Author's note: Thanks again for all of the reviews, follows and favourites! :] I love to hear what you think of the story.
Iridescence
Chapter 4
Sooner or later
Severus sat in front of Albus Dumbledore's desk, an unsurprising outcome. He knew he would end up here sooner or later, though he had been hoping for the latter. He was alone for the time being, listening to the faint whirring of the many odd instruments that filled the office. An office he was very familiar with. Severus did not have to wait long as he heard the door to the office open and he was soon facing the Headmaster, sitting down and placing his chin upon clasped hands, studying him, no doubt. Severus sat there staring steadily back at him.
"Well, Mr. Snape, I would be lying if I were to say that I am not at all surprised and puzzled by this turn of events," Albus said. Severus listened; he knew the Headmaster was not finished speaking. "Leaving school to prevent a tragedy from happening is indeed a serious matter, so you can understand that I have a few questions." Severus nodded, well aware of this fact.
"First of all I want to know how you knew Mr. and Mrs. Evans were going to be targeted. Of course, the fact that you were correct in your actions is nothing short of fantastic, but it puzzles me as to how you came about this knowledge," Albus said. Severus sat a little forward in his chair.
"I fear, Professor Dumbledore, that you would not believe me, even if I told you," Severus said, though this wasn't exactly complete honesty.
"You'll find, my dear boy, that I am far more understanding and open to share with than you might expect," Albus said.
"Very well. Where to start, exactly. You see, Professor, I am not quite what I appear to be. While in appearance I am 17-years-old, mentally I am about thirty-eight years old," Severus explained. Albus' eyebrows rose curiously and he beckoned for him to explain further. "In my thirty-eighth year, my life ended and then I was given a chance to return to this time and…correct certain mistakes I made, to stop certain events from becoming worse…that is to say, the future is, as you might imagine, not a particularly good one. Our efforts to stop the war went well, however…there was an unexpected hiccough, which would have led to an unpredictable end."
Severus saw Albus take all of the information in, at least, the summarised version he gave him. He planned to discuss in greater length, of course, once the initial discussion was over.
"That is quite a story. I have seen many things in my time—shocking—things, but this is quite something," Albus said. Severus waited patiently for what he would say next, as the wizened old man sat their pondering, as he was wont to do. Severus was well aware of the man's many quirks; despite his rather unsociable nature, he had somewhat befriended the old man in his past life. Of course, there was bitterness in his memory of the Headmaster and the part he had Severus play, but Severus also knew that in war, some ends justified the means. There had been nothing else in his life.
"Given your frightfully accurate knowledge of today's events, I am inclined to believe your story," Albus said.
"You will receive sufficient amount of evidence via the pensieve, as I will need to divulge some necessary information in order to prevent as much tragedy as possible," Severus said.
Albus studied him for a moment, peering over his half-moon spectacles at the Slytherin before him, one so intent on changing the way the world was going. Ambitious, and also brave. Albus nodded his head. "I would advise you not to do too much by yourself; not because you are incapable, but due to your apparent age," Albus said.
"Of course. As infuriating as it might be, I do realise the possible repercussions of such acts at my current physical age," Severus said.
Albus nodded. He sat back a little in his chair. "Please continue, Mr. Snape. I am sure we have a lot to discuss and although knowing the future is indeed not something to be treated lightly, I must know what is vital to stop the war," Albus said.
Severus began the long explanation, the first war, the prophecy, the Dark Lord's downfall, his place within this, Harry, the second war, the horcruxes…Severus did not for one minute even think of sugar-coating his own failings, for he was responsible for Lily and James' deaths, along with bearing witness to a lot of horrendous acts upon muggles and their magical offspring. It was something that haunted him even to this day, casting his sleep with nightmares, giving him a frequent need for sleeping draughts.
Albus listened intently, never once interrupting his speech. Severus knew that any questions the old man would have, he would ask after Severus was finished. Severus was glad for this; he had spent seventeen years teaching and he did not care for interruptions.
"Right now, there should be five horcruxes currently in existence, one I have already obtained from the Room of Requirement," Severus said. "The others will be much more difficult to obtain."
Albus sat back in his chair, deep in thought for a moment before speaking. "Dark magic indeed, but none too surprising. We must without a doubt proceed with caution. Should he find out what we are up to, it could lead to disastrous results," Albus said. "What items have been turned into horcruxes?"
Severus nodded. "The horcrux I already found is Ravenclaw's diadem, the other four include Gaunt's ring, Hufflepuff's cup, Slytherin's locket and his diary," Severus replied. "A word of warning, should you retrieve the ring, that you do not put it upon your finger, lest the future come too early."
Albus nodded. "I will bear that in mind," Albus said.
After speaking for another hour, with Severus giving Albus a vial of important memories the headmaster would need, Severus left the office and headed back to his dormitory, decidedly tired.
Author's note: Bit shorter than usual, but hey! Okay guys! There's going to be more action next chapter, and hopefully some Lily/Severus interaction (haven't finished writing it yet so can't be a 100% there), but I guarantee there will be within the next chapter or two! I'm sorry that there hasn't been any yet; you start writing with ideas in your head and all of a sudden, what the hell, there is no interaction. O.o Anyway, yeah, so next chapter should definitely be more exciting (hopefully) and we have more of the Marauders in it!