Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 33

"Professor Snape?" Sage hesitantly called out after there had been no answer to her knocking.

"Come in," he finally declared, sounding exceptionally annoyed.

She slowly opened the heavy oak door to his office, unsure of why she had been called there in the first place. He didn't even bother looking up to her until she reached the chair across his desk.

"You wanted to talk to me?" she said in an attempt to finally make him speak.

"Indeed, Miss Selwyn," he began, seemingly having to gather his words before continuing, "Last night, three students attempted to steal the sword of Gryffindor from my office."

Sage gasped, knowing who exactly these three students must have been. How could they possibly so reckless? Trying to downplay her unintentional reaction, she pretend to be outraged instead of worried.

"I can't believe how impudent these students have become! It's a shame they don't know how to behave anymore," she complained in an infuriated manner.

"They are children in times of war, Miss Selwyn. Such behaviour was to be expected," he noted, not in the slightest assimilating to her scandalised tone.

Sage was stunned. Snape of all people showed understanding, empathy even, towards Neville, Ginny and Luna. Never in her life would she have anticipated such a reaction from him.

"I guess you are right," she admitted, unsure of what to think of his unusual behaviour, "Why did you ask me to come, though? Can I be of help in any way? Handle their punishment maybe?"

"No, Hagrid will take care of that," he explained, before meeting her gaze in an unsettling manner, "I'd like to hear a bit about your observations. On the students, in particular. What's the mood among the body of students?"

"If I understand correctly..", she hesitated, "you want my personal insight on the situation?"

"Precisely. I like to pride myself with having quite a clear idea of whom to worry about this school year, yet.. I suspect I'm still somehow missing something."

Sage felt like all the blood from her face was drained in an instant after registering what he had just told her. Snape seemed to be right on their tail, even though she couldn't be sure how much he actually knew (if anything at all). She needed to act wisely now. This was her only chance at damage control.

"I doubt that," she explained, trying her best to sound confident in her claims, "Those troublemakers don't really try to hide their resentment towards you and your cause. Being discreet doesn't seem to be a strength of theirs."

"Is this the impression you got?"

"Yes, Professor. I'd like to remind you that we are dealing with children at wartime, as you put it so nicely before. They are scared, sometimes for their life even. Of course they are going to lash out every now and then. Though I'm still somewhat surprised to learn what kind of measurements they resorted to, I'm quite confident it's the farthest they'll dare to go. Fear might act as a motivator in some respects, but it also is the one thing that holds people back from doing something stupid."

"So you'd advice me not to worry?"

"In my humble opinion, the students of Hogwarts are scared, sometimes too scared even. I see their faces, hear their whispers, everyday, not only in class but also during their leisure time. You certainly won't have to deal with much more radical renitence, but I could still make some suggestions on improving the situation, if you'd like me to."

"You think there is something we can do?"

"Indeed. You can't really make the students feel less afraid during such unprecedented times, but if you are clever enough, you can use their fear to your advantage."

Sage struggled with every word she said, unsure of how much of them actually reached Snape. She felt like she was talking herself right into trouble instead of lowering any of the professor's suspicions. It was quite challenging to remain inconspicuous whilst still trying to quiet down his doubts.

"I have to admit, you've piqued my interest, Miss Selwyn. Would you care to elaborate on that?"

"I'd be honoured, but I'll need some time to prepare."

"Another day then."

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Author's note: Thank you so so so much for your kind words!! They put a smile on my face the entire day!!!

I hope this chapter finds you well and you leave me some of your thoughts on it!! Wishing you all the best!! :-)