Snape: Double Agent

Snape seized her wrist and pried open the hand clutching his robes.

He looked down at her tear-streaked face and said slowly, "I think he intends to send me to do it in the end.

But he decided to let Draco try first. You know, if Draco succeeds, I'll be able to remain at Hogwarts a while longer and play my useful role as a spy to the very end."

"In other words, he doesn't care at all whether Draco dies!"

"The Dark Lord is very angry."

Snape repeated softly,

"He failed to hear the prophecy.

You know as well as I do, Narcissa, that he is not someone who forgives easily."

She collapsed at his feet, sobbing and moaning on the floor.

"My only son... my only son..."

"You should be proud!"

Bellatrix said coldly. "If I had sons, I'd be more than happy to sacrifice them in service of the Dark Lord!"

Narcissa let out a despairing cry and clutched at her golden hair.

Snape bent down, took her by the arm, and helped her back onto the sofa.

Then he poured her more red wine and forcibly pressed the glass into her hand.

"Narcissa, enough. Drink this and listen to me."

She calmed down slightly, trembling as she took a small sip of wine. Some of it spilled onto her clothes.

"Perhaps I might... help Draco."

She shot upright, her face as white as paper and her eyes wide.

"Severus—oh, Severus—you're willing to help him?

You're willing to watch over him and make sure he stays safe?"

"I can try."

With a flick of her hand, she threw away the glass, which slid to the far end of the table. She slipped from the sofa and knelt at Snape's feet, grasping his hand in both of hers