Destiny

Chapter 49: The Half-Blood Prince

Lindsay's Perspective:

I was supposed to be mother's accountability. If she did anything out of line, I had to alert the Dark Lord. But I was a good liar. And an educated Occlumens. It was easy to bend the truth. Breathe, close off mind, lie, repeat. I had a system.

We were on our way to Snape's house. Draco had been given an unforgivable task by Voldemort. One he had to carry out in a year's time. Father had been captured and sent to Azkaban, which I was slightly okay with, and I was now wanted by the Ministry along with the rest of the Death Eaters. Mother was just mother. She didn't fit in anywhere as the whole of the Malfoys were disgraced when Father was captured, but I was really in Voldemort's inner circle. He seemed to trust me, though I suspected it was a show. He too would soon give me an unforgivable task. I could sense it.

Mother wanted Snape to make a vow that would protect Draco. The Unbreakable Vow, to be precise. And I would have to be the one to create it.

We aparated a few streets away, and carefully walked to his house. There was always the chance that we were being followed.

Mother knocked on the door and put her hood back.

"Narcissa," Snape said as he opened the door. "And Lindsay. What a pleasant surprise!"

I was shocked. Snape speaking with excitement. Wow.

"Severus," Mother said in a strained whisper. "May I speak to you? It's urgent."

"Of course."

We passed him to enter the house, and once he closed the door we followed him into the sitting room. Snape gestured to the sofa, and Mother threw off her cloak and sat down.

"What can I do for you?" Snape asked, sitting in an arm chair of his own. I stood behind Mother.

"We...we are alone, aren't we?" Mother asked nervously.

"Yes, of course. Well, Wormtail's here, but we're not counting vermin, are we?"

I grinned.

"Severus, I know I shouldn't be here, I have been told to say nothing to anyone, but—"

"If he has forbidden it, you ought not to speak," Snape said at once. "The Dark Lord's word is law."

Mother gasped. And I did too.

Snape strode to a small window. "It just so happens that I know of this particular plan. I am one of the few the Dark Lord has told. However, if I had not known, you would have been guilty of treachery to the Dark Lord, Narcissa."

"Severus," Mother said quietly, almost in tears. "My son... my only son..."

"If Draco succeeds, he will be honoured above everyone else," Snape said.

"But he won't succeed! How can he, when the Dark Lord himself—? I only meant...that nobody has yet succeeded...Severus...please. You have always been Draco's favourite teacher. Will you speak to the Dark Lord, persuade him—?"

"The Dark Lord cannot be persuaded. But I can try to help Draco."

"You would help him?" Mother asked quickly. "If you are there to protect him, will you swear it? Will you make the Unbreakable Vow?"

Snape paused for a moment.

"Certainly, Narcissa, I shall make the Unbreakable Vow. Lindsay must consent to be our Bonder."

"You have my consent," I said. I pulled out my wand.

Mother stood and stepped toward Severus and clasped his hand. I put the tip of my wand on their linked hands.