The Serpent

TWO

I heard a knock at the front door.
Dad opened it, but I couldn't hear who it was. They came into the living room, which had an open pass to the kitchen, where I was making dinner. Actually, it was a very cold rainy evening that made it easy for me to not be sad about leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow. I studied a lot the last few weeks and wouldn't do anything different for the next year in school. There was nothing better than reading a book while laying in Draco's arms.

"So, what do you two need from me this late evening?", dad asked the guests.
"The Dark Lord didn't allow to speak of it, but...", I heard a female voice say.
"Then you shouldn't speak of it.", dad interrupted strictly. He could change his character so well. Sometimes even I got surprised by that.
"Bellatrix, we mustn't touch what doesn't belong to us.", he said harshly. My aunt was here? Why?
"It's such a cute picture of her. You should really make Anaïs cut her hair short again!", she said.
"This is not the right place and neither the right time to discuss that. However, He has told me of it, Narcissa.", dad explained.
Why was Narcissa here? It was too late. Draco already received the task. He was proud enough to tell me.
I stopped chopping the potatoes to not miss any word and walked over to the livingroom.
"You? He trusts you?!", Bellatrix asked in shock.
I used that small break in the conversation to enter the room. Dad noticed and looked at me without any expression.
"I want to do it instead!", I said and leaned against the wall as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
"Anaïs! I didn't know you were listening. Didn't your father-", Bellatrix startled up at my sight.
"Anaïs have you been eavesdropping?", dad asked me.
"I was in the kitchen making dinner. I can't help if you are talking about something that important right next to me. You didn't even tell me we were having guests.", I explained smiling.
"I didn't know either.", dad answered and looked at the guests.
"So, Severus can you help me protect my son?", Narcissa asked in a hopeless state.
"I want to do it instead.", I repeated.
"You?", all of them asked in surprise.
"I deserve it. I know how it works, I've been a deatheater for long enough. Draco has no idea what awaits him. Besides the fact that I am in love with him and would do anything to save him. I don't think that he is able to. He can't kill somebody."
Bellatrix laughed in excitement.
"I agree, he is very ambitious and proud about his task, but he has no idea how hard it will be.", Narcissa agreed.
"I don't allow it.", dad said and looked at me in anger.
"Dad!", I protested.
"You arent capable either. Do you know what it means?", he said and pierced my eyes seriously.
"I know exactly what it means! I am smart, I can find a way.", I replied convinced.
"You definitely inherited the cleverness and determination of your dear mother. But, this task isn't meant for you. There are much bigger plans that will exquisitly meet your talent. Such as breaking into Mr. Olivander's shop. Didn't The Lord compliment how well you solved the task and came back with a lot of wands as well as the kidnapped Mr. Olivander.", Bellatrix interfered.
"I wasn't alone. I want to have a task just for my own. Why does he trust Draco and not me?", I played along. Of course, I didn't mean to kill somebody. I just wanted to help Draco. I couldn't read the expression my father was wearing on his face, but he understood what I was doing.
"Do not question the Dark Lord's decisions!", Bella exhorted me harshly.
Silence filled the room.
"Probably that's why.", I mumbled in surrender.
"But, if you are so happy to help Him why don't you help Draco fulfill his task then?", dad asked.
"Of course I will. I would do anything.", I agreed relieved.
Dad started thinking about it.
After some seconds he effused: "I can't change The Dark Lords mind, but I can try to help the boy. We can try to help him."
Narcissa smiled at us. However, Bella wasn't satisfied.
"You will try? Trying doesn't help. Will you swear?", she asked challenging.
She looked my father deep into the eyes. He was thinking again while staring back at her.
"Take out your wand!", he finally decided. How could he? What if we can't help it? If Draco fails and dies, my dad will die too. It was making everything worse.
"Will you help Narcissa Malfoy's son to fulfill his task given by The Dark Lord? Will you support him in any case?", Bellatrix asked and faithfully dad replied with: "I swear!"

"What did you do? You know you can't kill Dumbledore for him! He is your friend!", I confronted dad as soon as the door was closed behind them.
Dad turned around and rested his back at the front door. He didn't look very well.
"Yes he is, but we have no choice. And rather would I do it than watch you killing him.", he explained downfallen.
Suddenly, he looked at me. His dark brown eyes pierced mine. "Anaïs...", he began, but didn't continue. With a few steps he had reached me and pulled me into a long hug.
"Don't ever fool me like that again! You can't throw away your life that easily! No matter who you are trying to save.", he whispered in my ear.
"But, that's all I am trying to do while being with these crazy people.", I admitted.
He sighed and pulled me closer.
"I know. You don't deserve this. I wish your mother didn't make that promise back then. I really would do anything to save you from these bad people.", he whispered ruefully.
"It's not your fault, dad.", I clarified.
"Maybe if I realised it sooner, you wouldn't need to hurt for your mother. I know that you are brave, but I don't want you to cross the line. She crossed the line and I didn't notice. It made her a different person. Anaïs, the dark magic changes people. It changes us the more we use it. Be careful, please!", he explained. "I promise!", I whispered back as we loosened the hug.