Planning for a Better Future
Chapter Five
Theories and Research
Hogwarts
Snape's Office
Early Evening
Severus was going over his class syllabus for the beginning of the term when McGonagall knocked on his door. He barely looked up as she entered and sat across from him though he did say "I see Slughorn added back in the lessons I removed. A pity really, did no one warn him that these children are troublemakers?"
"I said he was confidant that as an experienced educator he could handle the class. I believe Poppy disagreed." She said with amusement.
"Some of us understand the nature of children. Then some of us think we are above natural law." He said in response.
"Indeed. I believe it was Horus' idea to put those lessons early in the term to begin with which was never well received. I do not think you have forgotten your own time as a student?"
"Unfortunately, no. I was one of a handful who did not almost remove a body part the first few weeks of potions." Snape said with a sigh. "However, I believe that very few have a head for advanced lessons even with proper training. I will not be accepting anyone below an Outstanding in the NEWT classes. It is far too volatile to allow anyone less than dedicated."
"I allow both Outstanding and Exceeds Expectations in my NEWT lessons. However, that is entirely up to your discretion unless the headmaster objects." She said as she poured the tea and passed him a cup.
"It is completely pointless, and dangerous, to take on students unwilling or unable to keep up at that level."
"I agree."
They sat in silence for a while, sipping the tea as he finished his lesson plan and put it away for the evening. She waited until his desk was clear and she had his attention. "I realize now that you must be bound to not say anything of value on the matter, but I do feel the need to ask. Are you still visiting there on a regular basis?"
Snape nodded but made no attempt to respond. He did not want to be questioned further about the family that had taken in the boy. He considered them friends, which he had very few of in his lifetime, and the boy was kept safe by lack of information. Luckily, she seemed satisfied with his answer for now.
Headmaster's Office
Dumbledore had been going over the list for several hours. He had made several astute guesses based on what he knew of Tom Riddle and had come up with three locations. Just three. The childhood home of Riddle's mother, a cave on a cliffside that Riddle visited as a child, and the boy Harry.
Chances were good that there were more of them. He assumed that there were more. It was a start, however. He assumed that at least one was also hidden among Riddle's followers. Not that the man would have told them what it truly was, just to keep it safe. The pieces he assumed were located already he should hand off to Snape.
If that boy was going to be useful to the cause this would be an easy enough test. Dumbledore nodded to himself before sending a message to Snape to meet him in the morning. It was late and he was ready for bed. There was no need to be rash. He would follow them of course, to ensure that they were able to locate the item and what ideas they had for its destruction.
Snape's Rooms
Late Night
Severus received Dumbledore's message as he was preparing for bed. He hoped it was about the horcrux. The quicker they found and destroyed them, the easier they would all breathe. It was impossible to know how many pieces had been created. Though Severus had estimated there to be no less than three still active.
Yuery was no longer a horcrux. Severus never would have suspected he had been if not for his mother's story about the Promised Day. It was not a story Severus would have repeated even if he had been able to do so because it would put them all in danger. However, he agreed with Edward that it should then be possible to destroy the other ones using alchemy should Edward find the correct array.
Failing that, there were other means. They could use fiendfyre if nothing else could be found. However, if they were to go with such an extreme answer, they would have to be very careful to keep it contained. Perhaps they could enlist Mustang's aide. Severus had no idea if Mustang would be able to harness the fire once the spell was cast, but he was the only possible option. Severus would take a moment to speak to him privately on the matter before he planned too far ahead.
Headmaster's Office
Early Morning
Dumbledore was already awake and dressed for the day when Snape arrived. None of the other staff were up and about yet, though it wasn't unexpected as it was summer. Most of the staff had left for the break, leaving only the Heads of House, the Medi witch, the headmaster, the groundskeeper, and the Divination teacher. Of course, the ghosts and house elves remained as well, so the castle never felt truly empty.
One had arrived just before Snape with a tray of tea and muffins and bowed before disappearing as Snape sat down. "You wanted to see me Professor?" Snape asked as Dumbledore poured the tea for them both.
"Yes, I believe I have narrowed down the search to a possible location. Should you and your…assistant… wish to explore the location and attempt to find an item." Dumbledore replied, before he wrote down the location on a piece of parchment to hand to the younger man.
"Thank you, Dumbledore. How did you come by the location if I may ask?" Snape replied as he took the parchment and put it in one of his pockets.
"I simply thought of likely locations based on what I knew of Voldemort. I did know him as a student after all and was aware of his difficult upbringing." Dumbledore replied.
"Many of us had difficult upbringings. It doesn't excuse anything he's done. It doesn't excuse the mistakes either of us have made either." Snape said.
"Nothing can excuse such things, Severus." Dumbledore said quietly. "However, I firmly believe in second chances. Should one truly wish to change. Like you."
"Like you." Snape replied.
"I never denied I have made many mistakes and am deeply indebted to the world because of them. I will not air my sins to you or anyone else. I will not pry into yours either." Dumbledore said, voice starting weak but growing stronger as he speaks.
"You know my sins Dumbledore." Snape replied as he stood to leave. "I know a great deal of yours as well. I will arrange a trip to explore with my associate. I'll be back in a few days, to let you know when we plan to head out."
"I do not know what you think you have discovered about me Severus, but I assure you, you do not know the whole story." Dumbledore said, not wanting the other man to think worse of him than he already did.
"I know enough Albus. I do not wish to know more." Severus replied. He stepped out of the room before Dumbledore could respond.