Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(33) Wavering About Wiltshire

Together, they apparated for the first time, bound for the Malfoy residence, where their destinies awaited them—Lucius, a few Death Eaters, and the Dark Lord himself. But regardless of what the future held, they were united, facing the world together with newfound love and devotion.

As Sophie and Severus were wrenched from the spot before the Shrieking Shack and transported to the grand manor, the sensation of Apparition left a bitter aftertaste, like an unsettling dream that lingered upon awakening. The sudden shift from the haunting, decrepit shack to the magnificent, vibrantly adorned mansion was disorienting, and Sophie fought hard to suppress the nauseating feeling that threatened to overwhelm her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she forced herself to maintain composure, well aware that any sign of weakness could jeopardize their dangerous mission.

The sprawling manor stood before them, a masterpiece of dark elegance and ominous grandeur. Despite its opulent appearance, the house bore the ominous reputation of being the dwelling place of the darkest wizard of their time and the future. Sophie couldn't help but feel an eerie sense of foreboding as she stepped forward to lead the way. She had been here before, in a time much later than this, but the memories of that visit only added to the weight of the present.

Passing through the row of towering hedges that surrounded the estate, Sophie navigated with an uncanny familiarity. The mansion's layout seemed etched into her mind, the sinister corridors and chambers almost inviting in their malevolence. Each step she took resonated with echoes of past and future encounters, heightening the gravity of the situation.

Severus, too, seemed to be grappling with his emotions. As they reached the imposing stone entrance, he halted abruptly, taking a moment to gather himself. With an air of determination, he rolled up his sleeves one by one, revealing the dreaded Dark Mark that marred his pale skin. The sight sent shivers down Sophie's spine, a stark reminder of the danger they were willingly walking into.

Sophie's attention was diverted as two masked figures materialized out of a swirling cloud of black smoke, descending upon them with an ominous aura. The masked intruders wasted no time, seizing Sophie and Severus in a swift, calculated move, forcing them to close their eyes tightly as they were forcibly separated. The experience was jarring, akin to being caught in the eye of a malevolent storm.

When Severus finally opened his eyes, he found himself face-to-face with Bellatrix Lestrange, a woman whose mere presence sent chills down the spine of even the bravest witches and wizards. Her face bore a wicked grin, stretching far too wide across her features like a predator sizing up its prey.

"I was wonderin' when you'd make a comeback, love," Bellatrix chimed with a hint of delight, twirling around in a macabre display of excitement before finally taking a seat opposite Severus.

"Pleasure, as always, Miss Black," Severus replied with a hint of sarcasm, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. "Where has Sophie been taken?" he inquired, his voice a blend of curiosity and concern, as he reached for a water pitcher within his reach.

Bellatrix's grin widened further if that were even possible. The eerie glow of the room seemed to intensify around her as she leaned back in her chair. "She's with Luci Lucius in the grand meetin' room upstairs," she answered with a wicked chuckle, her voice dripping with dark amusement. Severus let out a sigh, hoping that Sophie's plan was unfolding as they had envisioned, even amidst the dangers that lurked all around them.

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As Sophie regained her vision, the oppressive atmosphere of the room enveloped her. The grand meeting room, bathed in dim candlelight, stretched before her, its vastness emphasizing the gravity of the place. The expansive table at the center, polished to a gleaming shine, had been the gathering place for Death Eater meetings in the future. However, unlike its future incarnation, the room was meticulously clean, devoid of any dust or bloodstains. Yet, the lingering scent of death hung heavily in the air, a constant reminder of the malevolence that permeated the space. Sophie fought the urge to gag, acclimating herself to the overwhelming stench, an unsettling blend of decay and malevolence that seemed to seep into her very bones.