Who's ready for the second task? Ah well! You're going to have to wait another week! ;) Enjoy!
Chapter 10: Celebration and Information
"Go on Harry, read it!" Ron urged when Harry, Hermione, and Ron were finally left alone.
Day by day, year by year, you will always find
In dark or light, calm or fight, I'm deep inside your mind.
You can't see me, nor hear thee, though I am always near
Use your mind and you will find, the greatest of your fears.
Harry looked at it; puzzled. Was there a hidden meaning or was it that simple?
"Your fears, Harry! You will face your fears!" Hermione exclaimed. "What did Professor Dumbledore do with the Mirror of Erised?" she asked.
"He told me he destroyed it," Harry replied. "But Hermione, the Mirror shows your greatest desires, not fears."
"Oh, I had forgotten," Hermione said.
"Well, your fear can't be that bad. I mean, You-Know-Who would be your greatest fear, right?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded, though deep down he knew it wasn't just Voldemort. It was Voldemort taking everyone away from him, and Harry losing the inevitable battle that would come.
"Severus, have you had a chance to read the scroll yet?" Dumbledore asked from behind his desk. Dumbledore had wanted to discuss any rumours of the Voldemort, but apparently not.
"No, the brat has had it since the first task," Severus answered.
"Before the next task, I must tell you very important details of what is to come," said Dumbledore. "You see, the second task will consist of conquering your greatest fear, and facing the Mirror of Erised. Both of which were Professor Umbridge's idea. Both of those challenges, create a problem for you."
"No one must know of my situation," Severus completed.
"Exactly. We need to create a way for you to face invented fears and an invented desire, without destroying your persona," Dumbledore described. "If we were to momentarily erase your memories of Lily and anything that will destroy your cover, and implant fake desires and fears, we can overcome this difficulty."
"You want to erase my memories of Lily?" Snape asked slowly. Severus felt a sting of betrayal. Lily was the only thing that truly kept him going. She was the reasoning behind many of his actions in the past few years, and to have her taken away from him -even for a little while...
"Not permanently," Dumbledore responded upon seeing Severus' hesitation. "We will remove and replace your fears, desires, and memories after the task."
Snape took in a deep breath. Would he really sacrifice that much for a stupid tournament? -one he didn't even want to be in? Was it really worth that much? No, a voice told him in the back of his mind, this tournament isn't worth it. This has nothing to do with the war and everything to do with Potter wanting his Gryffindor victory. Aloud, he asked, "Is there not another way?"
"No, Severus," Dumbledore answered quietly, sitting back in his chair, obviously awaiting Severus' outburst. Severus was, predictably, growing angry.
"Why should I have to forfeit everything for a tournament I do not wish to partake in!" Snape growled. "I never wanted to be in this tournament! I never wanted to work with that Potter brat! Why should I have to give up everything I find worth living for? Why should I have to give you my most precious memories and forget them even for a little while? Why?"
Dumbledore place his face in his hands. He took a steady breath before looking up at Snape, his eyes looking weary. "Severus, I understand everything you do and sacrifice already. This must be one of those things. We cannot afford for you to be caught as a spy. Not yet."
Severus clenched his fists. Arguing with Dumbledore would not get him anywhere. He could shout and argue with Dumbledore all night -all week- if he wanted to in order to get his way. Severus bit back a hurtful remark and with ease made himself look impassive. He pushed back all feelings into a tiny crate in the back of his mind and noticed for the first time he was standing. He folded his arms and did his best to remain calm. With a resigned sigh, he replied, "Whatever it takes to prevent suspicion."
"Thank you, Severus," smiled Dumbledore.
Snape had decided he would find Potter after dinner, retrieve the scroll, and then go to Dumbledore's office before the task tomorrow morning.
"Potter, I need the scroll. It will not do for me to be unaware of the challenges that lie ahead," Snape said calmly. He had added more walls around his mind. Potter could not do Legililmency, but it helped Snape with his temper. Especially after he learnt of Dumbledore's current plan for him.
"Here," Harry said, shoving the scroll at Snape. "See you tomorrow."
Snape turned on his heels and walked away. He didn't really need the scroll, but he wanted to prevent any suspicion that may arise... especially with the watchful eyes of Death Eater children.
"Ah Severus!" Dumbledore greeted when Snape entered his office. "I assume you are ready to undergo the removal and creation of your memories?"
Snape nodded once. Underneath his mask, he was seething. He did not want to let go of these memories. Let alone give them to Dumbledore. "Yes," he said evenly.
"Good," said Dumbledore. "If you could place your memories into this vial, and allow them to completely empty. Do not cling on to a single piece of Lily, your fears, or your role as our spy. I will emphasise on Lily, because she will certainly appear in the Mirror if you hang on to any memories."
Snape stood stiffly. "Whatever it takes," he replied and emptied everything he ever cared for into a tiny, cold bottle. He felt dead.