Snape walked into Malfoy Manor, finding the house elves in a state of frantic activity. They were rushing upstairs and downstairs, carrying trays of food. His confusion grew as he observed the chaos.
"What's going on here? Where are Lucius and Narcissa?" Snape asked, his voice laced with concern and bewilderment.
One of the house elves, Mippy, who was Narcissa Malfoy's personal elf, replied in a panic, "Master and Mistress are not okay, and the baby is not eating... Mippy is trying so hard."
As Snape took in the chaotic scene, his mind raced with concern. "Take me to them," he instructed Mippy firmly. The elf nodded, leading Snape through the grand corridors of Malfoy Manor, the usual air of aristocratic elegance marred by the current distress.
As Snape entered the room with Mippy, the scene was devastating. Narcissa Malfoy lay motionless, her features peaceful in contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded. Draco, his small form barely visible in the bassinet, wore tiny mittens on his hands, a poignant reminder of his innocence amidst tragedy.
Snape's heart sank as he approached, his expression a mix of grief and determination. He knelt beside Draco's bassinet, his eyes scanning the child carefully. "Mippy, give us some privacy," Snape murmured softly, his voice barely audible.
The house elf hesitated, clearly torn between wanting to assist and respecting Snape's request. Finally, with a small nod, Mippy quietly left the room, leaving Snape alone with the grieving child and the fallen mother.
Snape felt Draco's tiny body tremble against his chest as the infant's cries pierced the somber silence of the room. Understanding that the baby was hungry, Snape gently rocked Draco in his arms, murmuring soothing words in a soft, comforting tone.
"I'm here, Draco," Snape said gently, his voice low and reassuring. "Let's get you something to eat."
Carefully cradling Draco, Snape moved to the nearby table where Mippy had left a bottle of warmed milk. He settled into a chair, supporting Draco's head with one hand as he offered the bottle.
"Here we go," Snape murmured, guiding the bottle to Draco's lips. The baby's cries began to subside as he eagerly suckled, , his small hands grasping at Snape's robes.
Snape watched Draco feed, a mixture of sorrow and determination in his expression. He knew that Draco's world had changed irrevocably.