The Servant

The shadowy figure paced the room. His research through the many dusty tomes of forgotten Dark Arts had been fruitful. Spells had been crafted and potions tested and presented to his master. Plans had been carefully laid, every minute detail scrutinized. There was no room for error. There would be no errors, Severus told himself.

His orders had been simple enough. Corner the brat at the Dumbledore house and offer him a deal: Severus' life in return for Severus' assistance. There were powerful enchantments surrounding the house, allowing but a few into it. Fortunately he had still numbered among the trusted when those enchantments had been cast.

His head bowed in defeat. His master was insane. Potter couldn't be that foolish, no matter how idiotic he was in class. He would never dream of considering it. Surely Potter would not hesitate two seconds before bathing him in green light, the way he himself had done to Dumbledore. Disobedience, however, was not an option his master offered.

'Lead the boy to the Slytherin locket,' his master had said. 'Help him cross the many obstacles that block the path, save the last one. Do not let him cross the final barrier, or your life as well as his will be forfeit. Deep magic will take place that night at the site of the real Horcrux.'

His master's final words to him were, 'Lie low, as you have been told, lest any harm befall you.'

Severus glanced up at the mirror. His master had ordered him to rest and to build his strength, pointing out that Severus would need it to duel the boy. But he wondered why he should bother.

He roused out of his misery long enough to check on the forlorn boy on the sofa. At least he was safe now.

The Dark Lord, pleased with Severus' actions, had rewarded him. Severus had asked for the boy as his reward, and the Dark Lord had granted his request with twisted amusement.

At least Draco will suffer no further torment, Severus chided himself, as he contemplated the pale face of his charge. He had always taken his duties as the Head of Slytherin house very seriously, and the Unbreakable Vow he had made had only strengthened his resolve to protect his former pupil. He woke the boy gently, and began to explain.

The fair head drooped and the boy's lips quivered as he realised that his protector was leaving to seek Harry Potter. The person who thirsted most for his blood. Severus told Draco that he had made arrangements for him. As his former teacher incanted the final words of the concealing charms, a tear ran down the boy's cheek. Severus barely managed to retain the blank mask on his face as he held his godson tightly.

At last, he broke away. 'It is time,' he said, raising the pointed chin with one hand. 'Stay well and carry out my bidding.' Draco choked, but nodded.

Severus Disapparated with a heavy heart.