NO MORE A PRETENDER~ {The Lestrange Daughter #3}

𝟏𝟗. Child

Snape's P.O.V-

Although the Dark Lord's reborn appearance seems to be that of a monster, it would be incorrect to say that he was not one from the start. Even when he was younger, when he would smile and charm his way into others good graces to use them for his own purposes, I never saw him as any different. And after all these years, knowing his monstrosity and the things he was willing to do, I never quite got used to it. Nor did I ever fear him less. To let my guard could mean death. Though if he wanted to kill me, my guard wouldn't do much of anything. 

"I assure you that things are well handled at Hogwarts." I told him.

He, the Dark Lord, was standing facing away from me, looking out the library window of Malfoy Manor.

"And the students that attempted to steal the sword?" His words came out with a dry rasp.

"They have been punished soundly, My Lord. Since then they've shown no signs of further rebellion. I believe Alecto's and Amycus's policies have quelled the mass majority into silence. And any student bold enough to break the rules will not do so again...not that there is much any of them can do under the circumstances."

"Good, good." He nodded lightly. "And what of young Valentine? I can't imagine she's enjoying her return to mundane class life after her summer experiences."

A lump rose in my throat and I quickly swallowed it. My visits were not more than once a fortnight unless summoned and each time he asked after her. Every time he spoke her name it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.  

"Although she is a devoted follower, Lestrange has always been a difficult student, My Lord. She's often disruptive and uncooperative...but I will say that things seem more suited to her this year. Under your rule that is."

"Hmm." The Dark Lord nodded again and he cast a glance at me over his shoulder, those ice-blue eyes sparkling with a sickening kind of interest. "Yes, I remember what you have said about her past behaviours. Valentine is quite like her mother in that regard. She was not meant for the world she grew up in, but she will thrive in the one I create."

"I have no doubt of it, My Lord." 

"Neither do I." He turned back to the window. "You may leave now, Severus. As Head Master, you must be busy."

"I shall, My Lord." I bowed my head even though he could not see it.

I headed straight for the door, shutting it quietly behind me. I marched to the end of the long hall before pausing and releasing a heavy sigh. My shoulders dropped what was easily two inches. I could rarely ever stop them from tensing in his presence. At this point, I don't believe he has ever seen me completely relaxed. It's an effect that he does tend to have on people. 

Every day I just wait for this to be over. For the boy to be found, for us to reach the conclusion of this nightmare. Should the prophecy be correct, the Dark Lord would be gone for good. I could resign from my position. Lestrange could live whatever life she pleases. And the boy...Harry...

I let my eyes close for a second, squeezing them tightly. Then I keep moving. I don't want to linger in this hallway let alone in this house. 

He's out there somewhere, doing who knows what, in who knows how much danger and once he's found he must die. It's horrid to think of but what's the alternative? A world under the Dark Lord's reign? He'd expect me to serve by his side until the day I died and the same of Lestrange. I know without a second thought that she wouldn't able to do it. Not for her entire life. But with everyone she cares for in the same boat, she'd be stuck between a rock in a hard place. If she's not insane yet, she could definitely get there.