It was dark and quiet in Hogwarts castle, school for witchcraft and wizardry. It was near midnight and all the students were already sleeping. However, in the silence teachers were moving, patrolling the corridors on the order of the headmistress. But Professor Severus Snape had his mind on other things rather than his surroundings.
His mind was set on the past and present as they somehow seemed connected to him. The Dark Lord at large again somewhere out there. Harry Potter with his strange connection to his mind and all the danger that came with it, though Potter was of course foolishly unaware of this. Son of Lily Evans, sweet Lily who had paid with her life due to his own stupid mistake. All left of her were those bright green eyes. Foolish young Potter, he simply looked too much like his father. The arrogance, idiot…
A movement caught Snape's attention. He whipped around, black cloak fluttering behind him and looked straight into a pair of grinning eyes. Out of shock he took a step backwards, now seeing Peeves the poltergeist floating in front of him. Silent relief spread through him, but his silence made room for Peeves to start talking.
'Look who it is, greasy old Snapie. What's he doing here so lost…..in thought. Snivelly Snapie Snivellus!'
Anger shot through Snape like a poisoned arrow. How could Peeves have known what he was thinking about and why did he have to remember him about that now?
'Shut up and get out of my way,' he snapped back.
'Has Peevesie touched a nerve?'
Yes, you have, but I'm not telling you anything about that, Snape thought bitterly.
'Shut up! Move! Leave me alone!'
'Snivelly Snapie Snivellus!'
He was know really boiling with anger inside and his eyes were livid.
'Shut up!'
'Hem hem.'
Both Peeves and Snape looked around for the source of the sound that none of them had made. In their view came something pink. Snape sight in his mind and controlled himself.
'Headmistress,' Snape said curtly.
'What is all the noise about?' Umbridge asked sweetly.
None of your business, was Snape's first thought, but he knew that was the wrong answer. Snape opened his mouth, however, before he could reply, Peeves already started answering the question.
'Nothing, your dearest most beloved headmistress. Just a tiny discussion between the two of us about a little memory,' he said with a malice grin on his face.
Snape's mind was blank and he had no words to speak.
'Well, wrap it up then and leave professor Snape to do his duty.'
Peeves nodded, gave a ridiculously low bow to Umbridge and swept away. Umbridge gave a nod and also left Snape. He remained standing there for another minute. Then he whipped around again and furiously wiped away a tear with his sleeve, curtly walking on once more through the corridor.
