𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚘 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎'𝚜 𝙿𝙾𝚅

☞ 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 21𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫, 1996

"Is that the minister?" I yelled while the boys and I gathered around the man with nothing but fear and shock filling our minds. Paralysed with fear, I began to imagine of all the horrific things that my father might want me to do to this man. Does he want me to torture him for information? Threaten his family? Kill him?

The night was still young as a cool breeze flushed past us, directing a colony of bats to fly overhead. In the pitch black, there was silence so off-putting I felt the need to throw up my insides. I hated that she was here, I hated that he still could reach me even in the sanctuary of Hogwarts.

The woman beside me cackled as the man, who was tied against a tree, struggled in his restraints while yelling into the cloth that gagged his mouth. "Yes is it!" Bellatrix cheered. "He is meant to arrive here in a few hours for old Dumbledore to show him around the castle so the Minister can inspect the place." Bellatrix, my father's most loyal and most insane devoted follower. Her voice dropped into a deep whisper. "Find out Dumbledore's secret plan to take down our Lord, you know what to do!" She cackled loudly in a sing-song mocking tone before quickly disappearing into the night.

"Fuck sake!" Draco spat as he kicked a rock in frustration. Blaise and Theo shared his frustration as they began to pace, their faces scrunched with annoyance and anger. There we stood, holding a captive in the forbidden forest while still dressed in our pyjamas.

I took a moment to collect my thoughts, pushing down the feeling of aching exhaustion. "Draco, brew the potion so that we can get this shit done and move on. Blaise, help the ferret and get any ingredients he needs. Theo, you and I will be having a pleasant conversation with our new friend here."  I turned back to the minister who had stopped struggling but seemed to now be hyperventilating. Pathetic.

"Don't cry, old man. Just tell us what we want to know, and I will not lay a single curse on you." I chuckled darkly, slowly stepping towards the teary-eyed man. He frankly nodded, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

"Look at him crying, Mattheo." Theo chuckled as he flipped his father's dagger in his hand. Theo knelt, his knife ready, however, the Minister began to panic and struggle against his restraints once more at the sight of the blade.

I rolled my eyes with a tsk at the sight. "Calm down you little bitch, he's just going to cut off your gag." The man stopped moving, allowing Theo to cut off the cloth around his head. "Make one sound without permission and I'll gut you and owl your body parts to each of your family members." I spat as his mouth finally became free. He took a deep breath, his lungs filling with fresh oxygen I'm sure he was grateful for.

The man, still crying, quickly nodded, not a peep leaving his sorry mouth. "This is who they put in charge of our government! You're an embarrassment." Theo smirked down at the man, rejoining my side. I laughed at his joke, however my smile quickly disappeared as I snapped back into focus. No time for laughter now.

"Tell us everything about your plans today. Who will you be meeting with, what will you be doing, when are you leaving, and more." I sent the man a threatening smile as I watched his face contort into fear.

Hours passed and I now knew the Minister's plans inside and out. His carriage is said to arrive no later than eight o'clock, where Dumbledore would be waiting for him by the southern entrance. Dumbledore will tour the Minister around, completing the usual inspections. First the Great Hall, then the Magical Creatures, then The Library, and finally one checkup of each subject.

"Ouch." The minister muttered. Draco stirred the potion in his hand, and slowly passed it to me. It was now close to five in the morning, and we all decided to get a little bit of sleep before the task at hand. We placed a curse on the minister, knocking him out cold until we said otherwise.

Begrudgingly, we slumped back into the castle, taking the lengthy walk back to the dungeons, itching for the comfort of our beds. We all said goodnight with the boys wishing me good luck, as I'll have to head to the Ministry in an hour or so to take the carriage here. What a piss-take.

Arriving at the Ministry, I hid in a corner to conceal myself from the public eye. Slowly I held the rancid potion to my mouth, taking a relatively large swig of the concoction. It burned my throat as it traveled down into the pit of my stomach. Slowly, my body began to bubble and contort, leaving looking identical to the minister of magic. Polyjuice potion.

"Good morning, Minister!" A cheerful ginger walked up to me as I walked through the cold corridors of the Ministry. I muttered a good morning back as I tried to remember why he looked so familiar. That was until I realised he was a Weasley. Percy Weasley. I remember this kiss-arse from second year. He must have given me and my friends a dozen detentions over absolutely nothing. So what if I was cursing a Hufflepuff in first year? They deserved it for being in my way.

"I have your schedule for this morning." I looked down at the paper the ginger handed to me, realising that those hours spent interrogating the minister were for nothing, as everything was here, written out for me on a fresh piece of parchment! At least the minister did not lie.

"Ah, thank you, Weasley." I coughed, struggling to keep up the posh accent the minister usually spoke. "I shall see you on my return." Weasley looked overjoyed by my words. He did some weird salute before wishing me well as the carriage door closed. What a strange man, even for the Weasleys.

The ride back to Hogwarts was a bore, but it gave me an opportunity to look over the schedule time and time again, to fully soak up the mission at hand. However, I struggled to concentrate at times, as a certain girl flooded my mind.

I was incredibly disrespectful and vulgar towards her, all over a bloody Gryffindor! I had no reason whatsoever to try and dictate who Y/n could spend her evenings with, even if it was that wretched Potter. She doesn't belong to me, yet. I must learn to bite my tongue, I can't lose her.

The driver called out to me signalling we would begin our descent to land. This is it, Mattheo, calm yourself. As we landed with a thump, I stumbled out of the carriage. Smooth, Mattheo, very elegant and definitely not suspicious. My eyes soon landed on a group of people at the entrance, three figures. Strange. This was not mentioned to the minister.

Thump. Thump. Thump. My heart began to race once I noticed her. It's a miracle I managed to maintain my serious facade. Y/n Snape, the girl who haunts my dreams both in day and in night stood beside the Professors smiling right at me. Why is she here? Where is Dumbledore?

"Who do we have here?" I spoke with my newfound fake accent, making me grimace at my own words. Why on Merlin's Beard did I greet everyone with those words?

Y/n grinned at me before sticking out her hand for me to take. "Y/n Snape, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you." My hand shook as it slowly clasped around hers. Her hand felt as soft as ever, with a warm embrace that melted my soul. Quick, Mattheo, say something.

"Professor Snape's daughter? Interesting." I added as Y/n pulled her hand away from mine. Her smile never dropped as she looked into my eyes. Fuck, if she stays any longer then I'm sure to break character.

McGonagall was quick to step in with an explanation. "Miss Snape here will be guiding you around the school grounds as you carry out your inspection, Sir." Shit. This cannot be good, hopefully, she's just a temporary guide until Dumbledore is back. Right?

McGonagall and Slughorn proceeded to walk me through the schedule I had long engraved into the back of my mind, however I saw this as an opportunity to fish for answers. "I was informed that Dumbledore would be the one to guide me around the school grounds. Is there something more important than escorting the Minister of Magic?" I asked the staff, who simply looked between themselves with hesitation.

"Yes, well unfortunately Dumbledore is not feeling so well this morning. He should be better by this afternoon just before you leave." Slughorn swiftly added with his usual awkward laugh and smile. Lies. You'd think being a Slytherin this Professor would be better at twisting the truth.

I decided it would be fruitless to continue to press for answers when I could just wait a while for Dumbledore to show his wrinkly sagging face. "Very well." I clapped my hands together, before turning back to Y/n who had been patiently waiting for me."L-lead the way, Y- Snape." I stumbled on my words, almost addressing Y/n by her first name, which might've blown my cover immediately.

"Where is it you'd like to go first, Minister." Her sweet melodic voice filled my ears as she smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat that almost killed me. I thought for a moment, trying to remember the list I had spent hours remembering.

"I'd like to visit the Great Hall." I spoke confidently. The girl nodded and began to walk away as I followed after her. This blasted plan has only just begun and it's already gone down the shitter. Merlin, help me.

As we entered the hall, the warmth of the fireplaces and floating candles flushed away the cold air clinging to our cheeks. Slowly, people began to take notice of Y/n and I walking into the hall, as the whispers began. I had luckily remained calm until I noticed them. My friends. They all stared at Y/n and I in utter horror, distress and disbelief. They knew this was not how the plan was meant to go. The price of toast that Theo had clutched between his fingers fell out of his grasp and onto his plate, he didn't even flinch.

I noticed Y/n looking at them oddly, before turning to look at me. I managed to look away in time for her not to notice my eyes on her, at least I hope I looked away in time. "Are you alright, Minister?" Y/n asked curiously with a hint of concern in her eyes.

"I am just- thirsty." I could feel the beads of sweat forming on my forehead already... how was the potion already wearing off? Reaching deep within my pocket, I fumbled with the small flask of extra potion Draco had brewed up. Taking a large gulp of the repulsive liquid and forcing it down my throat I desperately tried to think of a way to leave.

As though the beautiful girl beside me read my mind and suggested we leave. I did not hesitate at the chance and swiftly moved to leave this hall. Next on the agenda was to inspect the animal pens, and I tend to do that exactly, despite how disgusting the task is. It would not be wise to strive from the plan my father had laid out for us, even if it's not going well thus far.

We finally arrived outside Hagrid's hut after a long walk of complete silence. The whole time Y/n seemed deep within her own thoughts, and I wondered what was on her pretty mind. "Welcome ter me humble abode, Minister." Hagrid welcomed as he noticed our presence. He let out a light-hearted laugh as he shook my hand with his massive grin.

Hagrid then turned to Y/n as his grin widened. "Y/n? Didn't reckon yeh'd be here." He hugged the girl, pulling her into his sea of fur that littered his body. Y/n pulled away as she smiled up to the gentle giant. Her beautifully radiant smile captivated me once more without her even trying.

"Yes, she is my guide for this evening while I carry out some minor inspections." I explained to Hagrid as I took a step towards the duo. Hagrid smiled understandingly. "Care to show me where your creatures are?" I stared at the man who quickly nodded before disappearing into the woods.

We emerged to this bright small clearing in the woods, where the trees were a lot thinner and the leaves a brighter green than in the depths of the forbidden forest. It was magical. Sunbeams cut through the leaves, spreading warmth to the miniature creatures that roamed the castle grounds. If I had known Hagrid had these beautiful creatures stashed away I wouldn't have been so hasty to drop Care of Magical Creatures.

Once Hagrid finished touring me around the enclosures, he had to run off and teach one of his classes. Now it was just Y/n and I. Or so she thought. I could sense that Draco, Blaise and Theo had been following us three for a while now, and had no interest in leaving. Never mind them, time to pretend to do some work, a skill I've mastered through the years.

"So, how's things at the Ministry, Minister?" Y/n asked me, breaking the silence. I thought for a moment, wondering why should she care. I continued to inspect some creature's habitat, buying time to form an answer that did not lead to further questions. Those questions I may not know the answer to could lead to my exposure. If that's the case, Y/n would never forgive me.

After a moment or two, I mumbled "It's just fine, thank you." Short and sweet. I heard a soft hum echo from the back of her throat, bringing a small smile to my face.

However, my wandering mind was interrupted by a loud yet sudden noise. I jumped out of my skin before I could realise it was just the wind weaving between the leaves. Tearing my eyes away from above, I noticed the way Y/n laughed as her hair blew in all directions. I dare say she's never seemed so gorgeous. 

"Mr Weasley had been telling me about the tremendous workload that he and his close colleagues had to endure these past few months." Y/n spoke up again, making my brows furrowed. What is her intention here? "Is that the same for all departments in the Ministry?" I'm not sure how to answer this query, which is exactly what I had feared would happen. I prepared to converse with Dumbledore, prepared to manipulate Dumbledore, prepared to unravel Dumbledore's secrets. Not this. Not her. I felt myself begin to panic.

I looked over at her, seeing her stiff posture and curious eyes. "Yes, unfortunately, that is the case for all departments." I finally answered, deciding to try and distance myself and move away from the girl. Of course, she followed. I heard her hum again.

"I hope the extra work isn't causing you too much trouble, Sir." Always so polite, even when she's visibly shaken. I turned to face her once again, her hands shaking slightly yet her smile beamed down at me like the sun nourishing her garden. I shrugged, not knowing what to say in the moment.

"You are too kind, Miss Snape." I turned back around, pretending to focus on another thing, some sort of worm thing. "I suppose it is a bit of a nuisance... they all are." For a moment I forgot who I was meant to be, and being around such a comforting presence made me speak without thinking.

"They, sir?" Y/n questioned. I knew I gave myself away, she's suspicious. My mind raced as I felt my body harden in defence. What if she knew... would she forgive me? Forgive all of us? No, never.

"My colleagues." I answered with some truth behind my words. Colleagues is a loose word to describe Deatheaters. The most manic of wizards breathing down your neck, expecting you to be just like your father, telling you to be just like your father.

They expected me to kill, and I did. They expected me to torture, and I did. They expected me to lead, and I did. They expected me to want what they had, and I did want it. Although times have changed, I have changed. Unless I never changed at all, and what I want now is who I've always wanted to be, it was just suppressed by their suffocating expectations I could never meet.

I could feel the beads of sweat trickling down my forehead once more. After going to take a quick swig of the potion, I realised there was none left. Shit. I must leave, now! "Nothing for you to concern yourself with." I added while standing to face her, I could feel the parts of my appearance re-transfiguring back.

"I believe it is my concern since one or two of your colleagues attempted to kill me last year in your place of work, even succeeding in killing a dear friend of mine, Sirius Black." Y/n eyes narrowed as she spoke in volumes. She knows. She knows I am not the real minister... right? She must know! How?

"Let's continue with the tour?" I laughed in a pitiful attempt to diffuse the growing tension. She slowly shook her head and asked me to be honest with her.

"Minister I mean no disrespect, but my friends and I have been fighting these fully grown witches and wizards since our first year." Her voice was now soft as her eyes looked deep into mine. I needed to leave, she knew the truth. I glanced around the desolate forest and realised something. My eyes glued on something between the trees while I encouraged Y/n to explain herself. "If they couldn't kill us then, they can't kill us now. Stay on our side, Minister, fight for good, fight for our future."

She doesn't know. Y/n stood with her chest heaving from her outburst. I could feel my face begin to burn and twist back into my actual face. Without thinking I ran towards the man between the trees, weaving in and out of them to try and lose the girl who was hot in my trail.

Y/n yelled spell after spell in an attempt to stop me. I managed to avoid every effort she threw at me. Just before I could completely transform, I used the infamous invisibility spell to hide myself, Draco, Blaise and Theo while Draco hit the Minister with a spell to wake him up, alternating his memory to have no recollection of the kidnapping, interrogation and to think all of my memories are his own.

"Shit, Mattheo! That was close." Blaise commented, reaching a hand out to help me up. We all watched as Y/n frantically spun around, scared out of her mind. I frowned while watching her unravel in the panic I've caused her. Soon she noticed the minister on the floor and ran to aid him.

"What the fuck happened!" Draco yelled, his hands flying to grip my shoulders. "Why was Y/n with you? What happened to Dumbledore?" The blond continued to yell, yet I could not answer. The wind rushed past us as my eyes fell back onto Y/n and the Minister, who was now on his feet again.

"Are you alright? I didn't mean to cross any lines, I am deeply sorry Minister." Y/n frowned, mainly at herself, worried about the situation she believed she caused. If only you knew, Y/n.

"I should apologise, I'm not sure what came over me." The minister once again looked as serious as ever, retaining his professional demeanour far better than I managed. "It was very unprofessional, and very unlike me, I can assure you." His scruffy posh voice spoke strongly with sincerity. Y/n nodded.

The minister sighed, his body relaxing as he turned to Y/n once more. "Miss Snape, let me tell you something, something that might just get me killed if anyone finds out that I've told you..." The minister said, his tone now growing ever so cold. Y/n leaned in, anxiously waiting for the minister to reveal his secret.

"Death eaters have long planted their seeds in the Ministry... I'm afraid it won't be long until I am killed and replaced with one of their own. You must stop them, Y/n Snape. The key lies within him."

𝖠:𝗇// 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗇'𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 <3 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗎𝗉𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌! 2 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗄𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝖾𝗑𝖺𝗆𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍'𝗌 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝗀𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗋 𝗎𝗉𝗅𝗈𝖺𝖽𝗌 𝖨 𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗒 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗌𝖾. 𝖠𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗌 3500 𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝖽𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀, 𝗅𝗆𝗄 𝗂𝖿 𝗂𝗍'𝗌 𝗍𝗈𝗈 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁!