Lights Will Guide You Home (And I Promise I Will Burn For You)

Chapter 16

Snape frowned as he quickly sent off a Patronus to Albus, telling him he would be out of the castle for the rest of the day, before he quickly headed to the Entrance Hall and outside, passed the gates so that he could disapparate.

Normally, leaving the castle abruptly would indicate he had been called to a Death Eater meeting, so Dumbledore was used to the call from his Defense professor.

However, this particular afternoon, he was heading off to meet Narcissa. She had sent him a rather panicked letter a few days earlier, and this was the first chance he had had to get away.

He quietly entered his home on Spinner's End, and waited only a few minutes for a quiet knock to sound. Opening the door showed his guest.

Narcissa Malfoy entered the house meekly; it was a far cry from the dignified Lady that Snape was used to, and he felt things had only gotten worse for the woman since the first time she had shown up at his house the previous summer with her sister. He had spent some time talking with her over the year, and felt like she would hear him out on an offer of safety. She really didn't seem too keen on Voldemort's grand plan any more.

Snape led her to the sitting room and gestured for her to take a seat, deciding to forgo the offer of a beverage, since she really looked like she just wanted to get this whole thing over with.

"What was it you wanted to speak with me about, Narcissa?" he asked courteously, his voice even.

Narcissa took a deep breath and looked at her... what was he? They weren't really friends, she had to admit. She respected him, and he was allied with those her husband had laid down his allegiance to, but they weren't friends. "You have told me that I can trust you, Severus. I find that hard to believe, as we were both in Slytherin. Cunning and resourceful. Why should I believe that you would not sell me out if it is advantageous of you to do so?"

Snape had to hold in a chuckle. He was used to Narcissa deferring to her husband, but that didn't mean she was dimwitted.

He nodded slowly, and spoke when he knew she would not catch the amusement in his voice. "I have no wish to rat you out to anyone, Narcissa. Perhaps it would be better if you were to tell me what thoughts you have that may seem treasonous."

Narcissa glared, but couldn't help the answer from coming. Severus was good at saying everything and nothing, but after meeting with him in private several times over the last few months, she believed she could tell him her feelings and he wouldn't rat her out, even if he didn't agree. He had gone out of his way to assure her that he was there for her. He had even suggested the possibility of seeking safety in her maiden House! As if Sirius would ever allow that. Though she couldn't deny the twinge of sadness at the thought that returning to the Black family was impossible.

"Draco has taken the mark. Willingly."

Snape grit his teeth and nodded. He wasn't all that surprised.

Narcissa sighed. "I want what is best for my son. But I am not altogether certain the Dark Lord is it."

Snape pursed his lips. He was close. Narcissa was almost there. The question was how much he could reveal. Narcissa was a trained Occlumens, so she would be able to keep his secrets, but the nature of spy work was delicate. The more people who knew, the greater the danger.

"I have mentioned it before, but you should speak with Black."

Narcissa snorted. "Sirius would not accept me back into his family," she replied derisively. Her cousin had denounced anything dark the moment he had run away from the family at sixteen.

Snape raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't be so sure."

Narcisa stared. "What do you know?" she asked suspiciously.