Senses

Chapter 8

Severus looked out through the holes in his mask. All marked death eaters stood around the firelight to bear witness to Voldemort's words of impending victory. His ears had long since turned out to the gaslighting that had felled so many weak minds. Instead, his eyes sought another, looking out through the crowd knowing just how to identify the man.

A small gleam of silver caught the corner of his eye and his head turned just enough to catch the beady eyes through the mask that could not shield him from Severus. He pierced his mind quickly but softly, skimming the top of the disgusting man's thoughts.

His stomach churned when he easily picked apart the man's plan to take her from his care. Though curiously it seemed that he did not plan to take the girl to Voldemort but to another. Unfortunately, before he could dig deeper the crowd shifted and his attention snapped elsewhere.

Severus let out a slow breath as the speech had seemingly come to an end. He was just about to make himself scarce when he felt a small hand take his elbow.

"Severus, a word?" Narcissa had already banished away her mask. Her normally cold and unreadable face lined with worry.

"Of course." Severus would have taken any excuse to leave the event that was about to take place. He just hoped their conversation was quick.

oOOo

Hermione sighed softly in her sleep, another round of potions having sent her into the dark abyss. Her stomach was full and warm only ensuring that the potion would keep her out. It wasn't the natural rest she needed but was desperately required.

The man had left the window at her side partially open, the gentle late summer breeze her lullaby. She hadn't a care in the world. She was gone. Somewhere far away and without pain.

Two eyes peered up from across the street, narrowed and dirty from nights spent in the forest. They watched the house closely, but could not see through the dark dingy windows on the bottom floor. No, they were waiting for another to join them. To fulfill a promise. A soft pop to their right ticked their ear but the large man never spoke, merely jerked his head towards the house. His sneer the only warning.

Wormtail simpered softly but did not hesitate in lowering himself down. He'd barely made it out without being seen. Snape had been watching him closely, it had only been luck that Narcissa had pulled him away after they'd stood and spoken quietly for too long. He knew something was afoot but he couldn't spare the mind to think about it now.

He took the same winding path he'd taken before, the weight of the head snatchers gaze upon his dirty hide. He knew what awaited his failure. He could not allow his lust to cloud his mind again.

oOo

Severus pulled his hand back watching the soft silver light of his promise fade away. Another deed to ensure that his grave would be filled by wars end. His eyes turned towards Narcissa's own before glancing at Bellatrix.

"It is done."

"Excellent isn't it Sissy?" The deranged woman smiled softly coming behind the blonde woman's back to stare into Snape's impassive face, "Now all we have to do is enjoy ourselves."

Severus pursed his lips before watching the helpless mother be guided out of the small parlor they had taken their discussion to. His life just becoming infinitely more complicated.