Chapter III - Faithful
"Good evening, Death Eaters."
The voice was soft and cold as it broke the silence engulfing the manor. Without hesitation, every figure responded, "Good evening, my Lord."
"Not a month ago many of you heeded the call of the Dark Mark and witnesses my return," the man said from his chair at the head of the table, a gigantic snake wrapping itself around his shoulders. He caressed its head briefly before turning back to the group assembled before him.
"But some of you..." His red eyes scanned the room and several people shivered slightly. "Failed to do so."
There was silence for a moment, but it seemed like an eternity. The man turned to a sallow-looking man. "Snape?"
"My Lord, I returned late to bring you news of Dumbledore. I hoped my failure to arrive on time would ensure my position as a spy for you." He bowed before taking a seat.
Voldemort laughed. "I know where your allegiances lie, Severus. The information you have given me has proven useful. The rest of you will pay for your mistakes."
Again silence fell on the group. No one moved, no one even dared to breathe.
"I have good news, however. One other returned, one more faithful under my control than under free will as with the rest of you." He waved his hand toward the door and it swung open. A woman stood in the doorway, her clouded eyes emotionless as she looked at Voldemort.
"Come here, pet."
She did as she was told. From his seat Snape watched, showing no hint of his surprise. Voldemort brought his hand up to caress the woman's cheek, his cruel voice nearly a whisper. "My control is as strong as ever."
The woman caught Snape's eye for the briefest of moments, and what he saw then did surprise him. Her eyes lost their gloss, but she remained emotionless. He raised an eyebrow ever so slightly before her eyes clouded again and she looked back to her master.