Severus and his comrades apparated to the edge of the Malfoy wards. He held Draco back as the others made their way down the drive. He leaned down and whispered low, "Look sullen and angry, boy. Petulant even. We both know you have it in you."
He set a slow pace down the path as he continued to instruct the young man. "The lives of you and your family hangs by a thread, Draco, and I need you to do exactly what I say. Do you understand," he asked. Draco didn't answer so after a few seconds Snape gave him a shake. The boy's eyes began to focus as he finally managed to get his occlumency shields up. He looked to his godfather and he nodded.
"Good. This is no time for weakness. Stay sharp," he instructed. "You're angry with me. You only hesitated because you were waiting for me. You wanted to prove to me that you could kill Dumbledor yourself, and I stole your victory. Your aunt already believes it and will surely tell the Dark Lord before he sees you."
Bellatrix had skipped to the manor, eager to tell her master of the good news and her grievances. Draco's countenance changed the closer to his home he got. He stood straight and walked with a swagger, a look of absolute anger and arrogance on his face. When he petulantly swatted Severus's hand from his shoulder and walked ahead of him, the older wizard almost smiled. Perhaps they'd all survive the night yet.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Severus watched as Draco swept past his mother with barely a greeting and gave only a brief nod to his father. Lucious tried to stop the potions master when he approached but was quickly warned off . "Sorry, old friend. I seem to have some explaining to do, but I did teach your son a valuable lesson. Don't dawdle when your prey is in your sights," Snape said with a haute laugh, then glided past them without even a second glance.
By the time he entered his master's domain Bella was already there, whispering into his ear. Looking up to see Snape, she scowled and moved away. Draco was already seated, looking quite put out as his aunt went to stand at his side.
"My Lord," the wizard said before kneeling at the dark wizard's feet.
"Severus," the Dark Lord hissed. "It would seem that you had a very good night tonight."
Severus smiled wickedly as he looked up into the monster's red eyes. "Yes, my Lord. It was a most splendid of nights," he replied.
Voldemort chuckled. "That wasn't your task," he responded.
"Yes, my Lord, but I deserved that kill more than the boy. Besides, the boy needed to be taught a lesson," he explained. Behind him, Bella let out an angry hiss.
"And what lesson was that?" his master asked.
"To never hesitate when you have your prey in sight. The fool boy waited until I could arrive to kill the old man. He wanted to prove to me that he could bring him down on his own. He even sent me a note to let me know where to be. I can guarantee you, he won't be making that mistake again," the potions master said with a smirk.
The snake faced man seemed almost delighted by the turn of events. "True, but you did steal from one of your brethren," he pointed out.
"I understand, my Lord," Severus said bowing his head once more. "And what shall be my forfeit?"
Voldemort seemed to consider this for a few moments before replying with a ghastly smile, "The boy will have first pick of our evening's entertainment. I arranged for a gathering, a party for the boy's 'inevitable' success. You shall have second choice."
The other man looked up and threw back his head in a laugh. "Yes, my Lord," he said with a vicious smile. "You are merciful and wise."
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
The celebration was quite the dubious affair for the men of honor. Draco was sour and drank heavily, while Severus mocked his lack of restraint, much to the delight of his brethren. Narcissa attended the meal, but Lucius escorted his wife away before the "entertainment" could arrive.
Draco was in full dithering form by the time they were dragged in. He picked himself a buxom blond from the cowering group of young women and men. Severus on the other hand picked the person nearest him, a boy around 14 with dark hair. He cursed inwardly at the youth of his victim.
Draco promptly lost his girl as she easily escaped is clumsy grasp. Snape threw a sectumsempra at her separating her head from her body and the young man from his prize. The potions master laughed as he loudly commented how youth was wasted on the young and how children who can't hold their liquor shouldn't be allowed a seat at the table. Draco promptly threw up on his godfather's shoes. He sneered as he absently severed the head of his own prize and hauled the younger Malfoy from the hall to the hoots and laugher from their brethren.
Severus scourgified his shoes and handed the boy a sober up potion once they had put enough distance between them and the "party."
"Thanks," he muttered before downing the elixir.
They made their way up to Lucius's study in silence. After rapping on the door, they waited anxiously to see if Lucius and Narcissa were inside. It seemed likely. It was the most secure place in the manor. Thankfully they didn't wait long before being ushered in.
Draco collapsed into his parent's waiting arms sobbing, dragging all three to their knees. Snape did them the courtesy of looking away and making him self a drink as the family reconnected. Lucius was the first to recover and make his way to his feet. Giving his wife and son a moment more to comfort one another, he made his way over to greet his old friend.
Lucius whispered his gratitude as the two embraced. "Thank you, for watching over them, while I was…..away." he rasped. The man had changed much since his incarceration. His eyes were haunted, he looked gaunt, and his prized main was dull and dingy.
"You know I'd never let anything happen to Draco or Narcissa if I could prevent it," Severus responded matter of factly. They turned as Draco helped his mother stand. The man of the house gestured them to sit. He and the potions master took the wingbacks, while the young man occupied the couch with his mother.
"So," the patriarch started. "Where do we stand?"
Severus sighed. "Safe for now, I believe," he answered. "As you heard earlier, Draco hesitated after he disarmed Albus. I've managed to pass it off as youthful hubris. I believe the Dark Lord decided to use this evening's humiliation as punishment."
"What humiliation?" Narcissa asked shooting a worried glance to her son.
"Cissa," her husband warned.
"No, this is my home, my son, my family. I will not be shut out," she said firmly. "I'm sorry, Lucius. I have missed you terribly, but I've been the one here alone with these animals for months. I will not step aside and live in ignorance."
Lucius blanched, his eyes reflecting his deep shame for placing his family in such a dire and precarious position. "Of course, my Love, you are, as always correct," he said hoarsely. "You have more than earned your place, as have you, Draco"
The young man in question nodded to his father then turned to his mother. "I-I drank too much. I-I was a-afraid I wouldn't be able to…you know…do what was expected," he started.
Severus continued the story if only to spare the boy the added humiliation of relaying it to his own mother. "He became excessively inebriated. While that is something I would suggest you never do again in such company, it well served its purpose tonight. He couldn't keep hold of his prize for more than a second. The unfortunate thing got away from him before any harm or degradation could befall. I dispatched her and my own…prize," he said the last word with distaste. "It was over quickly and relatively painless, if barbaric."
The witch sighed in relief. She knew her son didn't have the constitution to be a death eater. She also knew that tonight was as much of a test as his mission was. She hated it, but she was grateful that the Dark Lord was content with his humiliation.
"He even managed to vomit on my shoes," Snape decided to add. Narcissa let out a surprised laugh, which was then followed by one from Lucius.
Draco looked affronted for a moment before cheekily adding. "I wanted to maintain realism. I'm nothing if not thorough." With that even the potions master laughed. It felt good. After the horror of the night. It felt so bloody good to laugh.
After they composed themselves again, Draco asked, "Is Hermione okay Sev? I heard what you said to Tonks."
Narcissa looked instantly concerned. "Did something happen?"
"Granger? Potter's mudblood?" Lucius asked utterly confused.
"Don't call her that, father. She's the reason we're all alive right now," the young man said firmly.
"Miss Granger is well," Severus said calmly. "I ensured that she was safe and stayed out of the way."
Draco laughed again. "Stupify or a sleeping draught? I know she wouldn't have staid behind if she were conscious."
The potions master smirked. "Stupify. I stashed her in my tub."
The boy laughed again. "She is going to be so mad when she wakes up," he sobered then. "She's going to hate us both."
"Yes, I imagine so. It's safer for her this way," he consoled his godson.
"I think I've missed some things since my incarceration. Would anyone care to share?" the master of the house said sourly.
They spent the rest of the night filling each other in on all the things they had previously been unable to divulge. All the while the dark revel raged on below them.