Disclaimer: Obviously, since this is fanfiction, I don't own the characters or the world. Those belong to JKR, etc.

Chapter 27: Clarence T. Allen

Severus wrote a very careful reply to Allen and sent it off. Harry went back to the Ministry to make a report and pull everything they had on him. Severus told him to see if the Americans would send over their dossiers—anything would be helpful.

They dropped discussion of the situation while they finished showing Millie around and going over her duties. Then it was time for dinner.

Millie nervously adjusted her robes before they walked into the Great Hall. "I still feel like I'm wearing a costume," she muttered to Hermione as she followed the Snapes to the staff table.

"You'll get used to it," said Hermione. "Most of these kids live in the wizarding world, so they'll be more comfortable if you're dressed like this during working hours. Rest of the time, feel free to wear whatever, as long as you're not running around naked."

"Tempting, but there's too many teenage boys around to make that an attractive prospect," Millie replied. She slid into the seat next to Hermione and swallowed as she looked around the room at the tables filled with noisy students.

Severus lifted his wand and muttered, "Sonorus." His voice was suddenly louder. "Could I have everyone's attention for a moment?"

The students quieted down and looked at him. "I'd like to introduce a new member of our staff. Millicent Gray, soon-to-be Weasley, is our new school counselor. Her office is on the fourth floor. She will be available during the day to offer advice to students regarding personal matters. You may still take academic matters to your Heads of House, and personal matters may be dealt with by them or by the prefects, but they may recommend that you see Miss Gray, particular with more complex situations. She is required to keep what she is told confidential, so you need not fear gossip if you need help. She is to be treated with respect in our halls, and any students disrespecting her position will face harsh punishment. She may hold a new place in our school, but that is no reason to disregard her. She has authority to assign detention and to grant and remove house points, just like all other staff members. Understood?"

The students nodded, and Severus dismissed them to their dinner.

Millie leaned over Hermione to ask, "Why didn't you say I'm a Muggle?"

"They don't need to know that," said Severus. "We'll see how it goes, in case you need some jinx-repelling charms. Argus, our caretaker, has had difficulties with students who are aware that he cannot use magic, and I wish to establish your authority first before it becomes common knowledge."

"Thanks," said Millie. "I appreciate it."

...

Hermione finished marking homework and wandered into their bedroom, to find Severus already in bed, reading. She changed into nightclothes and crawled in next to him. "So, tell me about this Clarence T. Allan," she said.

Severus put his book aside and drew her close. "I was wondering when you'd ask," he said lightly. He sighed and took a moment to assemble his thoughts.

"I met Clarence during my Mastery. My master and his were old friends, and were working together on a project over in France. Clarence and I had both been brought along. It was the year after the Dark Lord was first vanquished, and I was a wreck. I'd poured myself into my work, caring about nothing, because Lily was dead, and it was my fault. Albus let me take a year off teaching to complete my Mastery, and to get myself sorted out.

"It worked. When you're constantly working with dangerous potions, you can't afford to wallow. I put myself back together during that year, though I wish I'd been a bit more thoughtful about it.

"Clarence was a chatterer, so I learned a great deal about him, though he knew little about me, other than what happened to be common knowledge.

"He's an American pureblood, from one of the older wizarding families of the American South. Royal blood, in his own way. He didn't care about purity of blood so much, though." He smiled. "The Americans dealt with that in the 1860s."

"The American Civil War?" said Hermione.

"Yes," said Severus. "It was fought over more than one issue. It wasn't just slavery and states' rights. It was also purity of blood, and what that meant for slavery. There's a few wizarding histories of America in the library—you should check them out. They'll help you understand what we're up against, and they're interesting."

Hermione snuggled closer. Severus stroked her hair and continued. "Clarence likes power. He particularly relishes the power that the Dark Arts offer."

"Not surprising," said Hermione.

"No," Severus agreed. "It takes a rare person to pull away from the lure of power that one can find in the Dark Arts. Clarence used to ask me questions about the field. Some I answered, some I didn't. From what I recall, he's quite arrogant. Overconfident. Certain that he will get his own way."

"So was Voldemort," said Hermione. "In the end, that was his downfall."

"Hubris does help us deal with people like them," said Severus. "I believe that, unless Clarence has changed greatly, it is quite likely that I have more raw power than he. You may be more powerful, but he's older than you and has studied longer. The danger lies in that we don't know how many associates he has. He's unknown in this country, and that's probably told against him in his bid for power, especially because he faked his own death some years ago. A dead man who can't prove his own identity isn't necessarily trustworthy. But there are always those who will side with those of power, particularly when their power is darker. And Clarence has a way with words. I wouldn't be surprised if he had at least a few very devoted followers."

Hermione sighed. "In other words, this may or may not be easy, and we have no way to tell."

"Precisely," said Severus. "However, I remember that he also lacked innovation. Between his arrogance and his lack of creativity, we probably hold the advantage. And remember, he's not connected enough in the country to realize that we went to the Aurors."

"Is he an idiot?"

"Only sometimes, which, I believe, makes him more dangerous. It means he may not be as predictable as we should wish."

She groaned. "I keep hoping that this will be over, that we won't have to worry about these kinds of things anymore. Then I remember how naïve that is."

"We won't be going in unarmed, love," said Severus. "And, speaking of, we should have duelling practice this week. It's been a while."

"Mmm-hmm," said Hermione, running a finger down his nose. "Severus?"

"Yes, dear?"
"I'm scared shitless."

He chuckled. "Me, too." He pulled her up so he could kiss her. "Fortunately, I know a wonderful way of coping with fear."

"Oh? And what does that entail?" she enquired, starting to unbutton his pajama shirt. He tangled a hand in her hair and gave her a more thorough kiss.

"I think a practical demonstration might be in order," he murmured into her ear.

Author's Note: Sorry this took a little longer to get up-I know what's happening but I don't have it all written yet, and I'm trying to finish my master's thesis, which is higher on my list of priorities. This is a nice break from writing about phrasal verbs, though.