Disclaimer: Not her, not paid, not even very good. Anything you recognize belongs to JKR.

My humble appreciation to my beta, sempra, for her support and critique, pointing out my errors.

Her Gifts

Chapter 11

Severus Apparated to Malfoy Manor with a previously unknown lightness about his heart. Before entering the house, he carefully schooled his features to cool indifference. He made his way to the parlor, noticing no one around. His sharp knock on the carved mahogany door brought Wormtail.

"Snape," Wormtail acknowledged, backing away and letting Severus into the room.

Severus walked into the room, dropping to his knees and bowing before Voldemort. "My Lord," he uttered.

"Severusss. I'm delighted to see you so well after Dolohov's little indiscretion last evening. I assure you hisss appalling behavior hasss been dealt with accordingly," Voldemort hissed. "After all, I can't have anyone attacking my Headmaster now, can I?" Voldemort placed his hand on Snape's head condescendingly. "Rise, Severusss, and join me for breakfast."

"I thank you, my Lord," Snape reverently answered. Voldemort waved him toward the dining room. He walked steadily before the Dark Lord, his eyes not missing anything as he went. Wormtail followed behind them.

As they seated themselves at the table, Severus took a quick mental attendance of the room. Dolohov was absent, as he expected. Bellatrix and Rodolfus were seated to the Dark Lord's left. To their left were Rabastan, McNair, Crabbe, and Knott. Severus seated himself to Voldemort's right, alongside Malfoy and Narcissa. To her right was Draco, who looked decidedly ill. Beside Draco sat Vincent Crabbe Jr. and Gregory Goyle Jr. and Sr., who sat at the other end of the table. He was scrutinized by the other guests as he sat. Apparently his recovery was unexpected.

"Severusss, I am glad you have recovered from last night's fracasss. I was just debating who would be able to replace you at the school in September. Luciusss here was telling me of hisss desire to sit at the Head Table," Voldemort stated, obviously attempting to incite a reaction out of either of them.

Lucius blanched. "I assure you, my Lord, I was only suggesting it as a possible alternative in the unlikely event Severus was not able to fulfill your request. I have no desire to unseat him," he placated, glancing at Snape to assure him.

"You needn't worry, my Lord. I am sufficiently recovered and will continue to do as you request." Snape wasn't fooled by Voldemort's goading. Lucius coveted Snape's high position and would do anything he could to please Voldemort in order to gain back the respect that he had lost in the Department of Mysteries disaster and Draco's failure to kill Dumbledore. The Malfoy's social standing was slipping. If the Dark Lord lost the battle, they might never recover from the loss. Lucius knew his and his family's lives were in great danger no matter who won. Snape held out some small hope that his former friends would come out of the impending war unharmed. The madman in their midst practically guaranteed they would not come out of it unscathed, however.

Changing subjects, Voldemort turned his attention on Draco. "Young Malfoy, I understand you have a respectable strength for potions ability," he began. It was not a question. Draco forced himself to face Voldemort's eyes.

"Yes, my Lord. Uncle Severus is a very good teacher," he managed to voice without stuttering. He glanced briefly at his father, who nodded imperceptibly.

"Severusss, what are your thoughtsss on Draco's ability?" Voldemort hissed.

Snape considered quickly the response Voldemort was looking for, trying to gauge his desires. "Draco had considerable talent before ever arriving at Hogwarts, my Lord. I am certain Lucius started his training at a very early age. If he applied himself, he could be a Potions Master in due course."

"I desire you to take him on as an apprentice. I will still need a potioneer after you are appointed Headmaster. I fear your duties at the school may hinder your ability to supply my potions. Of course, you will still be required to develop new potions, but I believe you can train young Malfoy to brew my regular potions to free up some of your time," the Dark Lord stated.

"As you wish, my Lord." Severus took note of Draco's wide eyes and fortuitously diverted the Dark Lord's gaze to Lucius. "It will be my honor to teach your son my trade, Lucius. I trust you will find this an agreeable occupation for a Malfoy?"

"I am delighted, Severus," Lucius smiled, acknowledging the subtle way Severus had redirected Voldemort's attention from a terrified Draco. The current situation meant a temporary reprieve, at least for Draco. For this, Lucius was glad to be in Severus's debt.

"Very good. I expect you will draw up the necessary paperwork to be submitted to the Ministry, Severusss. You will take Draco to your home to train him. You know which potions he will be required to brew regularly for me. I will expect to hear from you on hisss progresss," Voldemort commanded. He stood from the table, and as one, all of the occupants rose as well. "Stay, enjoy your meals with your brothers. I require only Wormtail." The cringing little man scuttled to Voldemort's side, sliding the chair further out of his way. Everyone settled back into their places as the Dark Lord and the rat retired from the room.

"Draco, you will need to pack your necessary belongings as soon as possible. I had intended to return to my home later this morning," Severus directed. Draco nodded and left the table, followed by Narcissa, who directed a thankful smile in Severus's direction.

"I will have him ready for departure shortly," Narcissa murmured. Snape inclined his head in approval.

Snape leisurely ate his breakfast, reflecting on the turn of events over the last several minutes. When Lucius set aside his serviette, Severus rose to join him as he left the dining room.

"I am in your debt, Severus," Lucius spoke softly when the door had closed quietly behind him. "If you are ever in need, it will be my privilege to assist in any way I can."

"Draco is still my godson, is he not?"

"Of course," said Lucius, uncertain where Severus was leading.

"I am duty bound, Lucius, to see to Draco's welfare to the best of my ability. Even without Narcissa's vow, I would have done the same. He is the closest to family I have left."

"Forgive me, Severus. I should have realized that," Lucius said, frowning at himself. After a brief pause, he brightened. "I am pleased you are well this morning. You continue to astound me with your resourcefulness. I can only hope Draco will learn much from you, my friend." Lucius gripped Snape's shoulder in a gesture of familiarity. "Come. Let's have a walk around the grounds while Draco packs."