Star Sisters

Chapter VII: Malfoy’s Plan

Snape watched the sun rise over the hills that surrounded the Black Lake. It was a peaceful sight, and he wondered why he did not watch it more often. It was not like he overslept. He was up every day at least one hour before sunrise. And still, he never watched it.

‘Tea, Severus?’

Snape nodded absentmindedly. Yes, tea would be nice. Herbal tea, to soothe his nerves. Preferably a concoction of balm leaves to counteract the headache that had started creeping through his skull some hours ago.

‘Dolores did not want any tea when she visited me shortly after midnight,’ the Headmaster began. ‘But she was very curious to know why both you and I had been in the hospital wing.’

Snape frowned. ‘What did you tell her?’

Dumbledore smiled. ‘I made her believe that Miss Belakane and Miss Byrne have fallen victim to a nasty Bat-Bogey Hex. I am afraid the poor woman was up all night, trying to figure out who cast it.’

Serves her right, Snape thought. Hopefully, that nosey hag had not been able to sleep all night.

He certainly hadn’t. After leaving Miss Belakane in Poppy’s care, he had returned to the dungeons and tried to figure out just how Lucius had managed to get access to the girl’s mind. But he had failed. Every time he had thought that he had found a solution, some little detail had rendered the theory useless.

But what disturbed him even more was the fact that the girl had seemed terrified of him. But why? How, by Merlin’s beard, could her feelings for him have shifted from a crush to fear in less than six hours? He had yelled at her after they had returned from Malfoy Manor, and had even made her Veritaserum. But for heaven’s sake, the girl was a Slytherin. Treatment like this should just have made her want to try even harder, not to give up and turn from him. Something didn’t add up.

‘Care to share the thoughts that have kept you out of bed all night, dear boy?’ Dumbledore asked as he put a cup of hot tea into the Potion master’s cold hands.

‘Lucius’ mind was not actively connected to Ms Belakane’s last night,’ Snape started, focusing on the problem with the name of Lucius Malfoy. He would deal with his own problem later, privately. ‘I saw his trace but not himself. It was as if he had planted his thoughts in her mind and then disappeared.’

‘The girl did say that there were strange thoughts in her head,’ Dumbledore mused. ‘This does not, however, explain her physical reaction. The headache, the dizziness. Is it possible that Malfoy has administered some sort of poison? A drug, perhaps? Something that would weaken the girl’s resistance and make it easier for him to access her mind?’

Snape shook his head. ‘I have thought about that as well, Headmaster. Miss Belakane was admirably careful at the Manor. She checked the food for drugs with magic, even drank pumpkin juice instead of wine. And after lunch ...’

He broke off. The Tiffin. Neither he nor the girl had checked the Tiffin. The elf had put a tray on the coffee table right in front of them, and no one but Ms Belakane had eaten from that tray. And what was even worse: he had been the one who had offered her the sweet.

He never explained his theory to Dumbledore. He did not even turn around when the Headmaster called for him to ask when he was going. He would explain later. Right now, he had to talk to Poppy.

The mediwitch, however, wasn’t too pleased when he stormed into the ward.

‘Severus, do you realise what time it is?’ she hissed, keeping her angry voice low so as not to wake up any of her patients.

‘It is seven twenty-five,’ he snapped and pointed towards the curtain behind which he knew that the girl was resting. ‘Did you check Miss Belakane for drugs?’

‘Drugs?’ Poppy looked flabbergasted. ‘Why would I ...?’

‘Check her now!’ Snape interrupted her.

‘Now? Severus, as you pointed out yourself, it is not even half past seven yet. The girl needs to rest.’

‘If you refuse to check the girl, I will.’

The threat was effective, and Poppy immediately bustled off towards Morgana’s bed. Snape could hear muffled voices, but he could not make out any words. Nor did he get to see the girl. Poppy had – quite appropriately – closed the curtain behind her.

Almost five minutes passed until the mediwitch returned. ‘There is still some alcohol in her system, which I most certainly classify as a drug,’ she began, eyes narrowed. ‘But I reckon that this is not what you were looking for.’

‘Are you sure that there is nothing else, Poppy?’ Snape pressed on.

To that question, Poppy drew herself up to her full height. ‘Are you questioning my competence, Severus Snape?’

Of course he wasn’t. He was, however, furious with himself. He was now certain that Malfoy had slipped the girl some kind of drug. And if he had realised that earlier, they would have been able to detect it as well. But he hadn’t been thinking straight, and now they had missed their chance. The drug had already been absorbed by the girl’s system and was therefore untraceable.

He rubbed his tired eyes and then turned to the mediwitch once more. ‘I will go and fetch a potion for Miss Belakane,’ he announced. ‘I know from personal experience how it feels to wake up after having had someone trampling around in your mind. She will need it.’

‘Do try to come in a little more quietly this time,’ Poppy chided him, a kind smile on her face. ‘This is, after all, a hospital, Severus. And the people here need their rest.’

He did indeed enter the ward quietly as he returned with a bottle of potion that was usually used to cure hangovers. He was sure that Poppy had a stock of it in her cupboard, but he had wanted to do something useful. He had failed to protect the girl at Malfoy Manor, and his idea to check her system for drugs had come far too late to be of any use. The least he could do was cure her sore head.

It was deadly quiet in the ward. Poppy had obviously left for breakfast in the Great Hall, and there wasn’t a single bed occupied. Except the two beds behind the curtains, of course, the beds where the two girls were sleeping.

As Snape approached the curtain, he heard a muffled sound. It sounded like a sigh, a moan even. And he felt panic rise in his chest. He ripped the curtain open, expecting to see Morgana struggle against her covers, trying to fight off her nightmares or – in the worst case – yet another invasion of her mind. But to his surprise, the girl lay curled up under her blanket, her red hair sprawled over her pillow and her eyes closed. She was sleeping peacefully.

He shifted his gaze to the next bed, and a smirk formed on his lips as he realised where the soft moans were coming from. The blonde Ravenclaw had kicked off her blanket and was now lying, half exposed, in her bed, wriggling and moaning in her sleep. Her cheeks were flushed, and there was a smile on her face that suggested that she was having a very, very pleasant dream.

Snape was just about to put the phial he was carrying on Morgana’s nightstand and leave when a sigh from Charis made him stop and cock an eyebrow in surprise.

‘Hm, yes, Severus,’ the girl mumbled in her sleep. ‘Right there. Hm, yes, Severus. Yes.’

Snape couldn’t help but snort. Having walked in on one of his students having an erotic dream was amusing enough. This student being Charis Byrne and her having an erotic dream about him was just priceless. And seeing that they were alone in the ward and that Ms Belakane was still fast asleep, he would just stay a little while longer and enjoy the show.

* * *
The Potions master’s long, slender fingers were gliding over her naked skin, their touch feather light, making her whole body tingle with pleasure. He knew exactly how to touch her, how to make her body sing.

She arched up against him, searching for his lips with hers. He tasted of chocolate, dark, rich chocolate with just a hint of chili. He tasted just as he looked: dark and hot. His tongue was massaging hers, and she couldn’t help but whimper into his mouth.

Her whimper turned into sensual moans as his hands cupped her breasts, and into ecstatic screams as he closed his lips around her sensitive nub and started to suckle.

‘Yes, Severus. Yes, just like that. Oh, yes.’

‘Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Byrne?’

Charis’ eyes snapped open, and for a moment she was afraid that her heart had stopped. But it started hammering frantically in her chest as she lifted her gaze. Snape was standing just about seven feet away from her, on the other side of Morgana’s bed, with his arms folded in front of his chest and a smug grin on his face.

‘You seem to have forgotten that you are in the Hospital Wing and not in the privacy of your dormitory, Miss Byrne,’ he started in a tone that made chills go down Charis’ spine. ‘Although, I doubt that sharing a room with three other girls allows much in the way of privacy. Have your roommates ever mentioned that you talk in your sleep?’

Now Charis’ heart did stop, even if just for two seconds. And at the same time, all the blood in her body seemed to go to her cheeks. Talk in her sleep? Did that mean that he had heard her ... that he knew what she had been dreaming about? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

She grabbed the blanket she had kicked off and pulled it all the way up to her nose. Maybe, if she didn’t move and keep her mouth shut, Snape would just leave? But of course, this was Severus Snape, and he never missed out on an opportunity to make a student uncomfortable.

‘Did you sleep well, Miss Byrne?’ he enquired. And Charis just nodded. She did not even try to utter a sound. She knew that there was no point.

‘So it appears,’ Snape went on, that horrible sneer still plastered on his face. ‘Tell me, Miss Byrne, have you ever heard of Sigmund Freud?’

Charis paled. She knew exactly what he meant by that.

‘Dreams are curious things,’ Snape continued as he made his way around the bed and opened the curtains sharply. ‘They can feel so real.’ He paused, his black eyes boring into the girl. ‘I hope, for your sake, they do not come true.’

And with that, Snape left the girl wide-eyed and snapped the curtain shut behind him .

* * *
Snape carefully closed the door of his quarters behind him, a smirk still lingering on his lips. A student having erotic dreams about him. How much better could it get? And the delicious sounds she had made ... it had almost been a shame to wake her. But then again, the look on her face when she had realised that he, the object of her desire, was standing mere feet away from her, had been priceless.

He brought a hand to his neck and rubbed his aching muscles. A hot, relaxing bath wouldn’t be a bad idea. A hot, relaxing bath and the memory of Charis rubbing her thighs together in her sleep, moaning and calling his name. Unfortunately, his first lesson for the day would start in forty-five minutes. There was no time for a bath. But a shower should do the trick as well.

He had already started to undo his robes when the sound of wings and an impatient hoot announced the arrival of an owl. He groaned inwardly. How did those bloody beasts find their way down into the dungeons? But then again, owls were nocturnal. They probably preferred the dim light of the dungeons to the sunlight.

When he recognised the seal on the back of the letter, he groaned in earnest. A letter from Lucius Malfoy was the last thing he needed. After contemplating the option of incinerating the letter and then claiming that he had never received it, he broke the seal and started reading.

Dear Severus,

As loath as I am to trouble you during school hours, I am writing because I am deeply concerned about Draco’s grades. By the looks of it, he will not have any grade above an A by Christmas. While I know that you, as his Head of House, provide nothing but the best guidance for Draco, his grades are, sadly, unacceptable.

Narcissa and I have discussed the possibility of getting extra tuition for the boy in order to help with his studies. An older student would be ideal. Naturally, the tutor should be someone from his own House, someone we can trust, and someone bright and academic.

Do you happen to know if Ms Belakane is available? If so, please do bring her to dinner tonight. It would be a pleasure to welcome her to my home again and to make her an offer regarding Draco's tutelage.

Your friend,

Lucius

Snape crumpled up the letter and threw it into the fire. Dinner at Malfoy Manor. What other joyous surprises would this day bring? Would the Dark Lord pop by later and suggest that he should be roasted on a spit?

Discuss Draco’s grades. Pha! Since when did Lucius care about Draco’s grades? It was not like the boy needed good grades to get a good job in a couple of years. Daddy’s wallet would surely take care of that. If the boy should ever have to work at all.

Snape sneered as he started to write a reply. He would not even dignify Lucius’ unsubtle attempt to get Miss Belakane to the Manor again with an answer.

Dear Lucius,

As you know, the OWL year is demanding on all pupils. As Draco is in my House, his grades are, of course, also an interest to me.

I shall Floo to Malfoy Manor this evening at six thirty to discuss the matter.

Regards,

Severus Snape

He sent off the owl and glanced towards the clock once more. Thirty minutes left to his lesson. The prospect of that hot, relaxing shower was getting bleaker by the second. And when there was a knock on the door, Snape knew that he would have to settle for a Cleansing Spell. Any other activity he had planned would have to wait until the evening.

‘Ah, Severus,’ the Headmaster said as Snape ripped open the door. ‘I was hoping to catch you before your next lesson. I am sorry to disturb you, but I am afraid this cannot wait.’

The old wizard held out a roll of parchment. ‘Malfoy has tried to contact Morgana,’ he explained. ‘Fortunately, I put a charm on the door to the Hospital wing last night to make sure the girl cannot be contacted by him in any way. Hence, his letter fell into my hands. As her Head of House, I found it prudent to let you read it first.’

Snape snatched the roll from the Headmaster’s hand. Yet another letter from Malfoy was not a reading he was looking forward to. And he had the ominous feeling that the contents of this letter would not be as easily dismissed as the contents of the first one. He was not mistaken.

Dearest Morgana,

I am concerned, beloved. The elf returned with nothing but a Thank You last night. Have I offended you in any way?

I beg you, my darling, do reply.

I am longing for you, my treasure. I am longing to be close to you, to touch you. And I am dreaming of the day when you will finally allow me to.

Yours, devotedly,

Lucius

Snape gave a disgusted huff and handed the letter over to Dumbledore. This was just appalling!

The Headmaster’s brow furrowed as he read through the letter. ‘Severus, did you know of their ... involvement?’

Snape sneered. Since yesterday afternoon, he most certainly knew. But he was not going to tell the Headmaster.

‘Lucius has been interested in Miss Belakane’s academic success ever since she came to Hogwarts,’ he started. ‘And as you know, Headmaster, he has been her patron since her parents disappeared. Just like you, I was under the impression that Lucius saw her as a potential bride for Draco or a potential Death Eater.’

He shook his head to get Lucius’ words out of his head. But the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. The girl did come from a very old pureblood family, after all.

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. ‘I am sure Mr Malfoy would be highly rewarded for luring a witch of Morgana’s standards into the ranks of the Death Eaters. However... ’ He paused and eyed the letter once more. ‘This letter suggests that he has something else in mind as well. Seduction ...’

‘Lucius is a well-known philanderer,’ Snape spat. ‘His extramarital interludes are well known. He only has to smile in order to make herds of witches lift up their skirts. He had chosen wisely when he took Narcissa Black to bear his child. But it looks like he has set his eyes yet more top-class breeding material this time.’

Dumbledore looked appalled. ‘Severus, are you suggesting that Malfoy intends to produce offspring with Miss Belakane?’

Snape flared his nostrils with disgust. ‘This is exactly what I am suggesting, Headmaster. The idea of uniting two of the oldest Wizarding families in the country can only spring from a power-hungry mind like the one of Lucius Malfoy. Especially now, as the Dark Lord is on the rise again.’

Dumbledore sank onto the nearest chair. ‘Thankfully, this letter suggests that they have not engaged in any physical activities yet. For goodness sake, Severus. She is just a child.’

‘She has yet to mature,’ Snape stated in a cold tone, ‘But Ms Belakane is definitely not a child.’

The memory of Morgana’s lips driving Bella into a frenzy crept unbidden into Severus mind, and he mentally slapped himself. This was not the right time to fantasise about a student. Especially not that student.

‘Miss Belakane is, however, a student of my House,’ he went on. ‘I will not have Lucius Malfoy corrupt one of the most promising witches in Slytherin House.’

Dumbledore nodded. ‘Do you have any suggestions, Severus? After all, you have known Lucius for quite a few years.’

‘Aside from castration, you mean?’

Snape sneered, and Dumbledore chuckled. ‘That is a bit drastic, don’t you think, Severus? Effective, yes. But drastic.’

‘I have been invited to dinner at Malfoy Manor this evening to discuss Draco’s less than brilliant grades,’ Snape declared, every trace of a sneer gone from his face. ‘Whilst I am there, I will endeavour to find out what plans Lucius has for the girl. I fear we will have to be prepared that those plans may involve the Dark Lord. And I cannot leave that possibility to chance.’

* * *
Severus arrived at Malfoy Manor at six thirty sharp. Punctuality was one if his trademarks. To his surprise, he was not greeted by an elf, but by the Master of the House in person.

‘Severus,’ Lucius exclaimed, opening his arms and flashing his perfect, white teeth. ‘Welcome to my humble home.’ Then his smile faltered. ‘You came alone?’

Severus bowed his head. ‘Good evening to you, too, Lucius. Miss Belakane is unable to follow your invitation, I am afraid. She took a tumble on some stairs and is now in the hospital wing.’

‘The hospital wing?’ Lucius sounded heart-broken. ‘The poor thing. I will have to send her some flowers. Roses, I think.’

Then a leer appeared on his face, and he lowered his voice to a whisper. ‘Might her fall have something to do with her knees being weak after her little play date here yesterday afternoon?’

Snape grinded his teeth, wondering just how bad a faux pas it would be to punch his host in the face before dinner was served. Fortunately, the arrival of the Lady of the House saved him the trouble of finding out.

‘Severus, dearest. Welcome.’

As usual, Narcissa looked breathtaking. And as Severus bowed to kiss her hand, he noticed that she was still wearing the same perfume she had been wearing at school: jasmine and roses. It was intoxicating, and it had the same effect on him tonight as it had had twenty years ago. And once more, he wondered what a beautiful witch like Narcissa saw in a creature as foul as Lucius Malfoy.

‘You came alone, Severus?’ Narcissa enquired, echoing her husband’s question. ‘Lucius mentioned you would be bringing a friend.’

Snape sneered. ‘I would hardly describe her as a friend, dear Narcissa. Miss Belakane is a merely student of mine.’

‘Belakane? Morgana?’ Narcissa seemed confused.

‘I meant a friend of Draco, dearest wife,’ Lucius butted in hurriedly. ‘Now, would you mind checking on the elves? I’d rather not have them burn dinner again, seeing as we have a guest tonight.’

As soon as Narcissa had left the room, Lucius turned to Snape, eyebrow raised. ‘Merely a student,’ he chortled. ‘Say, Severus, do you always salivate over your students like you did over Morgana yesterday?’

Since Snape didn’t answer, Lucius pressed on. ‘Come on, Severus. I saw you were looking at her. And who can blame you? We all liked what we saw.’

‘My intentions towards Miss Belakane are nothing more that honourable,’ Snape snapped. ‘Which is something that cannot be said for you, Lucius.’

The blond wizard laughed. ‘Can you blame me? Have you seen her body?’

‘Why are you so keen on her, Lucius?’ Snape enquired. He had decided that a direct approach was the best solution in the matter. ‘What do you want from her? Besides burying yourself in yet another seventeen-year-old, that is.’

A lusty grin appeared on Lucius face. ‘Now that, dear Severus, is good enough a reason. Wouldn’t you agree? Young flesh that tastes of honey, deliciously tight ...’

Once more, Snape had the urge to hex Lucius into the middle of next week.

‘I am not stupid, Lucius,’ he growled. ‘You would not have introduced the girl to Bella, Avery and the rest of them if you just wanted to fuck her. You have plans for her.’

‘Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t.’ And with a mysterious smile on his complacent face, Lucius made his way to the dining room, giving Snape no other choice than to follow.

* * *
‘Well, Lucius,’ Snape started as the elves carried off the leftover hors d’oeuvres. ‘I understand that you are concerned about Draco’s grades.’

‘As far as I am concerned, the boy is not getting a new broom for Christmas.’

Narcissa patted her husband’s arm. ‘Don’t be too harsh on Draco, dearest.’

‘The boy is lazy, Narcissa,’ Lucius hissed. ‘Stop mothering him.’

Narcissa sent Snape a pleading look. ‘Is there anything we can do to help, Severus? Can Draco get a tutor?’

‘Most certainly,’ Snape replied. ‘I can provide my services for additional Potions coaching.’

‘The boy needs a tutor for all his subjects, not just Potions,’ Lucius interrupted. ‘And I want somebody we know, somebody who is competent and trustworthy. Morgana, for instance. I happen to know that she is one of the best in her year.’

‘Absolutely not.’ Severus put down his napkin a little bit too vehemently and had to explain himself. ‘Miss Belakane is taking her NEWTs this year. It would be unfair to expect her to study and to coach at the same time. As you have pointed out, Lucius, she is one of the best in her year. And I would hate to see her grades fall simply because she is neglecting her own studies in order to help Draco.’

They discussed the possibility of Morgana tutoring Draco for the better part of the main course, and by the time the elves cleared the table, Lucius had gone as far as to offer Morgana ten Galleons an hour for her efforts. But Snape stood his ground. He was not going to let Morgana spend any more time with any Malfoy.

When Narcissa excused herself, Lucius leant over the table. ‘Now, let us cut the chitchat, Severus. You and I both know that Draco doesn’t need a tutor. The point is that I want Morgana!’

Snape crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. ‘Why, Lucius? Why do you want her?’

‘Because she is the best fuck I have had in decades. Merlin’s balls, you saw what she can do!’

Snape clenched his fists under the table. Oh, how he wanted to tell Lucius that he knew perfectly well that he was not getting any, that he had seen the letter, and that he knew that Morgana had been turning him down for almost six months. But he had to behave himself. If he insulted Lucius now, he would never learn the man’s true reason for wanting the girl.

Lucius leant back in his chair and let his fingers glide over the edge of his wine glass, smirking. ‘Tell me, Severus, why are you so protective of that particular student of yours? I always thought you did not like any of them. Could it be that you are yourself interested in her?’

‘I am her teacher, Lucius,’ Snape replied in a cold tone. ‘It is my job to be protective.’

Lucius laughed. ‘Your job! Don’t be ridiculous, Severus. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you do not want to shag her?’

‘Now you are being ridiculous, Lucius,’ Snape retorted. ‘If it came to light that I was having an affair with one of my students, I would be out of Hogwarts quicker than Nifflers on gold. And I do not think the Dark Lord would be too pleased about that. You see, Lucius, I – unlike you – cannot risk everything for the sake of a quick fuck.’

‘This is not just a quick fuck, Severus,’ Lucius bellowed, slamming his hand so hard on the dinner table that two glasses fell crashing to the floor.

And Snape smirked inwardly. It looked like he was finally getting under Lucius’ skin and to the heart of the matter. Lucius seemed suddenly excited, ever so willing to share his little secret.

‘Do you not realise who this girl is, Severus? The last of the Belakanes. That family can be traced back to Morgana le Fey, for crying out loud! Do you have any idea how much power that line possesses?’

Snape raised an eyebrow. He had been right then. ‘So you wish to breed with her, Lucius?’ he enquired. ‘For what purpose? You already have an heir. Do you really think Narcissa will play happy families with a child who is not her own?’

Lucius shook his head and laughed. ‘You really don’t get it, do you, Severus? Use your brains. Who? Who in the whole Wizarding world would be interested in that bloodline? Come on, Severus. Think.’

Snape felt his mouth go dry. ‘The Dark Lord ...’

‘Yes, Severus. The Dark Lord!’ Lucius puffed his chest out. He looked damn pleased with himself, triumphant even. ‘The Dark Lord cannot produce an heir; you know that as well as I do. But I can present him with an heir from an almost royal bloodline. Morgana’s child. My child!’

Snape swallowed dryly. This was insane.

‘What would you gain from this, Lucius?’ he asked, trying to sound interested in order to cover up that in fact he was disgusted, horrified. ‘Do you really think the Dark Lord will care about you once you have presented him with the heir? He would probably kill you on order to raise the child as his own.’

‘He cannot, Severus,’ Lucius exclaimed, madness glimmering in his grey eyes. ‘It’s the power of the bloodline. Don’t you see? If I father Morgana’s child, I cannot be disposed of. It would break the ancient magic of the blood. I will be untouchable. But I do not forget old friends, Severus.’

Snape frowned. What the hell was that lunatic talking about now?

‘I know that the Dark Lord is doubting your loyalties. I can help you regain his trust. Bring the girl to me, Severus. Bring her to me, and I will make sure every witch and wizard in this country know that you had a hand in the making of the heir of the Dark Lord.

‘But, if you dare try thwarting my plans in any way, if you dare lay hands on the girl yourself, I swear the Dark Lord will hear in great detail of your betrayal, and I will not be held responsible for his anger when he finds out what a valuable gift he could have had.’

Lucius stared calmly at Snape with steely blue eyes with such emotional detachment it made the hairs on the back of Snape’s neck stand up. He realised what this was all about: currying favour with the Dark Lord. And this new development was going to make his life much, much harder.

* * *
Severus’ heart was racing as he ran up the stairs to Dumbledore’s office. It didn’t matter how late it was or if the Headmaster was already fast asleep in his bed. Morgana was in grave danger, and Dumbledore needed to know about Lucius’ insane plan. He needed to know right now.

The Headmaster had, however, not gone to bed yet. He was sitting at his desk, eagerly awaiting Snape’s return.

‘Ah, Severus,’ he said as the Potions master entered the office. ‘Did you enjoy your dinner?’

Snape shot him a look that would have made an oak tree wither. Did the old man really expect him to talk about the dinner?

‘I myself had a very nice chat with Miss Byrne and Miss Belakane. We had herbal tea and ginger snaps.’

Miss Byrne and Miss Belakane? Snape frowned. Why on earth would the Headmaster have those two over for tea?

‘It seems as if Charis is very concerned about the wellbeing of her friend. She fears that Morgana is ... not really herself today.’

‘Not really herself?’ Snape repeated. ‘Would you mind being a little more precise, Headmaster?’

‘For one,’ Dumbledore started, ‘she seems still to be afraid of you. Terrified, even. And although this state of mind is not unheard of among Hufflepuffs, I seriously doubt that you could have that effect on Ms Belakane, Severus, as a student of your own House.

‘Secondly, Morgana seems to find herself strangely attracted to Lucius Malfoy.’

‘That does not make any sense, Headmaster,’ Snape interrupted. ‘Miss Belakane knows that Lucius Malfoy has been involved in the disappearance – the death – of her parents. She despises the man, passionately.’

‘And still, she finds herself drawn to him. Tell me, Severus, is it possible that Mr Malfoy has not completely left Morgana’s mind? Is it possible that he is still controlling her?’

‘No.’ Snape vehemently shook his head. ‘The girl’s mind was at peace when I entered it last night. Lucius was gone. Besides, you saw how strongly Ms Belakane reacted to him being inside her mind last night. Her whole system was affected. If he was possessing her again, I trust we would notice.’

Dumbledore nodded. ‘So what can we do, Severus?’

‘Nothing. As long as we do not know how Lucius has managed to enter her mind, we cannot do anything to protect her. It is, however, crucial that we keep a close eye on her. After what I have learnt at the Manor tonight, we do not – under any circumstances – want Miss Belakane to go wandering off to throw herself into Lucius’ arms.’

‘What did you learn at the Manor, Severus?’

Snape inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for a moment. It had been horrid enough to listen to Malfoy talking about his plan. Re-telling it to Dumbledore was nothing he was looking forward to.

‘Do you remember me mentioning that it is all about blood with the Malfoys? Well, I am afraid that I was right, Headmaster. Lucius is indeed looking for breeding material.’

Dumbledore was calm and composed as Snape told him about Malfoy’s wicked plan. But as soon as the Potions master had finished, the Headmaster got up from his chair and started taking down books from the shelf, one looking more ancient than the other. He leafed through them, feverishly. And every time Snape tried to ask what he was looking for, the Headmaster just shook his head and continued his quest.

After almost a quarter of an hour, he finally looked up at Snape. ‘Ancient blood magic, Severus. The most powerful of them all. I assume that Mr Malfoy has done his homework, seeing as he is aware of the fact that he, the father of the heir, is untouchable. However, I think that the same ancient law will help us to protect the girl.’

Snape frowned. He did not understand.

‘Blood magic cannot be performed by force, Severus,’ Dumbledore explained, pointing at a passage in the book that was lying in front of him. ‘All the parties involved have to be there on their own free will. That means ...’

‘That means that the girl has to allow Lucius to sire her child,’ Snape breathed. ‘That is why he has not touched her. She has to give her consent.’

Once more, Dumbledore nodded. ‘As long as the girl doesn’t say yes, Malfoy will not be able to touch her.’

A cold shiver went down Snape’s spine. ‘You know Lucius Malfoy. He is able to charm an egg away from a dragon mother. He will not rest until the girl does say yes.’

‘Yet another reason to keep a close eye on her, Severus. She must not leave the castle. She must not meet Lucius Malfoy.’

Snape was already halfway out of the door. ‘Do you know where the girls are now, Headmaster?’

‘I overheard them talking about crisps and a bucket full of ice cream. I’d suggest the Room of Requirement.’

The old man watched Snape billow out of his office in a swirl of black robes and sighed lightly. Protecting Harry and Snape’s own duplicitous lifestyle was a big enough strain for his Potions master. And now he had asked him to protect yet another student. He feared that this might just push the man to the breaking point.

But only Snape could do it, and they both knew that.