Karkaroff, leaning against the dark, candle-lit hallway, bent over double and sucked in several deep breaths and attempted to compose himself. He quickly glanced behind him to check he hadn't been followed and pulled his wand out of his robes, silently unlocking the office door in front of him. Checking one more time that the passageways were clear, he stepped over the threshold into Severus Snape's private lodgings.

A quick swish of his wand sent light to a series of candles that circled the room overhead and he was surprised to see the room was so simple and quaint. Against the far left wall stood an aged wooden desk upon which lay several leather bound books, some spare quills and a few rolls of parchment. Against the right hand wall stood an extensive book collection with everything from Potions: The Principles to Cures, Antidotes & Healing Medicines to Potions & Their Role in The First Wizarding War. Karkaroff was about to head through the door directly in front of him when he thought he heard the faintest of steps coming from the doorway, and not wanting to be seen, he hurriedly slammed his body against the same wall holding the door and listened intently.

The footsteps were getting louder and Karkaroff realised that whoever it was, was running. He could feel his heart starting to pound in his chest and a heavy sense of dread was sitting in his stomach. Did someone know where he was? Had they entered the school in search of him? He clutched his wand so tightly in his hand that his knuckles were starting to turn white and he slowly turned to his left trying to sneak a look outside the small window set into the door. The coast was clear, but the footsteps were undoubtedly growing louder. A few seconds later, one of the candles hung on the corridor wall flickered in the wind and a figure appeared at the doorway.

Steadying himself for a battle, Karkaroff turned slightly towards the door as the person hurriedly pushed it open. In walked Snape, his black robes billowing behind him as he headed straight for the unopened door directly ahead of the entrance he had just passed through. Karkaroff silently breathed a sigh of relief and allowed his wand to sink down to his side once more.

'Severus, it's you.'

In a flash, Snape spun around, wand pointed forward so that it rested centimeters in front of Karkaroff's face. Snape's face had turned even more pale than it usually was and he had a look of annoyance written across his every feature.

'These are my private quarters, Karkaroff. What are you doing in here?'

'Severus, I need help and who else can I turn to?' Karkaroff pleaded.

'You are not my responsibility and I highly doubt that breaking into somebody's office is the best way to endear yourself. Especially when you are so in need of said person's assistance.' Snape leered. He seemed to be morbidly enjoying himself.

'I saw the boy Potter reappear with the trophy and Diggory. What happened?'

'If you hadn't been so quick to abandon your position as a judge in the tournament, you would have found out,' Snape replied. 'As you probably know, the Triwizard trophy was a portkey. You wouldn't have had anything to do with it, would you?'

'Me? Of course not, I-'

'The portkey apparently transported the first person to lay hands on the trophy directly to the Dark Lord himself. Potter somehow survived and Cedric Diggory is dead,' Snape explained as if recounting a rather mundane story. Snape seemed to be not only looking into Karkaroff's eyes but his very soul and he felt rather uncomfortable with the knowledge that Snape, a skilled Legilimens, could see anything he wanted if he wished.

Karkaroff finally attempted to answer back but Snape had already broke eye contact and turned to enter through the previously closed door. He reappeared seconds later carrying a small bottle containing a clear liquid.

'I am to deliver this potion to Dumbledore immediately and I do not expect to see you here when I return,' Snape announced as he was striding towards the door leading to the hallway but Karkaroff jumped in front blocking the way.

'I am desperate and I need help. I have nobody else to turn to and nowhere to go. Do you understand me?'

'You have students, Karkaroff. They are most likely awaiting your arrival back on the boat.'

Karkaroff flapped a hand to dismiss Snape's words, 'I don't care about that now. This is life and death, Severus. The Durmstrang governors will appoint a new headmaster. There'll be no second chances for me if the Death Eaters pay me a visit in the dead of night. One person has been killed tonight and I don't want to be next!'

'Indeed. As touching as your words are towards the students who look up to you, I'm afraid I am powerless to assist. Please move out of my way,' Snape said calmly.

'Severus please,' Karkaroff was now begging, on his knees and had a handful of Snape's robes, 'I have nowhere else to go. If I go back to Durmstrang I'll be found within a week by Voldemort and the Death Eaters. I'm begging you not to send me to my death sentence, Severus. Please!'

Snape was looking down his long nose at Karkaroff on the floor and a twinge of pity stirred somewhere deep inside him. Wasn't it he, himself, that had fled Lord Voldemort only to seek protection where he felt safe, at Hogwarts, with Dumbledore? And there was no doubt Karkaroff had already fallen from grace, even over the last hour. The headmaster of one of Europe's most famous magical institutes was now literally on his hands and knees looking for shelter, fearing for his life.

'This is not a hostel, nor it is a hotel, Karkaroff. However, you may temporarily remain here upon your acceptance of certain terms,' Snape offered with no hint of warmth or compassion in his icy voice.

'And they are?'

'Firstly, you will remain out of sight until the current school year comes to an end,' said Snape. 'Secondly, you are to make arrangements for your onward travel. This is a temporary fix to your... predicament and you will need to leave eventually. Is that clear?'

'I'm not one of your students,' Karkaroff retorted, suddenly raising himself off the floor and standing face-to-face with Snape, as some of the old fire burned behind his eyes.

'You are not in a position to negotiate,' Snape said, slightly sneering. 'If you do not wish to accept these terms then you are free to leave this castle and fend for yourself.'

Karkaroff was visibly battling with himself to retort back to Snape while knowing he had no leverage in his position. He grunted his reluctant approval of Snape's conditions.

Snape nodded curtly and without speaking turned and headed into the hallway. Karkaroff moved to place his wand back inside his robes when Snape reappeared in the doorway and silently placed a spell on the private room opposite. He gave Karkaroff one last look before closing the door and shuffling out of sight down the corridor.

Karkaroff closed his eyes and slid down the wall until he was sitting. He was safe, for now.