The stench of blood followed him everywhere, now.
Endless Death Eater meetings, spent chasing and torturing Muggles – Greyback did so like to play with his food before eating it. And of course, no show without his own special number – how cruel it seemed that the very spell that was to keep him safe from werewolves would now be used by one – 'sever forever', indeed – regrettably.
And then, after one of those never-ending nights, the castle, with its stone walls and stained carpets – here, too, the metallic smell of blood was ever present – Alecto did enough to ensure that … Screaming students and nothing, nothing he could do …
Down the stairs and into his quarters – a bath, and a long one at that – but what use was it, when the stench would cling to his clothes? And no spell could ever rid him of that smell. So he washes his robes, again and again, and still they stink of blood.
Patrolling the halls, and all that he is aware of is the stench. Escape to his office, but he still reeks of blood. In the classroom, and he starts to feel nauseous, because they all smell the same – and there's no spell …
Even out in the forest, standing in the pouring rain, there's a vague sense of unease, and the scent of pain – and it just won't be washed away. The grass and the flowers – it's like they have no fragrance at all. He's still brewing his Potions, but even the most poisonous fumes don't seem to own a scent …
And he thinks he'd like to smell something other than blood for a while.