𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒

XXX : Part A

Act XXX: Part A

Acta est fabula

The drama has been acted out.

Voldemort sneered as he watched an unconscious Severus Snape be tied securely to a tree by an obviously pleased Lucius Malfoy. He surveyed his companions with great interest. It was an honour to witness a Judecca Rite and only those he deemed worthy should receive the distinction.

Beside Lucius, Pettigrew hovered. Voldemort wrinkled his nose in distaste. If the pathetic little man didn’t have his uses, he’d probably be banned from viewing this, but alas, he had proven to be quite good in a pinch. No matter how wretched he looked.

Rabastan stood next to his brother, who was, of course, trailing behind his wife as usual. Bellatrix was licking her lips hungrily as she watched the tortured traitor begin to choke due to the ropes that Lucius was fastening around his bruised neck.

Voldemort raised his hand, stilling the blonde’s actions. “Your zeal is appreciated, Lucius, but take care not to kill him prematurely. It’s been awhile since we had this Rite. We shall do it properly.” He smirked as he added, “If he dies needlessly, you shall take his place.”

“Yes, my Lord.” Lucius hastily loosened the ropes, albeit only fractionally. The bastard still deserved the worst possible torment, so he tied them securely, not enough to choke him but certainly enough to make it chafe.

Smiling, Voldemort motioned to his Death Eaters. “Put up the Wards. We don’t want to be disturbed.” His grin widened. “But in the event that we are-“ He stepped closer to his victim, spelling him awake. “We’ll be more than ready.”

“Ah. Good morning, Severus! Today seems like a damn fine day to die, doesn’t it?” he asked with a sneer.

Breathing heavily through his restraints, Severus answered with as much energy as he could muster, “No, I disagree, but if you’re so taken with the day then why don’t you just do us all a favour and take advantage of it? I, for one, will be glad I won’t have to wait for that Gryffindor idiot to get his act together long enough to kill you.”

Instead of bristling with anger, Voldemort laughed. “Cheeky! Even to the death! Oh Severus, you are living up to your brands! I am so glad I carved them out for you!” He traced the scar on Severus’ chest with a long fingernail, delighting when it pierced flesh and reopened the wound, crimson blood marking his finger’s trail. He grinned as he felt the man flinch in pain. “You see, dead men can’t make threats,” he whispered darkly. “So you can be cheeky all you want, the results shall still be the same.” He deftly conjured a sharp blade out of a leaf.

“Lucius, I will give you my favour since he has cost you the most: a son and a wife. Dear me, how you must loathe him.” Voldemort snickered. “Go ahead, Lucius,” he commanded as he handed him the knife.

“Cut out his tongue.”

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“Ron, you take the East and Hermione, you take the area next to his. Mind what Moody told you, alright? If you locate Remus, send up sparks and head out!” Tonks advised them as soon as they Apparated in the South end of the Forbidden Forest. Satisfied with the nods she received, she turned to the West to search that area herself.

“Hermione, remind me again,” Ron whispered as he scouted the near vicinity. “Is the Southeast end the one with the spiders? Because I'd really, really rather not go over there!” He twitched nervously as he made to take a cautious step towards the jungle of trees.

Hermione’s shoulders shook with silent laughter as she moved forward and enveloped the anxious redhead into a breath stealing embrace. “Oh gods, Ron! Never change, do you hear me?” She smiled, feeling the tension slightly ease out of her body.