DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, that's JK Rowling's creation.

Author's Note: Not one of my better efforts. But here it is:
Challenge: Second Person, 500-1000 words. Severus Snape's reaction when he discovers that Black has escaped and he's not getting his Order of Merlin.

Challenge Ficlet
Sev's Big Let Down


Should you really be surprised, Severus? I mean you knew that Potter brat and his faithful Gryffindor sidekicks would come ruin everything for you anyway. At least it didn't involve blowing up another cauldron in your precious potions classroom like that Longbottom fool.

But the NERVE of them! You were finally able to secure your place in wizarding history when HE stole it all away from you. Insolent boy! Obviously, you weren't hard enough on him. His fame has definitely gone to his head. Stop shaking your head, you know he has a complete disregard for the rules. And to drag you down with him. That is completely unacceptable.

But it got better for you, didn't it?

The meddling old fool actually made you shake HANDS with the filthy mutt? You'd better get your flea-banishing potions out now. Do you think he'll notice if you put arsenic in his food dish? No, that probably won't work. Potter will most likely hand-feed the mongrel himself.

Put aside your differences, the old man told you. For Merlin's sake, can that man be that thick? He knows what Potter and his merry bunch of hooligans put you through for seven long years. Why else did you make the mistake of enlisting in the Dark Lord's service? If only someone had been NICE to you during your earlier years, maybe you wouldn't have made those life-shattering errors in the first place! It's all Potter's fault!

No, this is not a train of thought you should be following. You've kept your mask in place, but your anger is starting to show. Yes, you should return to your chambers for a tall glass of firewhiskey or three.

Your footsteps echo through the empty corridors as you swiftly make your way down there. Every student you see cringes in fear as the anger and hostility radiates off of you. And rightly they deserve it. You never did like children... even when you WERE one. People have always made you uncomfortable. It's not as if you had a loving home to come from. If only somebody had shown you some compassion as a youth. Maybe you never would have suffered and resorted to those transgressions.

Keep your mask on Severus. Now is NOT the time to break down. Only a few more steps and you're there.

Here you are, give the door guardian your password. Yes, it's cheezy, but Asphodel is a good one.

Let the door close bofore you let go. At least your fireplace is disconnected from the floo network. Light that fire and grab the bottle of firewhiskey. No, not the small glass - the bigger one. Right. No ice. Take it like the man you are.

Your hands are shaking, I suggest you get seated before you start. There you go.

My, that was a big swig of liquor. The burn you feel as it goes down feels good, doesn't it. Yes, it's definitely time for another. It's a good thing you brought the kerchief with you. Wouldn't want anybody to see the tears as they fall, would you? But it's good for you to let them flow.

Have another glass, Severus. You really do look like you need it.

NO! Do not throw the glass into the fire.

Well, I guess if you're going to drink out of the bottle that would be fine.

Okay, I can see the alcohol is taking effect on you. Maybe you should stop -- no, stop. Drowing away your sensibilities is not the way to go you know. Sit down!

*Thunk*

You never could hold your liquor, Severus. Maybe Black was right about you all those years ago.