Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(87) The Snapes

"Now... let's see how our 'friendly' comrades deal with my return," she said playfully, breaking the emotional intensity with a touch of humor. 

Severus gently took Sophie's hand in his once more, offering her a reassuring squeeze as they continued their approach toward the foreboding manor. The sight of the grand estate sent shivers down her spine, and her heart pounded with trepidation. While she was eager to see the reactions of the death eaters she had known for years, her excitement was overshadowed by the grim realization that death could lurk around any corner, just as it had claimed poor Charity Burbage.

As they drew closer, the moment's weight bore down on Sophie, and her steps became hesitant. Her hand slipped from Severus' grip, and she felt a sudden wave of uncertainty wash over her. The surreal dream she had been living in for so long was now shattered, and the reality of the dangerous situation she was in dawned upon her. The manor loomed before her, an imposing fortress of darkness, and she couldn't help but wonder if it would be her last sight.

Severus sensed her apprehension and took a moment to steady himself before offering her words of comfort. His eyes closed briefly as he took a deep breath, gathering the strength to reassure her. He placed both hands on her shoulders, their warmth seeping into her skin like a protective shield. His voice was firm, yet filled with the tenderness she had come to know so well.

"There is no need to worry as long as you do as you always do: improvise. You've survived this long doing so, and look..." he said, his hands gesturing towards her with a soft affection, "You are still full of youth and determination. I have seen that spark that ignites in you when it needs to."

Sophie smiled, her eyes still closed, as she felt the warmth of his words wash over her. She patted his hands reassuringly, silently thanking him for his unwavering support. Though she stepped forward without him, she knew that his presence had been the anchor that had kept her afloat during her long journey.

The manor doors glided open, and a familiar scent filled their senses. To Severus, it was the familiar aroma of an old book, a scent he had grown accustomed to. But to Sophie, it was the nostalgic fragrance of the Hogwarts library, which had always brought her comfort and solace.

As they stepped inside, their eyes turned left, and there they saw Wormtail, anxiously lurking outside the meeting area, eavesdropping through a slightly ajar door. His eyes widened in disbelief and awe as he recognized Sophie.

"I-It's you! How are you alive?" Wormtail stammered, his voice tinged with shock and fear as if he had just witnessed Nearly Headless Nick's beheading.

The doors swung open behind Wormtail, and there stood Voldemort, a sinister smile playing on his lips, surrounded by a table full of death eaters. The room was shrouded in an oppressive darkness, and the air seemed to crackle with malevolence. Sophie's heart raced as she felt the weight of all those eyes on her, the gaze of the most feared wizard in the wizarding world piercing into her soul.

"How indeed... I shouldn't complain since we have yet another accomplice," Voldemort said, his voice carrying an icy edge. "It seems as though this repatriate has come crawling back when summoned. Whether a loyal follower or a... petrified witch, she has still come." The Dark Lord emphasized the word "petrification," a cruel reminder of the past she had tried so hard to bury.

Determined to show no fear, Sophie clenched her fists behind her back and walked into the room before Severus did, taking her place at Voldemort's right side, near the head of the table. The atmosphere was tense, each death eater's face a tableau of bewilderment and curiosity.

"As some of you may know," Sophie began, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart. She rolled up her sleeves, exposing the scars on her arms, a testament to her resilience. She stepped closer to the Dark Lord, closer than any follower dared to, a move calculated to demonstrate her confidence. "My name is Sophie Snape. I supposedly disappeared around 15 years ago, but here I am now... ready for more action," she declared, even though she knew the real reason she was there.