Half-Blood Princess Book Seven

Chapter 9 - The Carrow's

Third-Person POV

8th September 1997

The first day back at classes for Tilly had been pretty typical so far. No one wanted to call her out or draw any attention to her unless necessary. Luckily Tilly hadn't run into The Carrows yet, nor had classes with them today, so she hadn't had to worry about them; yet. Tilly had stayed with Neville most of the day as they had all their classes together, along with a few other students in their year, including Draco. This was both a positive and negative, as Draco could at least made sure Tilly is safe and alright, but it would also mean that they are bound to get a few questions or opinions once in a while.

But surprisingly, Tilly's first day had been perfectly fine and regular, well until dinner. Everyone sat quietly at dinner; even though Tilly was in Slytherin, she sat with the Gryffindor's, as not many Slytherin's smiled at her anymore. Not because of her public stance on Voldemort; in fact, most of them, at least those with Death Eaters as parents, know she's The Dark Lady, no it's because of her last name being changed. They all saw her as they're Slytherin Princess, A Snape; now that she's going by Potter, it makes her relationship with Harry seem even more prominent.

In the middle of dinner, Snape stands up, walking over to the podium and start to speak.

"Sorry to interrupt your meal, but I have a few items of news I wish to announce." Snape looks to Tilly, watching for her slight nod, giving him the all-clear to share the changes to the faculty. Tilly had managed to connect to Voldemort the last night, letting him aware of her plans, and he supported her; this gave Tilly peace of mind for her Dad. But the little communication resulted in hours of nightmares for Tilly and, most likely, Harry. All Tilly could gather of importance was Voldemort searching for a wand taken from the old wandmaker Gregorovitch. "I have decided to change a few things. Professor Minerva McGonagall with be taking the title of Deputy Headmistress, effective immediately, if she wishes to accept." Three of the four houses start to clap, while half of the Slytherin table quietly clap.

"Thank you, Severus." Minerva slowly smiles at her old friend, who smiles back, happy to see her eyes light up slightly once again.

"That was my main announcement, other than a more personal note." Snape looks down, taking a deep breath, steadying his voice. "I know, no one was expecting me to become Headmaster, and I don't think I could ever do justice to the man who stood here before me. But what I can do, is try to keep the life he had built in the school." Snape looks out at all the faces of students, who for once aren't glaring at him, but looking at him with smiles and hope. "We all know there are dark things in this world, now more than ever, but for now, this castle will be how it was years ago. Lively." Everyone starts to clap now, out of the whole room, only two people can be seen not clapping for the Headmaster speech. The Carrow siblings; both have deadly glares on their faces as they think of why this is all happening.

As the siblings try to find a reason, both lay eyes on one particular girl in the crowd. Matilda Lillian Potter, or Snape. The person they hate most in this world. Alecto turns to her brother, whispering under her breath to him.

"She's the reason this is happening, and it's only going to get worse." Amycus nods, growling in agreement.

"We have to do something. Make it clear anyone who stands beside her will be punished."

"Yes, brother, exactly. We can't hurt her without reason, and I know exactly how to get her to strike first." Alecto smirks evilly, coming up with a sinister plan to ruin Tilly.

9th September 1997

Tilly stood next to Neville while the two were giving a quick talk to the rest of their house.