A Change of Heart

Chapter Twenty Three

Tom paced the room, aware of the gazes of his death-eaters on him. He was worried. Harry cared very deeply for Black. But the mutt was oblivious to danger. He'd need to find a way to keep Black safe and out of prison. But right now, he had other concerns.

"Lucius!" He snarled.

"My Lord?" Malfoy bowed.

"How are our plans for breaking the Lestranges and others out of Azkaban going?"

"Everything is in place, my Lord. We're only waiting for the final go ahead from the Dementors."

"They will join us?"

"They are honoured to do so. The Ministry had not -ah- allowed them much scope for indulging themselves."

"Good. And how about our plans for overthrowing the ministry?"

"A forcible takeover might not be possible at the moment," said Lucius apologetically. "In spite of how much the ministry has discredited him, Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix still grows stronger, if our friend, Snape is to be believed."

"Severus?"

"The old fool has a dedicated- ah- fan base," replied Snape. "Most of them consider every word spoken by him as gospel. And yes, their numbers are growing."

"We cannot move openly against the ministry or Dumbledore as things stand at present then," murmured Tom. "We need to strengthen our position. And we need to weaken our enemy."

He looked at Malfoy. "Contact the Dementors. Offer them a whole town of Muggles, if necessary, but our people must be freed before long."

The death eaters bowed and started leaving. Tom sat down on his chair, "Stay, Severus."

Snape stayed behind as the rest of the death eaters filed out, the last one closing the door behind him.

"Ensure we are not overheard."

Snape complied and bowed again once the necessary charms have been cast. Tom watched Snape's still form, his face impassive.

"How much do you hate Sirius Black?" He asked now.

Snape's impassive mask cracked as a look of loathing appeared on his face.

"Black tried to kill me," he said, bringing himself back under control. "And I would dearly love to return the favour."

"And if I ask that you see to it that Black stays safe?"

Snape stilled. Then he said, "I live to serve, though I might ask why I am charged with this mission."

"Who else, Severus? Dumbledore trusts you. And you have access to Black. He's forced to stay cooped up in his parents' house, a house he hates. It's a situation that could get him into trouble, unless someone were to keep an eye on him."

"I have to be in Hogwarts, my Lord." Snape reminded him. "It won't be possible for me to keep an eye on Black."

"Make it possible Severus. This takes priority."

Snape bowed. "It is not my place to question, but why the sudden interest to keep Black safe, my Lord?"

Tom shrugged. "His brother was a loyal follower, one whom I failed to reward adequately. I'll keep Black safe."

Snape was silent for a moment, and then he bowed. "I'll keep an eye on Black."

Tom watched Snape leave. He sighed. He did have misgivings, but his options were severely limited. He scratched his chin. He did not think Snape had accepted the reason he gave. At worst, Snape would believe Black had come over to the dark side and is now a spy.

Tom shrugged. There were worse things to believe.