"In you go, Mr. Potter," encouraged Professor Longbottom, pushing Albus gently into Professor McGonagall's office. "I'm sure the Headmistress will be here shortly."
It was cold inside the office, despite the fire in the grate, and Albus shivered as he entered, gazing around himself at the portraits lining the walls.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," said a portrait of a very old man, with a long silver beard and half-spectacles perched on a crooked nose. "I had wondered when I might be seeing you – your brother James is a frequent visitor, I'm afraid."
"I'm sorry if James bothers you, Professor. I'm Albus Potter," the young boy said timidly, and at these words, a gentle smile formed on the old man's face, even as his brilliant blue eyes filled with tears.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Albus," he said, smiling gently at him. "I am Professor Dumbledore."
Albus gaped at Dumbledore, his eyes – the exact shade of Lily's – wide in his young face. "I've heard lots about you, Professor," he exclaimed, before a thought dawned on him. "Is Professor Snape's portrait here too? I wanted to meet him."
"I think that could be arranged," the old man said, turning to the portrait hanging next to his. It depicted a thin, sallow-faced man, with greasy black hair and a hooked nose, leaning against the frame – asleep, it seemed. "Severus? It seems you have a visitor."
Albus jumped as Professor Severus Snape's eyes flew open – coal black and unreadable, and when they caught Albus' face, he heaved a sigh. "Another Potter?"
"I don't…um…I-," the young boy stuttered. "I wanted to meet you, sir."
"It's been an absolute pleasure," he drawled. "Is that all?"
"I…um…well…my dad really admired you, Professor Snape. I was named for you, see – Albus Severus Potter," the boy stammered, and at these words, Snape looked down into Albus' eyes – the exact shade of Lily's – and smiled for the first time in a very long while.
"I had so hoped one of you would inherit Lily's eyes."
