I could feel my face wrinkle in disgust as I watched my victim writhe in pain before me, pleading for mercy as if it were his common right to speak to me. "Quit your whining," I spat as I shot the curse at him. I couldn't help but smile venomously at the painful effect the curse had caused. "You know that I do not tolerate traitors. I will ask you one last time, what it is that you have been doing speaking with that Blood Traitor Weasley?"

He opened his mouth to speak but his words were unnecessary; I'd already infiltrated his mind. "Don't lie to me! Tell me the truth and maybe, just maybe I'll ease your passing."

"My Lord, I-"

I cut him off. "But I am not your Lord, am I?!"

"Master-"

"As much as I am pleased with the title, I will not have someone such as you tainting it," I snapped at him.

He paused unsure of how to approach the situation. He clearly knew his life would end either way and the only thing he could influence with his next few words was the tone of his emanating death. I watched waiting as the broken wizard before me came to a decision. I almost wanted to laugh when he squared his shoulders in a desperate attempt at bravery. "I have joined the Order," he decided to answer honestly.

Rage filled me and almost as a reflex I raised my wand. "Crucio!" Again the pathetic excuse for a wizard collapsed in pain.

"My Lord." Snape addressed as he entered the room. "I am sorry for interrupting, but I have just heard word from the Order that-" he looked down at Avery and seemed to come to realization I already knew the information he was going to tell me. "My apologies, my Lord, I hadn't realized." He bowed his head as a loyal servant should. If only he was fully mine, he could be great. He's been border line since I've returned and he has major potential, if only he would not be swayed towards the Order occasionally! He does not know that I know this and if it weren't for that mudblood, Evans I think her name was, I wouldn't have any issues with him. Regardless, if he didn't straighten up soon I would have to give up on him.

"Ah Severus, no apology needed really," I assured him. I turned back to Avery's pathetic form trembling on the cold hard floor. A question formed in my mind. "What would you do to him?" I suddenly asked, and although I am looking at Avery, I am talking to Severus.

"My Lord?" Severus inquired as to what exactly I meant.

"What would you see as a serving punishment for this piece of shit?" I explained gesturing towards Avery."

Severus seemed to contemplate for a moment before answering. "Perhaps allow everyone a go at him. He has, no doubt made many enemies in your ranks. Maybe then just to drag it out and make an example, a show, humiliate him in front of everyone."

"How interesting Severus, it is not often that I see your sadistic side. I can't help but wonder if you might be one of those in my ranks he has made an enemy of. Even so, what did he do to earn such passionate thought from you? Not even Bellatrix brings this out in you."

"Yes, I admit I would love to put that incompetent arrogant son of a bitch in his place."

"Very well Severus, you shall have your turn at him." I smiled venomously at the thought. "You are dismissed for now. Send in Wormtail on your way out would you?"

"Of course." He said bowing his head and exiting the room.