What in the dickens?: Dumbledore's Last Service to Snape

Chapter 2: The Visitor

Severus Snape put on a gray dressing gown and held his candle aloft. When he opened the door the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was standing in the doorway.

"Good evening, Severus. I hope I have not disturbed you. I guessed that you might be up," he said cheerily, his light blue eyes danced behind his half-moon spectacles.

"I hadn't fallen asleep yet, Headmaster," said Snape.

"Will you invite me in?" Dumbledore inquired pleasantly.

"Yes," replied Snape. Snape backed away from the door. Dumbledore entered; his purple and blue robes sweeping the floor.

Snape watched him carefully. He saw that the Headmaster was not moving as quickly as he used to, and it was to be expected. Every once in awhile, Dumbledore winced or flexed his hand and dearly tried not to draw attention to it, but Snape, of course, always paid attention to everything. Snape and Dumbledore both noticed but neither brought it up. They had discussed it in full the night Snape had tended to the hand for the first time. He wished he had come to him first, there might have been something he could have done for him. The thought that it might have been preventable haunted Snape whenever he saw Dumbledore's hand. Perhaps he could have looked at the object himself? Snape tried to do what he could to stem the flow of the dark curse from the ring that Dumbledore destroyed. So far it was contained in his hand, but they both knew, a year, perhaps a bit more time if he was lucky. Contained, yes, but it would eventually grow stronger rather than subside or disappear altogether. But inevitably, Albus Dumbledore was dying and Snape was only prolonging what little life he had left.

Snape was perplexed. Something urgent must have happened. Dumbledore knew he had to go to Voldemort's side this evening, and that any acquired information would be presented to him the following day. Why the late night call?

"Severus, there is an urgent matter that has been weighing on my mind for quite some time and I believe the time is ripe to address it. After much reflection and observation, I would like to intervene, somewhat, and bring some things to your attention, and hopefully to light," Dumbledore intoned calmly.

"Headmaster, surely we could continue this discussion in the morning? I need to speak with you as well and I have some information of interest to you," said Snape smoothly.

"No, I believe it can't wait any longer." Snape saw his eyes flicker behind the spectacles perched on the crooked, craggy nose. His voice was gentle but his chin was firm. Snape had seen the expression enough times before to know what it meant. He was being serious and would not be dismissed so easily.

"Severus, I suggest you change and meet me in my office in a quarter of an hour. We will view the contents of the vials tomorrow. I have provided everything we will need for this evening. I shall take leave of you now and will be waiting for you in my office." Dumbledore smiled and turned to leave.

Snape said nothing.

"Ah, it is after midnight," Dumbledore interjected mildly. "I would rather enjoy some "cockroach clusters." Dumbledore winked at Snape and his eyes twinkled. He smiled jovially and swept out of the dungeons.

Severus Snape once again changed into his black robes. He had about ten minutes left.