Disclaimer: I do not own the rights nor make any profit. All rights belong to J K Rowling and Michael Dobbs.
Severus Snape was not a patient man. He did not like to be kept waiting. He had learnt throughout his years to be patient, but that of course did not mean he did not get annoyed when people were late. He knew better than to kick up a fuss in this instance though. After all when going to a meeting about a promotion, it was prudent not to cause a scene. He even restrained himself from pacing around the office, instead sitting in one of the uncomfortable wooden chairs provided, reading over his proposed plans for the new government. Arthur had asked him to provide an outline of who he thought should have new seats, who he thought would be suitable to be new head of various departments. Of course his list was full of people he could trust, loyal to him, easily persuadable. That said, his list did not contain any dunderheads. That would never do. He of course had offered himself up as head of Magical Law Enforcement. He thought himself qualified, after years of helping to defeat the darkest wizard of an age. Snape could certainly command the department. Of course it was only a suggestion.
The door to his right opened and the ministerial aide came out.
"He will see you now," she said in what she hoped was a commanding voice. She was a previous student, and not a very good one at that so he only smirked at her before stalking past.
"Ah Severus. Good to see you. Sorry for the delay," said Arthur.
"Good Afternoon Minister," replied Severus, bowing his head in respect, though not entirely genuine. To his dismay, Madam Longbottom sat on Arthur's left side. It was well known that she had wedged her way in after losing, and Arthur had relied on her for support and guidance. How Severus hated her
"Please take a seat." As Severus was seated he noted that the warm smiles pasted on their faces did not reach their eyes, a sure sign of trouble. The good feeling he had supported since Arthur's victory was quickly fading.
"We have just been looking at your suggestions Severus, for the new government, and I have to say I was rather shocked. Quite a drastic change don't you think."
Carefully weighing his words Severus replied.
"Minister with all due respect, I think a change is what is needed. Whilst the public may have voted you back in it was with a lot of work from our part. To not change the government around is to show that we were not listening to what they were saying. They clearly aren't happy with the ways things were being run. They have given you another chance and it would be foolish to not jump at it. If you remember, you're predecessor never had a slashed majority so he was able to continue as he wanted. I don't think the same could apply to you Minister. Of course the names that I put forward are merely suggestions."
"Of course Severus. Indeed I noticed you put yourself forward. Rather assuming of you isn't it?" asked Arthur.
A surge of anger jolted through Severus. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was going.
"If you remember Minister, you did promise me advancement. You said that I would have a new position."
"I know Severus, and I'm sorry that I can't keep that promise. I feel that by changing the government it will look like panic. I need the people to know that I am still strong. Still on the right track. Therefore there will be no changes. Everything will stay the same." Though Arthur tried to sound like he was sorry, that was an underlying lie to his statement. Severus then understood that once again he had been manipulated, and that Arthur never wanted to give him a promotion.
"Minister, I must object to this treatment. If I hadn't been able to..." Severus tried to reply before he was cut off.
"Yes I know Severus. You helped me get here, mainly due to your knowledge as chief whip. Surely I would be a fool indeed if I didn't recognise that you are the best whip that has ever been around. You hold my fate in you hands some might say. I hope I'm not making a mistake Severus. Whilst you may be the best and most loyal man for the job, I don't like to be questioned." Severus recognised the threat in Arthur words, and carefully swallowed his anger before replying.
"Of course Minister. Forgive me for speaking out of turn."
"All is forgiven Severus. We are perfect friends," Arthur said with a smile. "I understand your disappointment, but I hope in time you will realise that I have made the right decision. Now I'm afraid that is the end of this meeting. I must be on with business." Arthur stood up and graciously offered his hand the Severus.
"Of course Minister. Good day to you, replied Severus, briefly shaking Arthurs' hand. He turned on his heel and billowed out of the office rage consuming him, though years of being a spy and taught how to conceal his emotions.
"I'd keep an eye on him Minister," advised Madam Longbottom.
"Nonsense. He's just annoyed. He'll go away to lick his wounds, and be back to his normal self. Besides if he's annoyed, he will just take it out on everyone else. It may make people even more loyal to me."
Severus barely made it to the fireplaces. He pushed in front of people already waiting to leave, in his anger, desperate to get out of the building before he lost control. His destination was not home but a large woods, far away from any other people, muggle or magical. As soon as he landed his wand was drawn. Trees were falling, blasted to smithereens, fire was spread, rage was unleashed until at last exhaustion took over. He apparated home, a London townhouse in Kensington, and immediately headed to the whiskey, downing four fingers in the blink of an eye. He sat in his leather wingback chair waiting, brooding. An hour later heard his wife come home.
Previously known as Narcissa Malfoy, she was still a woman of great beauty. Her first husband had not survived Azkaban. She had been devastated over Lucius's death, but over time realised she needed to remarry for security. Severus had been the obvious choice. He was after company, a body to share the odd night with. She wanted a new name, to continue to rise in society after falling so far. She had seen his aspirations, and knew he wanted to climb far, but had more sense than her previous husband. It wasn't a marriage of love, but of convience with the upmost respect of each other. Together they were considered quite the power couple.
She took one look at his face and knew what had happened.
"Nothing?" she enquired.
"Nothing. Not a damn thing. Damn him. Damn him to hell. After all I gave him," he snarled out before knocking back another glass of whiskey.
She gracefully sat in the chair opposite and considered her husband, waiting for him to continue.
"He sprouted a load of nonsense about loyalty and needing a firm hand. 'You hold my fate in your hands.' Well if you did I would crush you, how dare he refuse me?" Severus raged.
"Well, why don't you?" Narcissa's words took Severus by suprise.
"Pardon?"
"You do hold his fate in your hands. With your knowledge, you could bring him down. Make him pay for this."
"Yes and then who would I have to kiss up to? Another snivelling Gryffindor? They are all as bad as each other, and none of them look favourably towards me. It could even be the end of my career. "
"No one. Why don't you become Minister? You could certainly lead our world." Narcissa stated this so calmly, that it quite unnerved Severus.
"Me? Don't be proposterous." Though he dismissed the idea he was already liking the idea. A lot.
"Why not. You are ten times the man that Arthur Weasley is. Or any of them are. You are the leader we need. You would be able to rebuild our world. You could be as greater than Shacklebolt, easily." Narcissa was staring intently at Severus, knowing that this was to be a truely defining moment in their lives, a turning point. "The people have already made it clear that they don't respect Arthur, but put up with him because they don't see an alternative. It would not be hard to completely turn public opinion against him. A few scandels, failed policies, they will call for a new leader."
"I would have to get rid of the others. Others who the public will more likely elwct before me. Do you have any idea how much work it would be? How impossible a task you are asking of me?"
"I'm sure you do, Minister Snape." He liked the sound of that.
"Everything would have to be done carefully, flawlessly. It would have to look like it wasn't me, like I was still loyal to Weasley. If I fail, that would be the end of everything. It would even mean prison."
"Yes. Every once of Slytherin cunning would be needed, it's true. But think of the outcome. The results. Pass the blame to others while destroying them. It would make you secure for years to come. You would answer to no one. Everyone would answer to you."
With that, she left him to his thoughts.
