Fatal Affair

Chapter 1: The Job

"He stands in the way of the boy," Voldemort's cold voice spoke from one end of the table. Nova kept her eyes glued to the back of her hands, which were resting on the long black dining room table. "It is the only way." 

"Surely not, My Lord," whispered Narcissa Malfoy, head bent low in respect. Her hand clutched the arm of a young blond boy, Draco. Her fingernails dug into her son's flesh. 

Nova stole a glance at Draco. She could tell he was trying to appear brave and nonchalant, however he looked pale - as if drained of blood - and terrified. 

"Do you care to suggest a better way, Narcissa?" Voldemort spoke her name in a hiss, drawing out the last syllable. 

"Please-" Her voice came out in a sob. 

"Enough," her husband spoke from beside her, eyes fixated ahead. "It is an honour to serve you, My Lord, and I am sure Draco will do everything he can to please you." 

Narcissa pursed her lips together and did not speak - a silent agreement to her husband's words. 

"It is settled then," Voldemort said, watching Lucius intently. "Dumbledore will be dead and you, my boy," he glanced over at Draco, who looked up, "will have my eternal gratitude." Voldemort then ended the meeting, leaving the room before any other Death Eaters stood up. 

The Malfoys left quickly, Draco wedged between his parents as they walked. Nova left after them, going the opposite way once reaching the corridor. The Malfoy Manor was huge, but slowly she was learning her way around. She found her usual bay window, where she spent her time reading, in an empty part of the Manor. As she sat down and gazed outside at the rainy weather, she noticed a tall, dark figure approaching through the grounds. Nova made her way to the entrance to greet him. 

She stood at a distance, waiting. The figure stopped short when he saw her. He then made his way pass her and she followed a few steps behind. 

They ended up in one of the many bedrooms of Malfoy Manor. This one was decorated in black, from the sheets to the curtains, everything was dark, just the way he liked it. 

"What is it?" the figure asked, his back to Nova as he walked towards the window in the room. 

"They're going to try and kill him," Nova said, voice low as to not be overheard. "Draco is meant to do it." 

"Draco won't kill him," he said as he finally turned around, revealing a serious expression. His dark hair was wet and a couple of strands stuck to his face. He was dressed in all black, a cloak wrapped around his broad shoulders. "He doesn't have it in him." 

"Regardless," Nova muttered. "He's just a kid, Severus." 

"And?" Severus spoke with an air of indifference. 

"This will traumatize him." 

"It could be worse." Severus waved his hand as if to dismiss this conversation. "What else did I miss?" 

"How could you be in his life this whole time and not care?" 

"Trust me," Severus drawled. "Caring is much more painful than not caring. You'd do well to learn that soon." 

Nova eyed Severus up and down, contemplating on how to process what he just said, when loud shouts came from the hallway. Nova and Severus both walked out of the room to find Narcissa and Lucius in an argument. 

"He's just a boy, Lucius," Narcissa said with watery eyes. 

Lucius took a moment to acknowledge Nova and Severus's presence, eyes flickering between them, then back to his wife. "I understand that, dear. However, there is nothing I can do." 

"He's punishing us!" Narcissa screamed out. "He's punishing us by using Draco, our son!" 

"I don't think you need me to tell you that you should keep your voices down," Severus said. 

"The Dark Lord is not here at the moment," Narcissa said, her eyes not leaving her husband. 

"The Dark Lord does not require physical presence to hear and see," Severus replied, his voice low and deep. 

Narcissa gave her husband a dirty look before walking away from him. Lucius didn't follow, instead he remained standing, eyes lingering on Nova, then on Severus.

"And what on earth were you two doing in there?" Lucius gestured towards Severus's honorary bedroom. 

"Oh, you know." Nova smirked. "Making ravenous love to each other, of course." 

"Please." Severus rolled his eyes at Nova. "Why don't you go make yourself useful and do something?" 

"But then who would fulfill the exciting responsibility of annoying you, Severus?" Nova asked. 

"You are both insufferable, if that helps." Lucius walked away, heading after Narcissa.

"I think he's starting to warm up to me," she said, looking at the spot where Lucius disappeared.