A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Assignment #3 – Care for Magical Creatures - Task #4 - If the Hippogriff doesn't approach you, BACK AWAY!:Write about backing away from something, be it an argument, a relationship, an animal or magical creature, or a tough situation. Be inventive.

Writing Club February

Sophie's Shelf: 3 - Gone With the Window' - in which the contestants must make outfits from curtains and home furnishings. Prompt: (object) Curtains

Elizabeth's Empire - 4. (character) Severus Snape

Lizzy's Loft: 1 - What's life without a little pain

Angel's Archives: 14 - Two Can Play That Game - (theme) Mind Games/Cat and Mouse

Scamander's Case: 15 - (plot point) a warning

Marvel Appreciation: 11 - [Colour] Green

Lyric Alley: 22 - Face it like a grown-up

Word Count: 659

"Severus."

Severus entered the drawing room of Malfoy Manor. The Dark Lord was sitting in a emerald green leather chair. He looked at Severus.

"Yes, my Lord?" Severus asked, he had a feeling he already knew what this was about. He steeled his mind, controlled his breathing. He needed to be in control at the moment, but let his Master think otherwise.

"Something has come to my attention. Some say that you are not loyal to me or to our cause."

"My Lord, I assure you. I am loyal to you and the cause, despite what Bellatrix might say to the contrary," he answered slowly. Lord Voldemort nodded. Severus had been right about Bellatrix being the one behind the rumor. What else was new?

"You have always been a loyal servant, Severus, and I would hate to have to destroy you." The unsaid part, that he'd do it in a heartbeat hung in the musty air between them. The Malfoys really did need to air out the drawing room, maybe open the curtains once in a while? Severus pulled his thoughts back to the present. This was most definitely not the time to be thinking about the Malfoys' interior decor. Actually, there really wasn't a good time to be thinking about that at all.

"Read my thoughts, my Lord, you will see I have been nothing but faithful," Severus stated, bowing his head. His hair fell over his dark eyes, hiding his expression. He only had to wait a second before he felt the Dark Lord enter his mind. This was becoming a semi-regular occurrence for the them. Bellatrix would say something stupid about his loyalty and the Dark Lord would question him. It was all for naught honestly.

No one would ever be able to prove Severus was anything but loyal to his Dark Master. Although, he really wished Bellatrix would just keep her stupid mouth shut for once. She was smarter than anyone gave her credit for. Of course, being completely insane kept them from believing her too much. Severus had to admit, he was thankful for that fact. If she had still been in her right mind, Bellatrix could easily have become his undoing.

"Loyal as ever, Severus. Why do I ever question it?" the Dark Lord asked, not looking at the man before him.

Severus didn't answer. He knew the answer, but with the Dark Lord, he was more than certain it was a rhetorical question. Not that anyone would dare say a thing about what went on with the Dark Lord and Bellatrix Lestrange behind closed doors, despite everyone knowing.

"Now that we have that out of the way, we shall begin the meeting. Severus, please go fetch the rest of us. Yes, that includes Bellatrix. No, I do not care if you must torture her a little for her false accusation," the Dark Lord nodded towards Severus. Severus kept his face emotionless as he turned from his Master. He's survived another interrogation, mostly unharmed. Although, how much longer h could keep this up made him hope the war would finally come and end soon.

He walked from the room, not looking back at his Master. Looking back was a sign of weakness, not something Severus ever wanted to be accused of. It was bad enough Bellatrix kept accusing him of being a spy, or less than loyal.

Yes, he would enjoy crucioing Bellatrix for a moment. Although, she might like that a little too much. That thought sobered him up slightly. Although he'd love to hurt her for this constant nonsense, giving her any sort of pleasure would not be acceptable.

No, it would be best to let her hope for her torture, for the pain, and it never come. He smiled a little at the though of Bellatrix being disappointed. He really did dislike the witch, even more so because she, if anyone ever fully believed her, could be his undoing.