DISCLAIMER: You know the drill. All of this belongs to the rich lady in Britain.

Thanks to MouldyBreadForVoldy, silverbirch, awaylaughingonafastcamel, Someone aka Me (and again :)), Macabre-Melody and anon (thanks for the tip) for reviewing.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: No action in this chapter… But it was fun to write! Tell me what you think – feedback is much appreciated.

CHAPTER 10: IN THE HEADMASTER'S OFFICE

Sirius and James were silent as they followed Dumbledore back to the castle, each lost in his own thoughts. James, now that the adrenaline had worn off, could hardly believe that he had risked his own life to help, of all people, Severus Snape. And the git hadn't even been grateful!

Sirius's mind was in turmoil. He was relieved – very relieved – that his friend was safe, he was furious with James for plunging into the tunnel without stopping to think and giving him the fright of his life, and he was livid with himself for having brought this all about to begin with.

Dumbledore was angrier than Sirius had ever seen him, and it seemed like a very real possibility that they might all be expelled. Personally, he did not particularly care if he was expelled, and he knew James would get along one way or another. But Peter would care.

As for Remus… It was just sinking in what consequences his friend might face if word of the night's events ever reached anyone at the Ministry. Unlike James and Sirius, Remus was not from an old and wealthy wizarding family. Even if James and Sirius were expelled, there were plenty of wizards and witches, even in the Ministry, who considered the names Potter and Black as good a qualification as a full complement of Outstanding NEWTs. If even that failed, there were vaults at Gringott's to supply them, and they would take care of Peter, too.

But Remus was too proud to take gold from anybody, even his best friends, and Sirius realized with a thrill of dread that he might have done irreparable damage to his friend's career prospects.

He also realized – a darker thought that he was trying to push away – that it was only because of extremely good fortune and Dumbledore's timely arrival that James was not lying hurt – or worse – either beside or under the Whomping Willow. Sirius had always prided himself on being different from the rest of his family. When his mother had pointed out to him that he had been given just as many detentions as Bellatrix for tormenting people, Sirius had said dismissively, "That's different – mine are just pranks. Nobody actually gets hurt."

The night's events could so easily have changed that.

The night's events, he admitted to himself with a deep sigh, still might.

"Padfoot," James murmured, very softly. Sirius turned to his best friend questioningly. "Don't worry. We'll be fine."

James did not sound as though he entirely believed that himself, but Sirius was grateful nonetheless.

Snape could not keep a spring from his step. He knew that he was in trouble – a lot of trouble. He had no proof that Black had told him anything, and Dumbledore would have seen no more than Potter chasing him down the tunnel trying to save him from the werewolf.

But there had been a werewolf. He had been right. He, Severus Snape, miserable half-blood, laughed at by everyone, had been right, and James Potter and Sirius Black, members of two of the oldest – and, as far as Slytherin House was concerned, the most respected – families in the wizarding world, were harbouring a werewolf.

It did not matter if he was expelled. If that was the price of proving to everybody – proving to Lily – how objectionable Potter and Black really were, then it was worth it.

His mind began to fill with visions… Lily, looking at him with awe, much as she had done when he had first told her about the wizarding world all those years ago. Lily filled with revulsion for Potter and Black when she found out that they had been abetting a werewolf. The Dark Lord greeting him, welcoming him as a lieutenant every bit as able and trustworthy as Bellatrix Black or Lucius Malfoy. Lesser servants of the Dark Lord watching him with envy as he took his rightful, hard-earned place at their master's side…

Severus Snape was content.

"Liquorice wand," Dumbledore said. The gargoyle sprang aside at once.

Another time Sirius would have filed the information away for future use – he and James had learnt from experience that Dumbledore was a better sport than most of the teachers, although he did have his own ways of keeping his office prank-free. But this time he simply could not muster the enthusiasm or the will. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that James had not perked up noticeably either.

The four of them followed Dumbledore into his office, standing in a silent row in front of his desk. Dumbledore sat down and rested his hands on the desk, looking from one of them to the other without saying a word. Sirius felt himself growing increasingly nervous.

"Clearly," Dumbledore said finally, "there is something of which I should be aware. Now, I know that it is impossible to expect all of you to agree on the facts of what happened. I will therefore listen to each of you, one at a time. When one of you is speaking, the others will not interrupt. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

They nodded, even Snape looking a little daunted.

"Good. Mr Snape, you may begin."

Snape plunged into his narrative eagerly.

"They tricked me, Professor Dumbledore – Potter and Black and Pettigrew and Lupin. A few days ago Black encouraged me to visit the Whomping Willow tonight at midnight. He told me to prod the knot on the trunk with a long stick. I thought – that is – I realized tonight what was in the Shrieking Shack. Clearly they were trying to have me killed by their friend."

"I see," Dumbledore said expressionlessly. "Mr Black told you to prod the knot on the Whomping Willow with a long stick, without giving you any hint of what would be waiting for you in the Shrieking Shack?"

"Yes, sir. Black told me, but I know they were all in it together."

Dumbledore ignored the last part of Snape's remark, asking instead, "And you, despite knowing that the rules explicitly dictate that students must not leave their Common Rooms, and certainly not leave the castle, after nine o'clock, obligingly followed the suggestion."

Snape flushed, but he said resolutely, "I thought it might be a matter of importance." Sirius had to admire him. Had Dumbledore been giving him that penetrating look over the top of his spectacles, Sirius would have confessed to every crime he had ever committed, including putting a Flobberworm down his Great-Uncle Phaeton's neck when he was four.

"I see," Dumbledore said again.

Snape's flush deepened.

"They were out of bed too!" he burst out.

"I am aware of that, Mr Snape," the Headmaster said. "I will discuss their actions with them in a moment. At the moment I am discussing your actions with you. Have you anything further to say?"

Snape swallowed.

"No, sir."

Dumbledore sighed.

"You would make this so much easier for everyone if you would be open, Severus. I have a far better idea of what happens in this school than most people realize. I know, therefore, that there is no love lost between yourself and Mr Black. It is highly unlikely that you would do anything because he asked you to."

"He did ask me –"

Dumbledore held up a hand.

"I do not dispute that. Very well, so Mr. Black asked you to go to the Whomping Willow tonight, prod the knot on the trunk and follow the tunnel. That does not explain why you did it."

Snape's face was the same colour as a phoenix's plumage.

"Severus?" Dumbledore prompted.

"I knew Lupin was a werewolf," Snape growled suddenly. "Or at least – I guessed. I knew he had to be one, disappearing every month; he must have thought we were all idiots. You must have thought we were all idiots. You've been putting us all in danger for the sake of –"

"Thank you, Mr. Snape," Dumbledore said quietly. "I believe I understand."

Snape fell silent, glowering. Sirius shifted uncomfortably, and felt James doing the same. What would happen to Remus now?

Dumbledore turned to James.

"Mr. Potter?"

James opened his mouth, and Sirius knew that whatever he did, he would not give his friend away. He would take as much blame as Sirius, and later say something ridiculously stupid about honour – something ridiculously Gryffindor about honour, as any other member of the Black family would describe it.

"No," Sirius said without thinking. James and Dumbledore both turned to look at him, Dumbledore frowning slightly.

"Mr. Black, I believe I said –"

"No – let me go first, Professor. Pro – that is – James'll try to make out that it's his fault and it isn't, really. He had nothing to do with it, he didn't even know until just now –"

"Very nice," Snape spat. "Lying to protect your friend. Or is it because you don't want him to be banned from another Quidditch match?"

"I'm telling the truth, you grea – Sniv – Snape," Sirius snapped, managing to make the last word sound like the direst of insults.

"Enough," Dumbledore said. "You have already told me your side of it, Severus, and if you have any objections to what Sirius has to say, you may make them after he has finished."

"But he's lying," Snape said, sounding outraged. "He's lying to get Potter out of trouble!"

"I will be the judge of that," Dumbledore said calmly.

"IT'S NOT FAIR," Snape bellowed. "YOU ALWAYS LISTEN TO THEM!"

With that, he turned on his heel and made for the door.

Ummm... On second thoughts, it seems a bit disjointed. But somehow I can't fix it. What do you think? Please review!