My nephew was going to be killed if he did not finish his assignment, my Master informed me. I was sitting in the parlor of my sister's home while she wept. Cissy was so beautiful, even when she cried.
"Do not cry Cissy." I protested when a fresh wave of sobs overtook her.
"He is my son Bella, my only son. What would you have me do?" Her handkerchief was pressed to her mouth.
"You must tell Draco to finish what he has started. He cannot grow lazy, it must be done." I hissed, it was an embarrassment to have my Master threaten my nephew.
"He tries Bella. He is beside himself, he cannot do it."
I clicked my tongue in disapproval, "Draco gives up to easily. He must try harder Cissy. Our lord is growing impatient with his continued failings."
"He has told you this?" Cissy said swallowing down tears.
"He remarked that he should have sent Emma to do the job."
"That isn't fair. Emma has had you to teach her. Draco has had those mudblood loving fools teaching him."
I scowled at this, "Emma is exceptional Cissy. Do not blame Draco's teachers for his woeful shortcomings. You should have been teaching him from birth. Why Emma surpassed the talent he has now when she was twelve."
Cissy glared at me over her dainty handkerchief, she should have sent the boy to the East to be educated. That was her mistake.
"He's my only child Bella."
"I have no children Cissy, if I had; you know that I would give them up to the service of our lord for his noble cause. You should be full of regret that you only have one child to sacrifice."
"Will, if Draco fails, will it be you Bella?" Cissy breathed. I closed my eyes at her words.
"No Cissy, I believe if he fails that our Master will do it himself. I hope Draco overcomes his shortcomings so that our lord does not have to."
Cissy seemed relieved that it would not be I that would end Draco's life if he should fail. In the back of my mind however, I think it would fare better for Draco if I was his executioner; I would see to it that it was painless for him. My lord would show no such mercy.