Sorry for the delay in posting. very busy in the lead up to an upcoming overseas trip. I don't have a lot of readers so didn't think anyone would miss me but one person did so this is for you! ;)

….

Standing at the heavy wrought iron gates for Draco I prepared the walls in my mind, my emotions were tumultuous to to say the least. Thinking about the girl, as per usual, I'm always thinking about the bushy haired chit as of late. But now instead of thinking about me reaming her I have images of Potter reaming her. It was doing nothing to improve my mood.

Draco approached me, looking conflicted, nauseous and dishevelled, the Dark Lord would pounce on him in this state.

'Draco you would be best to compose yourself before meeting the Dark Lord, if he senses any weakness he will not hesitate in using legilimency on you and discovering that which you do not want to be found, especially by the Dark Lord'.

Draco looked at me thoughtfully as if trying to gauge how many of his secrets I knew, he then took a few calming breaths, straightened his hair and clothing and adopted an expression I often saw on Lucius. Approving of his state I grabbed his arm and we apparated to his family home, others were arriving at the same time, giddy with excitement. I nodded my greetings and guided the boy into the ball room and gave him over to the worried arms of Narcissa. Quietly fussing over him I stood back giving the mother and son time to take comfort in each others company.

Suddenly everyones voices caught in their throat, complete silence followed by Voldemorts voice hissing inside everyones ears to gather in his throne room.

Filing inside there were already a group of muggles tied up, looking scared and sickly, it was going to be a long night.

I eventually blocked out the screams as I sought out a calm place in my mind, my eyes found Draco and my eyes silently pleaded with him to keep his cool. My brothers were enjoying this evenings entertainment, I stalked around the room performing Avada Kedavras on many of the muggles, an end to their tortured suffering. My brothers had no respect for the dead however and continued to defile their corpses.

And not a moment too soon Voldemort halted the revel, asking Wormtail to remove the dead we gathered around in a circle ready to report for duty.

Voldemort called upon each of his servants asking for updates on each of their tasks appointed, from political manipulations in the Ministry of Magic to gathering support for the cause in neighbouring European countries. Voldemort soon tired of the mundane and wanted updates on our 'other' missions. Mulciber was detailing his 'conquests' terrorising daughters of high profile politicians, I tuned out and slowly moved through the crowd to stand by Draco.

'And now, our resident Hogwarts death eaters, Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape, pray tell how are you faring subjugating Potters mudblood?'.

I stepped forward, pulling Draco with me, 'Very well my lord, I have assaulted her twice since I last saw you as requested, Draco is making strides as well, he has come up with a plan to attack her alone and avoid being caught by Dumbledore and the other teachers'.

'Very good Severus, you never hesitate in carrying out my orders, Draco however, I hope I don't find you dragging your feet here, I had secretly hoped you would have accomplished this task earlier'.

'See into the boys mind my lord, you will see his plan is acceptable'.

The Dark Lord did exactly that, watching Draco sweat under the assault of the Dark Lord's probing I silently prayed the occulmency lessons I taught him in younger years would hold.

'Very good Draco, when I see you next you will show me your brutality against the filth yes?'

'Yes my lord'. Draco whispered.

'Back in line Draco, Snape I would like to see your memories of the assault on the girl'.

I stepped forward and made eye contact with the Dark Lord and he ripped through my time with Hermione with child like glee, actually clapping his hands in excitement.

'Draco you should get some lessons here from your Godfather, he successfully raped the girl in the halls without being caught'.

Draco gave me a quick look of disgust and contempt but inclined his head in agreement to the Dark Lord.

'I will see you in a week Draco, Snape you are dismissed, expect a summons some time next week'.

I murmured my understanding to the Dark Lord and grabbed Draco's arm to take him back to Hogwarts, he shrugged it off viciously giving me a hateful look and disappeared to say goodbye to his mother.

I walked outside and stood amongst the rose bushes watching Lucius' white peacocks strutting about the place. Draco emerged from inside and we walked silently outside the gates to apparate back to Hogwarts.

Once we landed Draco immediately turned on me, 'You attacked Granger twice in two days Snape? How the fuck could you do that? To one of your students? Your supposed to protect them! Your a FUCKING COWARD thats what you are! A COWARD!.

My wand was on him before he could spit another word at me, 'Don't you dare call me a coward Draco, do not make presumptions about me, you have no right.'

'PRESUMPTIONS? Its facts isn't it? How could you stand there and pretend like what you did didn't happen? Like your not a FUCKING MONSTER WHO RAPES HIS STUDENTS!'.

I dropped my wand and watched the boy crumble before me, he was sobbing now on the ground, making strangled noises in his throat and pounding the dusty road with his fists.

I sat down next to him and let him rage and cry and break down in his anger and sadness over the cruelty of a lord who's humanity had long since abandoned him.

'Draco listen to me, I want you to listen to me carefully because I am not going to repeat or explain myself to you afterwards. I am not who you think I am, things are not black and white, I inhabit the grey and in the grey I have my own principles that guide me and I do let anyone not even the Dark Lord sway me from those. Know that I have principles and know that I see you Draco. I see you have principles too and whenever you want to reveal those to me know that you have my confidence. I will take a wand oath if need be but know I am here for you even when you think I am not… Now come I would hate for Hagrid to see us and go gossiping to the staff about our bedraggled state'.

I stood up and offered him my hand, his hysteria long past since I my little speech and he now looked thoughtful, like he was putting together pieces of a puzzle inside his head.

We walked to the dungeons in silence, as I bade him goodnight I felt a tiny sliver of hope enter my heart. A hope that I may be able to save one of them.