Chapter 6

Scutum: Severus' Request

Summer 1976 - Summer 1978

Severus continued to please the Dark Lord. By the end of his fifth year, he had invented a new spell which caused deep slashes to open instantly on the intended victim. It was resistant to common magical healing and potions, and was the culmination of his previous years' research into healing potions and old magic used to keep wounds open. It was a powerful spell, and Severus was richly rewarded for his trouble. It was taught to the rest of the Death Eaters and Voldemort soon had many more victims to add to his army of Inferi. St Mungo's was overloaded as Healers worked around the clock to help the survivors. Regulus also wrote a private note to Narcissa which she did not share with anyone other than Lucius. It seemed that the friendship between Severus and Lily Evans was well and truly over; Severus had apparently snapped and called her a "Mudblood" in front of a crowd of witnesses. This was after Potter and his gang had caught hold of him again and dangled him upside down in public (using his own spell) before threatening to remove his underwear. As Narcissa read the note, she felt a savage anger at Potter and his gang rising inside her. But if it means Severus has finally given up his friendship with Lily Evans, they might have actually done him a favour. And maybe if he's not hanging around with a Gryffindor, the others will leave him alone now...

But Narcissa's hopes were proven to be unfounded; the rivalry between Severus and Potter's gang continued, and culminated in an attempt on Severus' life in his sixth year. Evan Rosier had taken over leadership of Ophiuchus, which was slowly winding down. They were not actively recruiting new members, following the unwanted attention Mallory and Valdis had drawn to the group the previous year. Only Evan, Severus, Regulus and Barty remained, and they were channelling all their time and energy into creating spells and potions for the Death Eaters. One morning, Narcissa received an extra note from Evan simply stating that Sirius Black had tried to kill Severus, but the school had hushed things up, saying it had been a prank which had got out of hand. Severus' parents had apparently been informed but had not pursued the matter.

"This is ridiculous!" Lucius exclaimed. "You know, Narcissa, I'm going to join the Board of Governors for Hogwarts. Slughorn should have sorted out this bullying years ago. It just isn't good enough. And if I'm on the Board, I might be able to gently encourage the Mudbloods to leave... or not come to Hogwarts in the first place. If enough like-minded people join, just think what we could achieve! Especially if we ousted that Muggle-loving Dumbledore..."

Narcissa left Lucius to his plotting and immediately wrote to Severus, asking what had happened. His reply was polite but short and he refused to say anything about it. Even Lucius couldn't get him to open up, so eventually, they had to let the matter drop.

That year, the Dark Lord ordered a particularly brutal attack on Muggles across the country in response to two new Aurors, Frank and Alice Longbottom, who had almost captured Bellatrix during an attack on the ex-minister, Jenkins. Voldemort was not pleased with Bellatrix, who had been his right-hand woman for the last few years. Narcissa was summoned to her sister's side and witnessed her punishment. The Dark Lord used the Cruciatus curse, to which Bellatrix silently submitted. When the ordeal was over, he said quietly, "You were careless, Bella. You will not make that mistake again."

"No, my Lord," Bellatrix choked out.

"Narcissa." The Dark Lord turned to the other woman who looked straight into his cold eyes as she replied,

"Yes, my Lord?"

"I expect Bellatrix to be back to full health in two days' time. This is your responsibility. Do not disappoint me." He did not wait for her to reply and moved silently from the room.

Narcissa succeeded in her task, and Bellatrix was back on her feet after only a day's bed rest, desperate to regain her Master's favour. He welcomed her back, and did not refer to the incident again. Narcissa reflected that he was using affection and pain to control her sister - he included her, asked her opinion and praised her publicly, but there was always a threat, an undertone to his comments, which hinted at the pain she would experience if she dared displease him. Narcissa noticed that he used different tactics with different Death Eaters; she, Lucius and the Notts were controlled by giving them power and influence, balanced with the threat of total destruction should they step out of line. Crabbe, Goyle and the Carrows were bloodthirsty, and needed very little manipulation to stay at his side as long as he provided them with a fresh supply of victims. It was a careful balance of giving people what they most craved, but making them understand that, without the Dark Lord, they were nothing, and would have nothing. It was a clever tactic, Narcissa mused - and it worked well.

In summer 1977, Evan Rosier and Regulus Black were marked and became fully-fledged Death Eaters. At just sixteen years of age, Regulus was the youngest Death Eater ever to join Voldemort's ranks. Their initiation was also suitably impressive; the Muggle papers the next day reported that a major gas leak had been responsible for the numerous deaths. Regulus seemed under the weather and was not very talkative when Narcissa went to congratulate him. He was lying in bed, listless, and barely responding to her presence. Narcissa tried to draw her cousin into conversation and, noticing that the book Severus had bought him in Knockturn Alley was on his bedside table, tried asking him about it, but he was monosyllabic. She assumed he was feeling the after-effects of being marked, so cut her visit short. She was pleased to see that the elf, a wizened old thing named Kreacher, was competently caring for "Master Regulus". She wished, not for the first time, that she could trade Dobby for Kreacher, and told the elf so, who smiled toothily at her, bowing deeply. She visited again a week or so later, and Regulus seemed more like himself. Evan and Severus had been invited to stay, and the boys seemed to be planning a new potion which would cause internal haemorrhaging. Narcissa would never to confess to being squeamish, but when they tried to describe it to her, she hastily excused herself and caught up with her aunt instead.

In September, Lucius and Narcissa had an unexpected visitor. It was late one evening, and they were sat together in the parlour. Narcissa had just arrived home from Bellatrix's, where she had been called to nurse her sister after she had displeased the Dark Lord again. Narcissa had gleaned from her sister's helpless hysterical screaming that she had taken Evan Rosier and new recruit Igor Karkaroff out for a little Muggle-sport. However, Bellatrix had, without consulting the Dark Lord, decided to kill their victims. Voldemort had been furious - not because of the loss of life - but because Bellatrix had undermined his authority in front of a junior Death Eater and a new recruit. Her punishment had been worse than the previous one, and Narcissa had had to stay with her for three days. She had just finished explaining the story to Lucius when Dobby came to the door and announced the arrival of Severus Snape. The seventeen-year-old boy stepped into the room, face completely blank. He refused their offers of a drink, and Dobby was dismissed. Severus shook his head when he was asked to sit, opening his mouth silently.

"Severus, whatever's the matter?" Narcissa had, by this time, risen to her feet and approached the young man. He looked awful; paler than usual, and she could see that his hands were trembling. Lucius joined her, and taking Severus firmly by his upper arm, guided him to a chair. He and Narcissa sat opposite Severus, waiting for him to speak. After a few moments, he opened his mouth again and torrent of words came flooding out. Gone were the slow, carefully modulated tones they were used to; Severus was rambling, eyes darting around the room,

"I know I shouldn't be here, I snuck out of school and apparated from Hogsmeade, but I had to come. Regulus said - he said I'll have to kill them - my mum and dad. I can't do it, I can't kill my own parents. I just can't, but the Dark Lord is expecting me to. I have to hide them, I've worked it all out, but I need money. Please, please can you help me? I'll do anything, anything at all, I'll be forever in your debt, and I'd never tell him - I'd never tell anyone that you helped me. I'll cover it all up, make it look like they died by accident. I can forge all the paperwork, I just need money to buy them a house to live in - somewhere remote. I'll wipe their memories, they won't know anything about magic - even Mum. I'll earn money on the side when I'm a Death Eater and send it to them to make sure they're ok, but I just need some now to set it all up - please?" His eyes were huge in his thin, white face as he broke off and gazed beseechingly at Lucius and Narcissa. Lucius glanced at his wife, and she didn't need to use Legilimency to see his answer. She nodded, and he turned back to the dark haired teenager and said simply,

"Yes. Of course we'll help you. How much do you need?"

Severus swayed where he sat as relief flooded over him. He named the sum. It was clearly a horrendous amount for someone in Severus' position, but for Narcissa and Lucius, it was a drop in the ocean. Narcissa nodded again, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder as she passed him and left the room. She took some gold out of their supply, placed it carefully in a dragon-hide bag and walked back to the parlour. She could hear voices, and entered to see Lucius had moved to sit beside Severus. He was carefully taking Severus through each stage of his plan, listening, correcting and offering suggestions. She silently passed Severus the bag and sat back down, listening to her husband's low, soothing voice. Severus replied jerkily at first, but grew calmer under Lucius' instruction. Eventually, the plan was fully formed. Severus refused their offer of a bed for the night and stood slowly, stowing the gold away inside his robes.

"I will never forget this," he said seriously. "Thank you. And I meant what I said earlier; I will be forever in your debt, and if I can ever do anything to help you, you need only ask." Narcissa smiled and nodded, stepping forward to hug him. Lucius shook his hand, and they called Dobby to escort Severus from the house.

After he had left, the couple went to bed, quietly discussing the events of the evening. "Do you think the Dark Lord will guess?" Narcissa asked anxiously, as they climbed into bed.

"No," Lucius replied. "Regulus will hardly tell that he shared a private piece of information with Severus. And his father is known for being a brute - it's not exactly unlikely that he'd kill his wife then commit suicide."

"Do you think they'll be able to have a good marriage now? If his dad hates magic, and Severus wipes both their minds, they'll think they're both Muggles, so magic won't come between them anymore."

"Maybe." Lucius sounded doubtful. "Does it really matter?" He waved his wand and the candles around the room were extinguished, plunging them into darkness.

"It does to Severus." Narcissa rolled over into his embrace and closed her eyes. "Goodnight."

"Night," Lucius replied, kissing her top of her head gently, but they both found it was some hours before sleep claimed them.

A month later, an owl arrived with a note. It said simply, 'It's done, thank you. Severus.'

In summer 1978, Severus graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The day of his marking came, and Lucius and Severus travelled together to Bellatrix's for the ceremony. Narcissa was waiting at home, pacing the drawing room, feeling jittery and on edge, when Lucius appeared suddenly in the fireplace. He looked white and worried. "He wants to see you, Narcissa, now." She didn't need to ask who. She took his hand and he pulled her back into the flames.

They appeared moments later in Bellatrix's drawing room. The Death Eaters did not look around, none moving from the circle they had formed. Lucius, still holding his wife's hand, lead Narcissa into the circle. Severus was on his knees in the middle, silent, head bowed, the Dark Lord standing before him. Narcissa curtseyed deeply, mind racing. What's happened? What did Severus do?

"Rise, Narcissa." The Dark Lord's high, cold voice was soft, almost hissing as she spoke her name. She did so, forcing her face to appear calm and impassive. "I have called you here tonight as I have a small problem. I had a task in mind for our newest recruit, but it appears fate has pre-empted me. I will ask you a question, Narcissa, and you will not lie to me. What happened to this boy's filthy parents?"

Narcissa did not hesitate, she did not even blink as she calmly said, "The Muggle, Tobias Snape, murdered his wife during an argument. He then committed suicide, once he realised what he'd done."

The Dark Lord held her gaze, then laughed a high, cold laugh. "Perhaps, then, Muggles do have their uses. Blood traitors do not deserve to live. It is a pity, though, as I shall have to decide on a new task..." He gestured for Narcissa to stand back, and she obeyed. "Rise, Severus," Voldemort commanded. Severus stood, looking into Voldemort's face. He went on, "It seems you told me the truth. I am glad. You will be a good and faithful servant. You have no family, no blood ties - as so many here do - so your first loyalty will always be to me. Your mind, possessions and talents are mine, but before I mark you, how will you prove yourself to me?" He did not move his eyes from Severus as he called, "Bella. If you would bring in our guests."

Bellatrix let out a high giggle, and Narcissa couldn't stop her head from whipping around. Her sister looked manically gleeful, and she almost skipped from the room. "Move back," the Dark Lord commanded. Silently, the Death Eaters retreated, widening the circle. Narcissa backed away too, slotting into a gap between Lucius and where Bellatrix would stand when she returned. Severus was left alone in the middle of the circle as Voldemort also stepped back. "I wish to see how you cope under pressure, Severus. If you survive, you will be branded and enter my service. If you fail... we will still find a use for you. Ah!" His face twisted into a horrible parody of a smile as his eyes flicked over Severus' shoulder. "Do turn around, Severus. If you fail, this is the use I will put you to." Narcissa recoiled as Bellatrix passed by, bringing ten Inferi into the circle. They stumbled forwards, hands outstretched, their white, clouded eyes blind. The reek of rotting flesh entered her nostrils. "Let them go, Bella," the Dark Lord commanded.

Bellatrix screeched, "Oppugno!" pointing her wand at Severus. The Inferi sprang forward, and Severus froze for a fraction of a second before raising his wand. The first Inferius was immediately struck down by a silent Stunner, but the second was faster, and launched itself onto Severus, knocking him off his feet. Narcissa couldn't stop herself from crying out as it clawed at Severus' robes, but a second later it was blasted off as Severus caught it with a powerful Banishing charm and he sprang to his feet. Face set, he slashed his wand through the air and three deep gashes appeared in its chest, but it leapt off the ground and advanced on him again, seemingly immune to Sectumsempra. Severus did not attempt to cast the spell again, but his face registered shock as he realised his signature move would be useless against the bloodless creatures. Instead, he flicked his wand so quickly it was a blur, and thick ropes appeared and bound the creature from head to foot. It fell sideways into one of its companions, and both fell to the floor. Severus did not see this, however, as in the time it had taken him to cast the spell, another Inferius had moved behind him. It reached out, grabbing his wand arm, forcing it painfully behind his back. He snarled and struggled as two more Inferi seized him. He wrenched his arm free and fired another Stunner which sailed straight past the intended target, narrowly missing Evan, who ducked. The spell exploded against the wall in a shower of red sparks. Back in the circle, the rest of the Inferi were moving in, grabbing at their prey, and lifting him from the ground. Narcissa's head jerked as a sharp crack rang around the room, and Severus yelled in pain; an Inferius had broken his left arm. Narcissa's heart was in her throat, and a flicker of movement caught her eye. Regulus was standing three places to her left, and Narcissa's eyes widened as she saw his hand inch into his robes and he slowly drew his wand. Regulus, she begged silently, you can't help him. The Dark Lord will kill you, too... but she was suddenly blinded as a bright light and blazing heat filled the room. There were panicked yells, screams and the sound of people running. Narcissa felt Lucius grip her arm.

"Run!" he yelled and he began to drag her away from the source of the flames.

"Return to your positions!" cried the Dark Lord's voice. "Now!"

Narcissa looked back at the pandemonium, and saw a dark figure silhouetted by bright flames. Severus was standing, wand drawn, a writhing serpent made of fire circling him on the floor. Voldemort, white face illuminated by the Feindfyre, looked triumphant. The Death Eaters slowly closed ranks, encircling Severus, Voldemort and the firey snake. Severus slowly raised his eyes to Narcissa's, and gave her a tiny half-smile as he drew his wand sharply down. The flaming serpent vanished, leaving ten shapeless, blackened masses on the floor. Severus then placed his wand tip to his left arm, healing the break wordlessly. The Death Eaters did not move, and silence filled the room.

"Bella," the Dark Lord spoke softly. "Your Inferi were unsuccessful. Perhaps you would like to take over? You have failed me again, so this is a test for you, rather than for him. If you win this duel, Severus," Voldemort added casually, "you will take Bella's place at my right side during our next attack."

Bellatrix gasped in fury. "My Lord -" she began, but he flicked his wand, and she was silenced.

"Do not argue with me, Bella. Do as I ask - now."

Severus' eyes widened but he stepped back, as Bellatrix left her place and entered the circle. Narcissa couldn't see her face, but her sister's ridging posture told her that she was furious. Narcissa felt sick as understanding dawned on her; the Dark Lord had never intended for the Inferi to win against Severus; this was an extra punishment for Bellatrix. The Dark Lord was taunting her, humiliating her deliberately in front of all the Death Eaters and publicly replacing her.

"Bow," Voldemort commanded. Severus obeyed, inclining his head, before turning side on, legs apart, knees slightly bent. He raised his wand until it was level with his eyes, drawing his elbow back. His left arm was braced in front of him, protecting his heart. His face was blank, eyes fixed on his opponent. Bellatrix had also bowed, then adopted her usual duelling stance; sideways on, legs apart, slightly bent at the knee, left hand out in front of her, her wand arm curved high above her head. They both subtly shifted their weight onto their right legs as Voldemort began the countdown, "Three, Two, One."

"Crucio!" Bellatrix screamed, simultaneously turning her body and whipping her wand down. A jet of red light flew through the air at Severus, who, without changing position, blocked it with a powerful Shield charm. Without pausing, Bellatrix sent two more torture curses at the young man, advancing on him. He stood his ground, blocking each curse successfully. "Fight back, little coward!" screeched Bellatrix, sending another spell at Severus. This one caused him to stumble backwards, and in the break in his concentration, Bellatrix hit him with a well-aimed "Confringo!" Severus was knocked off his feet,and rolled to avoid the jet of red light Bellatrix sent at him. She was laughing now, taunting him. "Don't worry little Snapey, you'll be with your filthy parents soon enough!" Severus sprang to his feet, flicking his wand sharply, and once more it spurted thick ropes which bound Bellatrix from head to foot. She cackled, and the ropes released her, turning into a huge snake. "Oppugno!" Bellatrix screamed. The snake darted away from her across the wooden floor, fangs bared, but Severus, eyes narrowed, jerked his wand upwards. The snake lifted off the floor, spitting furiously, before turning into rope of fire, which he blasted back at Bellatrix. She ducked, and Narcissa and Lucius threw themselves to the ground as the fire sailed above them, hitting the wall and dissolving away.

By the time Narcissa had stood back up, Severus had been hit by a Leg-locker curse, falling to the floor hard. He aimed at Bellatrix, who was advancing on him, raising her wand. She shrieked with fury as several arrows shot at her from Severus' wand tip, bringing her own wand up and casting a Shield charm, but in the moment's distraction, Severus unlocked his legs and was pressing home his advantage. He sliced his wand through the air, and Bellatrix was blasted backwards. Her concentration broke, and the shield faded. Severus, black eyes glittering, slashed his wand again and Bellatrix gasped, involuntarily bringing her left hand to her stomach. Blood welled between her fingers, and she stumbled. Severus flicked his wand again, and Bellatrix's wand flew out of her hand. Severus caught it and, without pausing, he turned and threw it to Regulus, who caught it deftly. Severus then quickly crossed the room, dropping to his knees beside his foe, who had fallen to the floor. Dragging her hands away from her stomach, he pointed his wand at the wounds, muttering under his breath. None of the watching Death Eaters moved. Narcissa looked at the Dark Lord. His eyes were fixed on Severus, who was moving his wand over the slashes, still murmuring. After a few moments, he paused, reaching inside his robes. He brought out a small bottle and tipped it onto the newly mended skin, where is sizzled. "It won't scar," he said tonelessly to Bellatrix, as he rose to his feet. She scrambled to her feet too, eyes flicking nervously to her Master. He approached the two slowly, pausing in front of the witch.

"Dear, dear Bella. I feel you are losing your touch. Retrieve your wand and return to your place." Bellatrix trembled as she moved silently to Regulus, who handed his cousin back her wand, and she took her place beside Narcissa.

"You chose not to kill her?" The Dark Lord was asking Severus.

"Yes, my Lord," Severus answered evenly.

"Tell me, why?"

"You did not ask me to, my Lord."

Voldemort laughed and turned to face his Death Eaters. "This is a true servant." Then he turned to Severus. "You shall be marked now, and you will have the honour of accompanying me on our next attack. We will meet again in a few days' time to plan it together."

"Thank you, my Lord." Severus followed Lord Voldemort from the circle into the next room.

"You need to leave." Lucius was at Narcissa's side, urging her towards the fireplace. She did not argue, and allowed the flames to transport her back home. Lucius appeared about an hour later. "He's fine," he said before she had even opened her mouth. "He's been marked and gone back home. We'll go and collect him tomorrow - I don't want him left alone recovering from it."

Narcissa nodded then asked, "And Bella?" Lucius shook his head.

"Nothing else was said, but Severus has made an enemy there."

Narcissa sighed. "The Dark Lord did it on purpose, you know. He's still angry about what happened with the Longbottoms and Karkaroff."

"I know, and she knows it too. She's furious, but she's aiming it all at Severus. We'll need to keep an eye on her if they're ever in the same team for an attack - I wouldn't put it past her to kill him and claim it was an accident."

Narcissa glared at him. "She's not that bad, Luc!" But she privately agreed.

The next day, Lucius and Narcissa once again made their way to Spinner's End and stood on Severus' doorstep. They knocked twice, but received no reply, and exchanged a worried look.

"Want me to blast the door down?" Lucius was asking as they heard a scuffling noise and the door opened. Severus stood there, eyes unfocussed, wrapped in a thick black dressing gown, despite the summer's heat. He was as sarcastic as ever, though, as he said slowly,

"I am sorry I wasn't quick enough to answer your summons. It's not like I am drugged up to my eyeballs because I feel like my arm is about to fall off - but please, do go ahead. It's not like I really wanted a front door, anyway."

"Hello, Severus." Narcissa smiled as he stepped back and they walked through to the living room. It had changed since they had last been inside; the walls were now covered in shelves, and most of these were filled with books.

"Look Narcissa, it's the famous Snape family library!" Lucius chuckled.

"Shut up, Lucius," Severus said, but without any rancour, following them into the room. "Can I get you anything to drink?" he asked, swaying slightly.

"No!" Narcissa cried. "We're not staying. We're here to kidnap you, Severus."

"Do you have to?" he asked peevishly. "It's not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but I am rather tired at the moment. Couldn't you come back later?"

Narcissa approached him and held out her hand. "Let me see it."

"See what?" he grumbled.

"You know perfectly well what! Your Mark!" Severus looked at her for a moment before pulling up the left sleeve of his dressing gown and resting his forearm in Narcissa's outstretched palm.

"What have you treated it with?" she asked, peering at the blood-red skull and snake.

"Dittany," he replied. She nodded. It looked raw, but it didn't look infected.

"And what have you taken? You look really spaced out," she said, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"Just some Muggle stuff." He swayed again, and put out his right hand to steady himself against the doorframe. "My dad left it behind."

"Severus!" Narcissa chided, still looking at his arm. His blue veins stood out starkly against his white skin and she noticed how thin his arm was. She said sharply, "Have you been eating?"

"What?" Severus groaned, but Narcissa released his arm and she strode past into the tiny kitchen.

"There is no food in your house, Severus!" she called, exasperated, after opening all the cupboards. "What have you been eating for the last few days?"

Severus was slumped against the doorframe. "Nothing," he mumbled.

"Luc!" Narcissa called. "Talk some sense into him!"

Lucius smirked as he drawled, "Look Severus, you can either come quietly, or I'll knock you out and take you by force. Which is it to be?"

A genuine smile tugged at the corner of Severus' mouth and he said, "Ok, I'll come quietly. Can I at least get dressed and pack a bag first? Or will that count as resistance and earn me a bash on the head?"

Lucius laughed. "I think we can allow that. But if you try to escape, I'll hunt you down and Imperius you."

"Got it!" Severus opened a concealed door in the wall of books in the living room and made his way slowly upstairs, clutching tightly at the banisters. He re-joined Narcissa and Lucius ten minutes later, dressed in plain black robes, a bag slung over his shoulders. Lucius and Narcissa helped him navigate the cobbled streets to the riverside where they apparated back to the Manor. Soon, Severus was installed in one of the guest suites, fast asleep. Narcissa ordered Dobby to keep a close eye on him and to give him regular meals. She had not forgotten the elf's slip-up with Lucius after his marking, so watched him more closely than usual whilst Severus was under his care. Dobby was terrified of his Mistress, who was quick to pounce on any fault in his work, and punished him harshly for even the smallest error. Severus, however, was well cared for by the elf, and spent the next few days recovering. Theodosia came to spend the day with Narcissa, muttering darkly about Dunstan (they had had yet another Big Row) and she was just divulging the thrilling tale, when Dobby appeared at the door to the parlour, announcing the arrival of Evan Rosier and Regulus Black. The boys cheerfully marched into the room, asking to see Severus. They seemed to have brought half of Honeydukes with them, and spent most of the day eating sweets and playing noisy games of Exploding Snap, before begging Lucius to be allowed in the cellar to look at the Malfoy family's Dark artefacts. Lucius, always delighted to show off his collection, proudly gave them the tour.

Regulus looked pale, Narcissa noticed, she tried reading him, but he was completely blank - but she was sure something was wrong. She could see that he had lost weight, though, and decided to tackle this first, giving both him and Severus a lecture on healthy eating, which they both rolled their eyes at. Theodosia, as usual, was much more direct. "For Merlin's sake, Cissy, leave them alone! They're not children!" Severus and Regulus smirked, until she rounded on them and said, "And you two - do as she says and EAT. You're supposed to be men, not bowtruckles!"

They had all laughed at this, and Regulus stepped forward and gave Narcissa a tight hug. "You're my favourite cousin, you know," he said seriously. Severus looked as surprised as Narcissa was - Regulus was not usually very affectionate - but she put her arms around him and hugged him back, smiling as she said softly,

"And you're my favourite cousin, too."

The next day, the Dark Lord requested an audience with his newest recruit. He also wished to see Lucius and Narcissa on a separate matter, so accepted their invitation to call on them all at the Manor. "I have something valuable I wish you to protect," Voldemort said without pre-amble, and withdrew a small, black book from his robes. "You have both been of great use to me, and your efforts will not be unrewarded. This is a favour I have only bestowed upon one other Death Eater; it is the highest honour. You will keep this diary in your home. You will protect it and guard it above any other possession you have. It is of vital importance it is not found before I have taken over the wizarding world."

Lucius and Narcissa sat side by side, looking at the little book in silence. A diary? Narcissa thought blankly. What's so special about a diary? Lucius shifted next to her, and spoke hesitantly, "My Lord, this is an honour... may I ask what this diary does? So I can give it the best possible protection?"

The Dark Lord's lip curled. "It opens a hidden chamber at Hogwarts - one installed by the great Salazar Slytherin himself."

"I thought that was just a myth -" Lucius blurted out before he could stop himself. The Dark Lord smirked.

"No, Lucius. It is quite true. The school hushed it up, of course. The last time it was opened, the monster inside claimed the life of a Mudblood. If it were to open again, the monster could purge the school of all those who are unworthy to study magic. You are on the Board now, Lucius. You will be my eyes and ears. When the time is right, you will inform me and together, we shall open the Chamber of Secrets once more." Lucius expressed his delight at such a scheme, taking the diary reverently from his Master and the interview ended. "Send Severus in to see me - we have an attack to plan," Voldemort commanded.

Narcissa went to find Severus, whilst Lucius headed to the cellar, muttering to himself about all the incantations he could use to keep this most precious treasure safe. After delivering Severus to their Master, Narcissa returned to her parlour, wondering how Bellatrix would react to seeing Severus at the right hand the Dark Lord during the next attack.

Fortunately, the attack did not involve Severus and Bellatrix - or any of the Death Eaters - fighting on the front line. Instead, the Death Eaters were sent out to capture a large group Muggle-borns and blood traitors. They then forced them to submit under the Imperius curse and sent them out on a murderous rampage. The Ministry was in disarray; it was the largest Imperius curse attack which had even been launched. The Aurors and Order of the Phoenix did not wish to harm the cursed victims, but several were hurt and the death toll mounted as the targets fought back bravely. The Dark Lord was generally satisfied with the outcome, but was displeased that Frank and Alice Longbottom, assisted by a young couple he did not recognise, had once again defied him and freed several of his own puppets from the curse. Regulus, who still looked peaky, only managed to control one, and lost him early on in the battle. Severus fared better, managing to control two victims simultaneously, only losing one of them at the end of the siege. "Not bad for a beginner," Lucius had commented, who was basking in his own achievement of holding three under the curse, a feat equalled only by Mallory. Bellatrix, however, had trumped this and had redeemed herself in the Dark Lord's eyes by holding four people simultaneously under the curse, and had achieved the highest body count. The attack was a huge success. The Death Eaters celebrated at Malfoy Manor that evening, where Narcissa and Lucius threw an impromptu party. Nott brought Theodosia along, and the two friends toasted the Death Eaters, drinking to freedom, for it seemed only a matter of time before the Ministry would fall and Lord Voldemort would have total control.