Severus looked at her intently for a moment in silence, making her feel like he was trying to actually decide what to do. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Rigel Altair."
"Who?"
He sat down in the nearest chair and began flipping through a book, ignoring her inquiry.
"Who is Rigel Altair?" Hermione persisted impatiently.
"A Death Eater."
"I've never even heard of him."
Severus laughed darkly. "That doesn't make him any less lethal."
"Severus, who is he really?"
"Someone who is too smart to be imprisoned, too stupid to be killed, and does not have the quality of mercy."