DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. All hail JK.

A VALUABLE PROSPECT

Though it was summer, the dungeons were particularly cold. The frosty air did not bother Severus Snape, who was used to the temperature. The other person occupying the room, however, kept glancing at the fireplace, wondering why it wasn't roaring in such climate. He shivered ever-so-slightly before continuing the speech he had come to deliver.

"She is a rather… valuable prospect, Severus. I'm sure you understand. Her father… my dear brother, may he rest in peace," Lucius said, and there was a distinct growl in his voice. "Was, as you know, one of the most powerful wizards to carry the Malfoy name in seven generations."

Snape, reclining in the chair behind his desk, nodded mutely; he was only too well aware of the relationship Lucius had had with his late younger brother. He waited quietly, tapping a finger against his lips, as the silver-haired Death Eater appeared to indulge in his deep hatred for a brief moment.

"And I'm certain I don't need to tell you that her mother's particular brand of magic, though seen by most of our kind as nothing more than a joke, can be quite potent. The hell spawn of Dante Malfoy and Bijoux Lacroix could turn into quite a dangerous little witch, Severus. Especially if she continues to bloom under Bijoux's influence alone. You know how delusional and ambitious that woman has always been."

"I know," Snape said simply. He opened his mouth to continue, but decided against it. Lucius had begun to pace.

"Fortunately for us, a recent turn of events has provided the opportunity to make our move. The girl has finally been expelled from Durmstrang Institute. Frankly, I'm surprised it's taken this long."

"And?"

Lucius stopped pacing, turned to Snape and smiled. "And the Dark Lord has decided that Bijoux will be killed."

Snape raised one eyebrow; now he understood. "And the child will come home to dear Uncle Lucius." Of course, he mused. If there was one thing the Dark Lord despised more than those of impure blood, it was waste of power. Why kill the girl when she could be put to use? He forced his lips to curl into a smile and took a few steps towards the blonde man. "And no doubt Uncle Lucius has a few things to teach her."

"Well, yes, one would think so," Lucius began, his face serious again. "But no. By order of the Dark Lord, I will not be interfering with her… re-education," he said sinisterly. "No doubt her mind has already been poisoned against me by her worthless mother, anyway. No, what she needs is somebody of whom she has not already formed an opinion. Someone authoritative… A person who's in a position to observe her constantly. Someone with the power and opportunity to sculpt her mind in the image of their own. To gain her trust, to reward her triumphs, to… punish her transgressions."

Snape braced himself for what he knew was coming. "Of course," he said sardonically. "And who, need I ask, will have the honour?"

Lucius smiled triumphantly. "You will. She's coming to Hogwarts."