The Dark Lord seemed to examine her for a minute before he rose slowly from his chair, approaching her with all the grace of his great snake. He gripped her chin between his forefinger and thumb as he said, "You have done well girl. I will reward you for this. Draco will be on the front lines tomorrow and I will give him the chance to be strong. If he fails then he is not deserving of the opportunity, or of you." He brushed his thumb across her cheek and held her gaze so intently she forgot to breathe.