"You really do look like shit," Alex repeated. Severus' nostrils were crusted with dried blood and both eyes were starting to turn black and blue. What the hell happened ? "Um, you do realize that's a broken nose you've got there ?" she ventured.

Severus flashed a quick grin at her. "Death Eaters have never been noted for their ability to play well with others," he commented dryly. He led Alex back into the kitchen, where Molly Weasley divided her frowns between the potions master's battered face and his muddy boots, giving both equal disapproval. "Don't even think about it," Severus told her curtly, forestalling any attempt at first aid. "I see you're all eager to hear about the most important detail of the meeting – the one that Alex couldn't provide," he sneered, looking around the room.

"Actually, Severus, Alex didn't get the chance to provide us with any details at all," Remus said, "and we've all been concerned. So if you'd care to start from the beginning..."

For just a brief moment, a look of cunning flickered in Snape's eyes. An instant later it was gone, replaced by a dangerous gleam. "Oh ?" he said softly. "And why didn't she ?"

"There were problems," Kingsley Shacklebolt began. Alex took a seat next to Bill Weasley as Kingsley and Remus related the events of the past night. Snape paced and glowered as he listened.

"Let me get this straight, Lupin," he said incredulously. "You left a perfectly safe, heavily warded location, to take Alex to an unguarded Muggle hotel ?"

"The hotel wasn't unguarded," Shacklebolt protested. "I was there the whole time, and I'd called Arthur and Bill Weasley for back-up."

"Yes, and that worked out well, didn't it ?"

"Knockturn Alley can hardly be described as a safe location, Snape," Kingsley replied angrily. "It's obvious now that it was part of the kidnappers' plan to get us away from there, but at the time, when Mundungus saw known criminals lurking in the area -"

"Mundungus Fletcher is a known criminal," Severus replied sarcastically. "Where is the little miscreant, anyway ?"

"He's with Moody," Dumbledore spoke up for the first time. "There's some question, in Mad-Eye's mind at least, as to whether Mundungus had been somehow coerced into participating in last night's kidnapping attempt. I myself do not believe that to be the case," he added. Molly Weasley sniffed. Dumbledore gave her a mild look, silencing any comment she'd been about to make, then turned back to Snape. "Everyone is safe, Severus, thank goodness. Now why don't you report on what happened at the meeting ?"

Alex couldn't help but smile as Severus straightened his shoulders and launched into his report, unconsciously adopting a lecturing tone. "The Dark Lord was deeply disappointed at the failure of his latest scheme," he began. "Nicholas Quid ought to thank whatever gods he believes in that he's locked up in Azkaban. The Dark Lord had to settle for punishing the one who'd recruited Quid into the Death Eaters. Whomever it was won't be showing up for work Monday morning," he added.

Alex shuddered. I'm almost glad I was kidnapped, she thought. At least I didn't have to watch Voldemort's temper tantrum.

Snape went on with his report. "The Dark Lord complained at length about Harry Potter. His resentment of the 'boy who lived' is consuming him. He wants Potter to suffer. Bellatrix Lestrange was singled out for praise - again – for killing Potter's godfather." Severus smiled unpleasantly. "Then I was called forward to receive my assignment. The Dark Lord knows he cannot touch the boy so long as Potter remains safe at Hogwarts," he told them, "but I can."

"Voldemort wants you to murder Harry ?" gasped Mrs. Weasley.

"No. I think the Dark Lord wants to save that pleasure for himself." Snape conjured a mug and turned to the pot on the stove. He proceeded to pour himself a cup of tea while the Order of the Phoenix members watched him impatiently. "Anyone else want anything while I'm up ?" he asked with uncharacteristic solicitude. "Freshen your cup, Minerva ?"

"Thank you, Severus," McGonagall replied blandly as he poured for her. She lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip, refusing to show the slightest impatience.

Alex suppressed the urge to giggle. He's loving this - being the center of attention. Everyone's dying to know what Voldemort plans for him to do.

"The Dark Lord has ordered me to murder someone close to young Harry Potter," Severus continued finally. "Being close to him myself as one of his teachers at Hogwarts, I'll have ample opportunity to use my skills as a poisoner, with little risk of being caught. The Dark Lord kindly left the choice of victim to my discretion." The wizard's dark eyes roamed around the kitchen table. "Whom to choose ? Not Albus Dumbledore. Even my megalomaniac master wouldn't expect me to aim so high. Perhaps young Ron Weasley, famous Harry Potter's best friend ?"

The three Weasleys at the table tensed. Sadist, thought Alex.

Snape's eyes lingered on Remus Lupin for a long moment. He didn't bother to comment, merely gave the shabby wizard a practiced sneer of contempt. "In the end, it was obvious," he stated. "What better choice than Potter's mentor, my own most bitter rival ?" Professor McGonagall paused with her teacup halfway to her lips. She raised an eyebrow at Severus, who bowed to her. "Yes, you, Minerva, I'm afraid." He shook his head apologetically, the effect spoiled somewhat by a grin. "Sorry, McGonagall. You are about to die a most painful and horrific death."