Snape: Master of Deception

"Is... is there no one else here?"

"Of course not. Oh, right, Wormtail is here, but we don't count vermin, do we?"

He pointed his wand at the wall of books behind him. With a bang, a hidden door swung open, revealing a narrow staircase and a small man standing frozen upon it.

"I suppose you're well aware, Wormtail, that we have guests."

Snape spoke lazily.

The man came hunched down the last few steps and entered the room.

He had small, watery eyes, a pointed nose, and an unnatural, forced smile plastered across his face. His left hand stroked his right, which looked as though it wore a gleaming silver-white glove.

"Narcissa!"

he squeaked. "Bellatrix! How enchanting—"

"If you'd like, Wormtail can bring us some drinks,"

Snape said. "Then he can return to his own bedroom."

Wormtail darted aside as though Snape had thrown something at him.

"I'm not your servant!"

he squeaked, avoiding Snape's gaze.

"Really? I thought the Dark Lord had placed you here to assist me."

"Assist, yes.

But not by serving you drinks or cleaning your rooms!"

"Wormtail, I never knew you yearned for more dangerous assignments."

Snape said in a silky tone,

"That's easily arranged. I'll go and tell the Dark Lord—"

"If I want to, I'll tell him myself!"

"Of course you can."

Snape sneered. "But for now, bring us some drinks. A little House-elf wine will do."

Wormtail hesitated for a moment, then turned and left through another hidden door.

They heard thumping sounds, followed by the clinking of glassware.

A few seconds later, he returned carrying a tray with a grimy bottle and three glasses.

He set the tray down on the rickety table, then immediately hurried away, slamming shut the door concealed by books.

Snape poured three goblets of blood-red