Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, as should be obvious. They belong to a brilliant woman by the name of J. K. Rowling.
Enjoy the revised versions of ch1-ch4.
Loyal Heart
Ch. 1
Never Good News At Midnight
The corridor was dark and cold. A slight draft, a lonely sigh from beneath some long forgotten door pulled at Severus' black cape. It made the edges swirl like tidewater as his billowing form glided down the hall. His hollow, echoing footsteps were the only indication he was not a shadow.
His expression was stern, his fists clenched at his side. A midnight call to Dumbledore's office never heralded for good news. He had made the trek far too many times before and had more often than not returned a different man.
He rounded the last corner and proceeded down the moon-drenched hall to the headmaster's chamber, stopping before the gargoyle. "Lemon Drops," he said rolling his eyes. He hated the old man's passwords. As he waited for the stone beast to move aside he glanced out the window and glared up at the moon. It was entirely too bright for times as grim as these. Entirely too bright. With a last parting glower he moved swiftly up the exposed spiral of stairs.
Before he could lift his hand to knock on the heavy oaken door, a kindly voice called "Come in Severus," and the it swung graciously open.
"You sent for me headmaster?" he said with as little expression as possible. "Indeed I did. Do sit down." Snape made his way across the office and settled himself stiffly into a chair opposite the old man, bracing himself for whatever news lay ahead. What will it be tonight? he thought. Another assignment to drop in on the Death Eaters over the weekend? Huh, as if I were some messenger boy... Or perhaps something about the new potions master? Yes, that could be it.
Albus would surely let him have some say in the selection process. He had to admit, the fact that his expertise were being called upon was rather flattering. And, after all, with his new and long coveted position as the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts…
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his name. "Severus, before I explain anything I must remind you that there are two sides to every coin."
Not a promising beginning to the conversation but surely salvageable.
"As you know, I value you both as a brilliant teacher and an old friend."
Getting better.
"And despite what some may say I know you to be a very giving man and prone to self-sacrifice when it comes to the greater good."
Not getting better.
"Which brings us to why I have summoned you here at this late hour. I know you will help me save a life tonight."
Dangerously not better!
"That being said, I am sure you will accept when I ask that you return to your position as Potions Master…" Dumbledore did not have the chance to utter anything further.
"What?" Snape hissed, standing so quickly that he nearly knocked his chair over backwards. "This is an outrage, Sir. I have taught at this school for more than a decade, all the while working towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. After all that time it was finally promised to me. And now, the night before the commencement of the school year, you decide to demote me?"
"My dear professor, this is no demotion," Dumbledore stated evenly, unflustered by the sudden tirade. "We simply have need of you elsewhere. You are the best potions master this school has ever seen. It is my firm belief that you are invaluable to us in any position."
"And it was my firm belief that when I walked into your office it was because you had called for the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. And yet, to my great dismay, I seem to have mistaken."
"No, no, I sent for her as well," the old man said placidly.
Severus didn't hear however. He was still fighting the idea of returning to his old post. "I should have known. There's never good news at midnight," Snape growled. "If you would at least grant me this; who better to teach the Dark Arts than I? I have seen first hand exactly what my students will be up against. Often, with all due respect, thanks to you, Sir. I would love to see who you consider to be my alternative."
"I thought you might," said the headmaster calmly. His blue eyes twinkled as he lifted a hand to indicate the door. In midst of his outpourings Severus hadn't heard it open.
He turned and saw a familiar form. His fierce expression turned to one of blindsided shock. His heart skipped a beat, his pulse began to race and his jaw went slack. For the first time in seven years his gaze was returned by two fiery, crystalline eyes. They were set like gems into her cream colored face; a face he had memorized so well in their last moments together. "Gelladrin…" Her name was all he could utter, his voice reduced to something barely above a whisper.
Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "That Severus, is the other side of the coin."