(Snape's Perspective)
When Severus Snape saw that magazine, even "shocked and furious" couldn't begin to describe his state of mind.
Every word, every sentence before him was shallow and crude in isolation, yet strung together they formed something his mind simply couldn't—or wouldn't—comprehend. Every line dripped with the most malicious speculation and vicious insults toward a young woman, and more than half of it concerned him.
Orli Waters.
She had finally suffered serious harm because of him, and it had come sooner than he'd ever imagined.
Deep in his heart, he'd always known that if he continued allowing himself to maintain such a close relationship with Orli Waters, he would inevitably bring disaster upon her. But all his vigilance had been focused on the Dark Lord and other former Death Eaters—he'd never anticipated this wretched fly would find her opening.
Rita Skeeter? Snape engaged his Occlumency, reading through the article with an expressionless mask. But beneath the surface, what surged through him wasn't merely anger—it was pure, murderous intent. The last time he'd wanted to kill someone this desperately was when facing Peter Pettigrew.
After finishing that lesson, he'd immediately sought out Lucius Malfoy. When it came to handling gossip rags, Lucius had far more experience than Dumbledore. Naturally, he'd also contacted Dumbledore. That cunning old bee—if he didn't want Waters to end up despising the entire wizarding world, or worse, turning to the Dark Lord, he'd need to contribute his share.
He absolutely could not allow this to become a permanent stain on her reputation. That was the only thought consuming Snape's mind.
What he hadn't expected was how surprisingly accommodating Lucius proved to be. Snape had assumed it was due to their unspoken understanding—the Dark Marks on both their arms had shown obvious changes recently. If that man truly returned, as the "fortunate" former Death Eaters who'd avoided Azkaban, they would need convincing excuses for their "betrayal." Mutual protection—or perhaps mutual exploitation—had always been the tacit agreement between him and Lucius. But regarding Orli Waters, he hadn't expected Lucius to acquiesce so readily.
Perhaps Lucius had profited more than he'd realized from those potion transactions with Waters. That was Snape's thought as he emerged from Lucius's study. Then he spotted Narcissa Malfoy waiting by the door, cradling a glass of red wine, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
Snape's defenses immediately sharpened. In certain matters, Narcissa was far more perceptive than Lucius.
"Severus," Narcissa spoke, her voice tinged with amusement.
"You're here about The Wizarding Weekly, aren't you?"
Snape offered no response.
"Surely you know the best way to handle such gossip is to ignore it entirely—give it a fortnight, and those fools will forget all about it." Narcissa circled him slowly as she spoke.
"You're not typically one to fret over your reputation, are you?"
"I have no intention of waiting for those fools to simply forget," Snape replied with cool detachment.
"The reason you're treating this matter so seriously—could it be that gossip columnist happened to strike a nerve?" Narcissa didn't wait for his answer, continuing smoothly, "Orli Waters? Is that it?"
"I'd prefer such tedious rumors not spread any further through you," Snape fixed her with a warning glare.
"Of course. Lucius and I never refuse your requests—Draco has always thrived under your guidance." Narcissa took a delicate sip of her wine.
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