That is not encouraging news, but I cannot see any alternate interpretation of the evidence we have seen. Were it only the Nott boy's collection it could conceivably be an exceptionally well-faked campaign, but too many corroborating details have been provided for it to have simply been malicious fabrication.

What I cannot understand is Snape's purpose with the mudblood in the first place. That he would be drawn to Draco is no surprise -- given the way he used to trail around behind Lucius I am not at all surprised he made a play for Lucius's son -- but despite his own heritage I cannot remember Snape holding any affection for mudbloods, and in fact Our Lord was always most complimentary of Snape's devotion to the task of teaching them their place. His fall from grace aside, I am finding it difficult to imagine his having decided to embrace the role of teaching the girl, nor what his goals might have been. He is many things, fugitive from Our Lord's justice not the least of them, but one thing he never was, was stupid. Anything he did served at least two purposes, often more. I am troubled by the thought we might never understand what those purposes were.

I cannot imagine Narcissa will be anything but devastated. I will be certain to keep an eye out.