Disclaimer: I am not George Lucas or J.K. Rowling.

Severus Snape's broom descends from a Ministry cruiser and approaches the half-constructed Dark Mark.

Captain. Command station. This is ST-321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting our approach. Deactivate the Shield Charm.

Savage. [over transmitter] The security Shield Charm will be deactivated when we have confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by.

Snape waits impatiently as Savage goes through the transmission.

You are clear to proceed.

Captain. We're starting our approach.

Snape's broom, flanked by two Ministry broom fighters, enters the Dark Mark.

A Ministry officer turns to Savage.

Officer. Inform the commander that Lord Snape's broom has arrived.

Savage. Yes, sir.

Governor Pierre Bonaccord stands in between lines of Ministry officers and Hit Wizards.

Enter Lord Snape.

Bonaccord. Lord Snape. This is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your presence.

Snape. You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you back on schedule.

Bonaccord. I assure you, Lord Snape, my men are working as fast as they can.

Snape. Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.

Bonaccord. I tell you, this station will be operational as planned.

Snape. The Dark Lord does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.

Bonaccord. But he asks the impossible. I need more men.

Snape. Perhaps you can tell him that when he arrives.

Bonaccord. The Dark Lord's coming here?

Snape. That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.

Bonaccord. We shall double our efforts.

Snape. I hope so, Commander. For your sake. The Dark Lord is not as forgiving as I am.

Exit all.