Entitled

Chapter 32*

Returning Home

When you returned to Spinner's End, Severus was waiting for you, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. You sat down beside him and began recounting the conversation with Lucius.

"Lucius offered to help me find a position in the Ministry after graduation. He said I proved myself more than an entitled spoiled little witch." You paused, taking a deep breath. "But he also knows about us, Severus. He said my secret is safe with him, but I don't trust him."

Severus's eyes darkened, a frown creasing his forehead. "He knows? How did he find out?"

"I think he was never truly convinced. He said everything he does is in service of my father. He knew I was staying here, and he was just ensuring my role. He knows I'm in love with you."

Severus sighed, rubbing his temples. "Lucius will never accept that you are just a student to me. He will always be suspicious, always look for a way to use this against us. It's leverage."

"I asked him if he believes the Dark Lord is really going to come back," you continued. "He said he isn't sure anymore, but if he does, everyone's loyalty will be tested, especially mine."

Severus's concern deepened. "What else?"

"I told him I was my father's daughter and that obedience doesn't come naturally to me. I'm a leader, not a follower. He said the Dark Lord would bend me to his will, blood or not, without a second thought. He said my rebellious nature wouldn't be appreciated."

Severus's grip tightened on your hand. "He's right about that. The Dark Lord will not tolerate defiance. Everything he said is the truth, unfortunately."

"I know. Lucius gave me a sack of galleons as a bonus for putting up with him all summer. I didn't want to take it, but he insisted. He said its for my school books and such."

Severus's expression softened slightly, though he still looked troubled. "You deserve it for putting up with him. But be cautious with anything Lucius gives you. His generosity always comes with strings attached."

You nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I understand. I just wanted you to know everything."

Severus pulled you into a comforting embrace. "Just remember to be careful and trust no one but yourself... and me, of course."

You nodded, feeling the warmth of his arms around you. "I asked Lucius what the Dark Lord will do about our relationship. He said it could be seen as a strength or a weakness, and that we must play our cards right."

Severus's expression grew even more serious. "That sounds like Lucius. Always looking for angles, for ways to manipulate the situation to his advantage. He's right, though. We need to be strategic."

"I also asked him if it would be tolerated if I vowed loyalty to the Dark Lord," you continued.

Severus's eyes darkened, and he pulled back slightly to look at you. "And what did he say?"

"He said perhaps. He made it clear that the Dark Lord demands absolute obedience."

Severus nodded slowly. "That is true. The Dark Lord will expect unwavering loyalty. Any sign of defiance could be disastrous for both of us. We must tread carefully."

You sighed, leaning your head against his chest. "I don't want to be a pawn in his games, Severus. I want us to have a future, free from his influence."

Severus took a deep breath, as if preparing himself to reveal a heavy truth. "There is something you need to know, Y/N. Something that could change everything." He paused, his eyes locking onto yours with a serious intensity.