Four Heads Are Better Than One

Luck and Suspicions

Wow, thank you to everyone who's reviewed. I really appreciate the feedback. Please keep telling me what you think; I can't improve if I don't know what's not working. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

"Do we know how it got in yet?" Pomona's question was met by a chorus of groans. All four Heads were exhausted after the evening's events, but their concern for their students' welfare took precedence. Minerva shook her head wearily.

"We have no idea," she said unhappily. "Even Albus is puzzled." Severus' eyes glinted strangely, but he said nothing. Only Pomona noticed, and she narrowed her eyes imperceptibly. Neither of the others had noticed.

"It's a good thing Potter and Weasley found Miss Granger when they did," Filius was saying soberly. The others shuddered at the thought.

"I can't believe Miss Granger of all people would go looking for a troll," Pomona remarked. "It's completely out of character." Minerva rolled her eyes.

"She didn't. She may be a brilliant student, but she's a terrible liar. So are Potter and Weasley for that matter." Severus frowned.

"I don't recall seeing her at the feast," he said slowly. "It seems more likely that Potter and Weasley went looking for her when they realised what was happening." Filius' eyes twinkled.

"Why Severus, did I detect a hint of admiration for their actions?" The Slytherin scowled at him.

"I never said it was a good idea," he snapped. "They were very lucky they weren't killed."

"You have to admit that it was an ingenious use of a levitation charm by Mr. Weasley though," Pomona pointed out. Filius beamed and Minerva gave a small smile. Severus just muttered something about 'reckless Gryffindors' and 'getting lucky' under his breath.

"Very impressive indeed, especially considering that he couldn't perform the charm properly during the lesson," Filius said happily. Severus raised an eyebrow.

"He attempted to attack a troll with a spell he knew he couldn't use?" Filius nodded and the Slytherin shook his head in dismay. "Typical Gryffindor." Minerva grinned at him.

"It worked though, didn't it?" Severus just sighed. After a moment, Filius' smile faded.

"But we're still left with the question of how the troll got in in the first place. It couldn't be Peeves, his pranks aren't that malicious."

"And no student could bypass the castle wards," said Severus thoughtfully. Minerva glanced at him sharply.

"Severus, you're not suggesting that a member of staff was responsible?" Severus shrugged.

"Who else could it be?" There was silence for several seconds.

"It does make sense," said Filius reluctantly. "But who would do such a thing?"

"I think Severus has an idea," said Pomona. She was studying the Potions Master with an extremely shrewd expression on her usually cheerful face. Minerva and Filius exchanged glances. Both knew that Severus had excellent instincts.

"Do you, Severus?" Minerva asked. The Slytherin sighed.

"I have a suspicion."

"Who?" Severus shook his head.

"It's just a suspicion," he repeated. "I'd rather not say anything more until I have some evidence." Pomona saw the curiosity on Filius' face and shot him a warning look. It was clear that Severus wasn't going to say anything further, and more questions would just lead to raised tempers. To divert attention, she glanced at Minerva.

"Maybe Sybill got tired of being called a fraud," she suggested mischievously. It had the desired effect; Filius burst out laughing, and even Severus grinned. Minerva let out a disbelieving snort.

"As if that model of incompetence would ever have the courage to go near a troll, let alone release it into the school."

"For once, I have to agree with you," Severus remarked. "Binns is more likely to release a troll than Sybill, and that's saying something."

Pomona smiled absently as she listened to the banter, but her thoughts were racing. Severus had to be right; only a teacher would be able to avoid the castle's defences, but it was painful to think that one of their colleagues would betray them like that. She knew it couldn't be one of her fellow Heads; the very thought of putting the students in harm's way was anathema to them. Severus had an idea, and Severus' ideas were usually correct, but it looked like they were going to have to wait a bit longer to hear his thoughts. Reluctantly, Pomona returned her attention to her colleagues. All they could do for the time being was keep their students safe and stay alert.

Okay, I found this one more difficult to write and I'm not sure if I've done a very good job. Please review and let me know.