Loyalty

Snape's words were like the strongest stimulant injection, coursing through Lucius's veins and instantly bringing a sickly flush to his pale face. His eyes blazed with excitement.

"I... tell me what I should do!"

His voice trembled slightly as he said, "I will certainly do everything in my power to clear away all suspicion!"

Snape nodded faintly, seeming untouched by Lucius's emotions, as though he still doubted his allegiance.

The Potions Professor merely ended the matter in his distinctive icy tone. "Stay vigilant and wait for instructions. When the Dark Lord needs you to contribute your strength, you will naturally know."

"I understand... thank you, Severus. I know that, in your position, not everyone would be willing to go to such lengths for someone else."

Lucius took a deep breath, struggling to calm his surging emotions. He rose, straightened his robes, and prepared to leave.

His gaze swept once more over the two humanoid lumps in the corner. He paused, turned his head, and asked in a low voice, "Those two... how do you intend to deal with them?"

Snape's gaze did not even follow his, as if they were something repulsive. A cutting smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Them?" he said. "I will wrap them up and send them to Dumbledore. Let him see... just how much trouble his arrangements have caused me!"

Lucius nodded in understanding. He knew Snape also intended to use this to demonstrate his value to Dumbledore, earning greater trust and making it easier to carry out his undercover work at Hogwarts.

A calculating gleam flashed through Lucius's eyes. He probed, "If I remember correctly, those two thieves... were targeting Wade Grey?"

"Correct." Snape's tone carried a trace of impatience. "Ever since that boy became famous, I don't know how many of