"The situation isn't as bad as you think. Mr. Anderson is far more formidable than you realize."
The portrait on the wall watched Snape for a moment before offering quiet comfort.
"He pushed the Dark Lord too hard, making him feel threatened." Snape believed the Muggles' misfortune was the result of Albert pushing Voldemort too far.
If they had hidden away quietly, perhaps there would not have been so many disputes.
"That is only one reason. Their conflict was irreconcilable from the very beginning. You cannot expect either side to yield voluntarily, especially now that Lord Voldemort's forces are beginning to decline. Don't expect them to back down."
"Then..."
Snape abruptly fell silent and looked up at the familiar figure emerging from the rising Forest Green Flame.
"Good evening, sir!"
After stepping out of the fireplace, Malfoy brushed the soot from his cloak and greeted Snape behind the desk.
"What brings you all the way to Hogwarts to see me?" Snape asked with a raised brow.
"Pansy is pregnant. We both hope you can become the child's godfather." A long-lost smile appeared on Draco Malfoy's face. At that moment, the burden the Malfoy family had placed upon him seemed to be lifted by Pansy's pregnancy.
"Congratulations."
At the news, a faint flicker seemed to cross Snape's otherwise expressionless face. He believed his old friend Lucius would be delighted to hear such good news.
At least the Malfoy family no longer had to worry about dying out.
"Thank you. Will you be the child's godfather?" Malfoy did not sit in the armchair Snape had conjured. He stared directly at Snape, clearly hoping that Snape would accept.
"I'm afraid not, Draco. I am not suitable." Snape seemed not to notice Malfoy's hopeful gaze as he shook his head in refusal.
"We believe