Being Minnie's Daughter

Chapter 73

Severus' POV

"Severus," a low voice hisses. I turn and look at the end of the table at the Dark Lord as Nagini slithers down the table towards me.

"Yes, my Lord?"

"What new information do you have for us regarding the Dumbledore girl?"

I pause for a moment, remembering that conversation I had a few days ago.

"What do you mean you have no new information?" I sneer down at Pettigrew. "You are fully initiated," I reach down and rip up his left sleeve to reveal the mark. "The Dark Lord has understood that you are not as able to leave the castle as the rest of us since you are a Gryffindor. But don't think exception that means he favors you."

He whimpers and looks down at the ground.

"Give us more information about the Dumbledore girl in twenty-four hours or else. You don't want people to get hurt, now do you?"

"There is no new information my lord," I say quietly. "Pettigrew protests he has not heard any information on her home whereabouts or any future vacation plans."

The Dark Lord tilts his head, "Is that so Rosier?"

Evans Rosier looks up and nods. "Yes, my lord. Exactly one day after Severus confronted him, I did as well and received the same response."

The Dark Lord narrows his eyes and taps his fingers slowly. "Something must be done to show him he is not safe."

"He has a girlfriend, my lord." Crabbe speaks up.

The Dark Lord shakes his head, "We will not be able to reach her while she is at Hogwarts."

I pause as I realize the underlying message. He will kill her once she's home.

The Dark Lord stands up and paces, "We cannot go against the Potters. They have too much ancient magic surrounding their estate and are too protected at the Ministry."

"The Blacks are allies of ours as well."

"Severus," he snaps back at me. "You were friends with that Evans girl. What can we do there?"

I pause for a moment and think. Peter and Lily are not that close. It would not directly hurt Peter but it may send a message across. I take a deep breath then think again. No, Lily's family cannot be hurt, them killed will cause her hatred towards me forever. Unless...

"Perfect," The Dark Lord speaks still staring me down. "Her sister."

He flicks his wrist. "Meeting adjourned. Leave."

We all stand up to go. This meeting was shorter than usual, maybe I will have time to finish that es-

"Severus." My head snaps back to the Dark Lord. "Come here."

I lift my chin and stride across the floor to where he sits in his chair.

"Sit."

I sit down slowly and look at him.

"I have seen this Evans girl," the Dark Lord begins. "And while I disapprove of her being a mudblood, she is quite exceptional. She would soar among our ranks and be a perfect fit for you, Half Blood Prince."

I nod, still unsure where this is going.

"Keep an eye on this girl and when the time is right, tell her I would like to recruit her into our ranks. Tell them all, I would like them to join my ranks."
The Dark Lord smiles, folding his fingers. "Once Potter joins our ranks it will be much easier to have him 'disposed of'." He turns his sharp gaze down onto me. "Then she will be all yours."

I nod, "Yes my Lord."

He flicks his wrist again, signaling now I may leave. I rise out of my chair and walk towards the heavy doors leading out of the room.

"Severus," he says again as my hand touches the door. "Not until the time is right."

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A week passes before I finally gain enough courage to seek out advice. After dinner I approach his door and knock firmly.

"Severus," he says cheerfully as he opens the door to his rooms. "How can I help you?"
"Professor Slughorn," I say firmly, "I am in need of some help. I am curious about some advanced magic mentioned in Charms and I was wondering if you would privately tutor me in these subjects."

He looks at me curiously. "Shouldn't you be asking Professor Flitwick for private tutoring then?"

I pause and take a deep breath, "As my Head of House, you must know of the stereotype against Slytherins. I am afraid Professor Flitwick would not understand my curiosity and immediately refuse to give me lessons."

Slughorn sighs, "Yes these are dark times indeed, people are not as trusting as they used to be." He pauses. "I will give you lessons my boy, but first tell me, what advanced magic is this?"

"Legilimency and Occlumency."