[video]

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

[Draco comes on screen and he's remarkably paler than usual, wide eyed, looks like he's probably puked a little in his mouth. He's terrified, is what I'm saying. He says in a really small, quavering voice:]

Help. Uh...I don't know how to reach the pole-ice and--And--

Some-someone's dead.




[He's found Bellatrix dead, but he's wary enough not to say publicly just who...]

Comments

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

A generous amount every week or so, what does it matter?

[fliesacomet260.livejournal.com]

[ That definitely sounds more than the 'Hero' stipend. ]

It matters.

[ It might be a motive. ]

Do you know where she gets it from?

[onewrongword]

[A small nod was given to Draco; yes, good, keep going. Snape wouldn't have Draco sink with Bellatrix's ship, if there was anything to be found.]

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

No, of course not, why would I want to know where she gets it from?

[fliesacomet260.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't want you to be an accessory Draco if she's stolen anything. If she has stolen it, I wouldn't want them to turn their attention to you to try and get back some of what was stolen.

[onewrongword]

Of course, he is underage and cannot be held accountable for an adult who he does not even live with, so could not have taken part in any crimes.

[Don't even try to play that game, Tonks, Snape will gut you like a fish, one way or the other.]

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

Despite all that, professor, Tonks, I just don't know where she gets it. [He manages to look adequately offended. He will not be blamed for anything here, he'll see to it, he made sure to be as unaware of what Bellatrix does as possible.] She's my aunt giving me an allowance, that's all I am aware of the situation. For all I know she washes dishes at local pubs.

[fliesacomet260.livejournal.com]

[ Tonks keeps her attention on Draco. She's not playing a game Snape. She wants information. ]

I'm not interested in what you've been doing. If you know anything that could lead anywhere, however small it may be, I'd appreciate it.

[ Washing dishes? Sure. ]

When you pick up your allowance, d'you two talk? Does she try to get you involved in anything?

[onewrongword]

Enough.

We both know Draco isn't assisting Bellatrix in anything. Do your bloody job, and stop attempting to foist your inability to catch your own aunt at anything on the boy.

[He fixes Draco with a look.]

You'll stay with me, at least for tonight. We'll see about the rest later.

You can go play Auror with the corpse now, Tonks.

[fliesacomet260.livejournal.com]

I should just take your word on that, Professor Snape? Like it or not, Bellatrix Lestrange is wanted in the City. Draco is associating with her.

[ Bellatrix is one of the very most wanted (http://newbvampire.livejournal.com/1344.html). ]

The simple fact of the matter is, if it's not me asking these questions, someone else will. Association doesn't mean guilt but in the light of not having very many leads to go on, yeah, I'm going to ask him everything that I can.

[ She thinks she is doing her job. ]

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

[There's a pause. He really isn't that surprised to hear that, not really.]

No one's told me of this about her. Can't fault me for that, can you? No, she hasn't tried to cajole me into anything. We have tea, we laugh at silly muggle things, she says her . . off-color things. But nothing more than that.

[onewrongword]

I could give a damn less what my word means to you. We're finished here.

[He will not allow Draco to be dragged into this mess; Muggle law can get buggered and bent, for Snape's not got much care for it. He reaches out to Draco, and says, very simply.]

We're leaving. Why don't you investigate the murder, instead of digging for Bellatrix's dirty laundry?

[Best get moving, Draco.]

[fliesacomet260.livejournal.com]

[ Tonks just looks at Snape. She doesn't know what he thinks she's doing. Instead of getting into a pissing contest and dragging it out further, Tonks decides it's best to let it go for the moment.

It's strange. If she didn't know any better, and she's not sure that she doesn't, she might suspect Snape of trying to cover for Bellatrix. It could also be that Snape's just being protective of Draco. Snape is taking in Draco for the night after all.

Tonks isn't sure either way. ]

Alright, Draco. If I have any other questions I'll be in touch.

[sunburnthair.livejournal.com]

[He stands on his own, tucking his hands in his pockets and and glowering. Not really just at Tonks, but everything in general.]

Sure, whatever. You know how to reach me.

[He steps in beside his professor, ready to leave the bloody place and far from any lurking killers.]