Compared to the heavily guarded Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon had only two old women and several guards stationed some distance from the palace. It seemed as though it would be easy to succeed.
However, it was close to the large military camp at Versailles, so Severus did not make too much of a commotion.
Like a tangible ghost, he drifted onto the second-floor balcony where Antoinette had once stayed, then easily broke into the queen's chambers.
Napoleon's mother, Letizia, was nowhere to be found. He went down to the first floor and saw a maid in the dining room.
He raised his wand at the maid, but from the corner of his eye, he spotted a small vial on the cabinet.
The Potions master immediately reached over and picked it up, sniffing it beneath his hooked nose. Then a look of sudden realization appeared on his face.
"You should not be involving yourself in a Muggle war, wizard," the maid said with her back to Severus. "That violates the International Statute of Secrecy."
Severus sneered. His usual confidence had returned, and he drawled, "Who are you?"
The maid turned around, revealing Camilla's face.
"I will not leave without taking her with me. You truly are despicable, using this thing on her." Severus pinched the small vial between his fingers.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Camilla said fearfully.
"Where is your mistress?"
"I won't tell you."
Severus burst out laughing. "I can find her after I kill you. You are useless to Napoleon."
"I'm like another mother to him. If you want to do anything, take me away instead."
The smile vanished from Severus's face.
"You already have so much. Why must you take away even the little that others have?"
"Do you want money?"
"Do I look