Red

Red Part 2

"I shouldn't be as sad as I am, they were sympathizers..."

"They also protected you after your release, I couldn't even do that."

"I didn't need protection."

You didn't. As much as Severus wanted to protect you, that wasn't something he could do. You understood that. His outstretched hand was his only response. You took it. Allowing yourself to be enveloped in a hug. It was good to be back.

The role you played for the Order this time around was not much different than the one you played last time around. Except this time, you were a convicted death eater so your credibility with death eaters was more or less solidified. Your reputation with them being upheld by the nature of your release. Dumbledore was planning on taking full advantage of this, especially now that you were able to be more public about the matter.

The first action was to have a public meeting with Lucius who was the safest death eater to be seen in public with. Lucius would meet with you under most circumstances, nothing unusual. Both of you had enough money to get out of most situations, so trouble was not a worry. So on a very busy Saturday afternoon you made your way to the front of Gringotts.

You heard his stupid walking stick before you heard his voice.

"Miss Viridian, what a pleasure to see you."

"Of course Lucius, I thought now would be the best time to step back into the public view."

Lucius nodded once. This was not the Lucius you were used to but the one you had to expect in public. He looked so much older. You did too but at least you weren't an asshole.

"Is your brother well, I did hear about your parents."

Then the first passer byers recognized you. Eyes wide with a harsher grip on their children. Their children were confused as to why their parents had become so suddenly concerned. You had made no effort to cover your Azkaban tattoo. It was a power move that started the whispers.

"My brother is well. I am here on his behalf for business."

"Finally something more fitting for your status."

You wondered if Lucius knew if you were alive this entire time. The false news Dumbledore had spread had made its way into the papers once Rita Skeeter caught wind. You had laughed at her article with Severus. Yet you weren't sure if Severus had told Lucius.

"Much like you to talk about our youthful decisions. I would much prefer to talk about the terms my brother requested I bring you."

"Of course Miss Viridian." Lucius motioned to the front door of Gringotts and you obliged the silent question.

It was not a surprise that Severus was not keen on the idea of you spying again. Less about your safety with death eaters and more about being accused by the Ministry again.

Sitting at the table in Grimmauld place was Moody, Arthur, Remus, Sirius, Severus, and yourself. McGonagall stood towards the end of the table.

"No." Severus spoke bluntly. Moody had just explained the next thing Dumbledore wanted you to do. Your head was the first to turn to Severus but wasn't the only one.

"Excuse me?"

"Unless you have a death wish." There was a heavy pause which almost made you roll your eyes. "They will catch on, they are stupid but not blind."