A/N: Part II is fanon, so give me a prompt and a pairing (must have at least one Slytherin in it) and I'll write it.

For metacognitive, who wanted: Snape/Bellatrix, commitment [to Dark Lord]. Hope you like it, Lili!

WARNING:

If Wishes Were Bowtruckles

Part II: XXX

He stumbled into his darkened room, bile threatening to rise in his throat. The door clicked shut behind him, and he slumped against it, letting the solid wood hold up his shuddering form. He rubbed his pale face with a sweaty hand and...froze.

"Hello, Severus."

"Bellatrix," he acknowledged with a sneering nod. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

She sauntered towards him with a coy smile on her face. "Our Lord wanted me to check up on you, darling. He seemed to think that you were a wee bit shaken by tonight's festivities. I reassured him that you were fine, but he sent me just to make sure."

Severus instinctively straightened as she ran sharp fingernails down his chest. He said coolly, "I regret to inform you that your duty is unnecessary. I have never been better. I apologise for taking up your time, madam."

She gave him a sultry grin and cooed in his ear, "That relieves me greatly, Severus. I'm sure our Lord will be so pleased that you haven't lost your nerve. So I may reassure him that your commitment is still strong?"

He stared down at her and felt the phantom touch of a wand in his side. In a steady voice, he replied, "It is as unwavering as always."

Bellatrix darted forward to lightly kiss his cheek, and cried, "Marvellous! I'll be off, then! I shall see you next week at the gala, I expect. Farewell until then, Severus!"

She swept out of the room in a swirl of robes and overpowering scents. The door slammed, and he slid to the ground, trembling hands reaching up to cover his face.

What had he done?

oOo

A/N: This is set roughly two hours after Severus's first kill (his initiation to the Death Eaters).