with a look of imperious hauteur, an expression Severus had seen many times over the years. It seemed that even if Bellatrix had not been able to sway Voldemort, her poison had worked quite well on Lucius.
Which meant that there were two vipers who were thirsting for Severus' blood.
Narcissa, on the other hand, looked distressed, and Draco expression was nothing less than a petulant scowl. At least there was division in the ranks, and Narcissa as an ally was not to be dismissed. Lucius might listen to Bellatrix, and her reason might sway his mind, but Lucius, for all his faults, genuinely seemed to love his wife. The only problems was Severus wasn't certain that love was enough to keep Lucius' ambition in check.
Surprisingly enough, however, it was Draco who spoke up. "I am grateful, My Lord, for what Pro... Snape has done for me and for my family," the young man said. His voice was steadier than Severus had ever heard it in the Dark Lord's presence, and Severus felt an unaccustomed surge of pride and gratitude. Whatever his other faults, at least Draco seemed to trying to do the right thing, and it counted even more because he stood athwart two of the most powerful, evil people in the room to do it.
Death Eater power plays, alliances, and politics were nothing new, they were a game that Severus had learned to play many years ago. He apparently had played it well enough, as his continued survival attested, but he was aware of an added tension in this one. Acknowledging Draco's support with the slightest of nods, Severus once again looked at Voldemort. Keeping his own mental shields in place, he looked more closely, seeing lines of strain and tension on the unnaturally pale face, a shadow in the depths of the red eyes which seemed duller than normal. The surface of Voldemort's mind - Severus didn't dare look deeper - was a pained mixture of anger and frustration, mixed with a hint of helpless fear. It was as though Voldemort had been diminished, and Severus realized with a jolt that against all odds, the boy must have done it.
Harry Potter had found and destroyed one of Voldemort's Horcruxes.
Severus immediately cleared his mind, letting no hint of triumph into his mind. But the information gave him a new weapon, one that his enemies did not possess. Voldemort didn't have the strength to lash out right now, and, Voldemort needed Severus and his talents now more than ever.
Now that he knew his position was one of strength, a fact that Bellatrix did not know, Severus turned to the offensive.
"My Lord," he said, voice firm as he shot Bellatrix a look of malice that made her scowl ferociously before facing Voldemort directly once more. "I do not serve Bellatrix, nor do I serve Lucius. I do not even serve Narcissa and Draco, although I am both aware of and grateful for their support of me. I serve you, and have served you loyally despite all these naysayers. Therefore I have no care for their opinions, only yours. Bellatrix is ambitious, wishing for herself a position of leadership for which I have no desire whatsoever. She also knows that she has no factual basis for doubting me, therefore she manufacturers one in order to weaken my position. I would suggest that her own motives are suspect, My Lord, rather than mine. I have carried out your every order, taken every risk you have asked. I was the one who killed Dumbledore, I the one who freed Lucius. What has she done, other than staying by your side to whisper poison in your ear? I do not fear her. Rather I think that she fears me."
Severus paused, giving a low, nasty laugh. "As well she should."
Voldemort smirked as Bellatrix uttered an incoherent burble of rage, drawing her wand and taking a step toward Severus. Severus had anticipated this, however, from the moment he had begun the speech which was basically an open declaration of war. His own wand was already pointed at her, as it had been for the entire time he had spoken, peeking from beneath the sleeve of his robe where his arms were crossed over his chest. It took only a mere whisper of "Stupefy!" to stop her in her tracks, and a gasp arose from the gathered Death Eaters. Severus' only regret was that he couldn't use the Killing Curse instead.
Voldemort clapped his hands, and everyone went silent once again. "Very good, Severus, very good indeed," the Dark Lord said approvingly. "You have proven yourself yet again."
Severus bowed, then straightened. Around him the other Death Eaters moved closer, and Severus cast one more look at Bellatrix's frozen form. The war was out in the open now, but in some ways that gave Severus a certain degree of safety. Bellatrix wouldn't dare move against him again, or at least not any time soon. To do so would be to stand in complete defiance of Voldemort's tacit approval, and Severus doubted either she or Lucius were quite that stupid. And no doubt they didn't know, as Severus now did, that the Dark Lord was weakening, and would grow weaker yet if Potter could continue to find and destroy the Horcruxes.
Now if only Severus could find out if Lupin was safe, and that he would be coming back. Because Severus' continued survival didn't matter to him one bit if Lupin wasn't there to see it.