In a castle located miles away in Scotland, a place called Hogwarts, Severus Snape paced back and forth before his fire place. It was unlike him to be so nervous, but tonight he was worried. He knew there would be a meeting and he would be called. He had failed to attend the meeting that had taken place at the graveyard. The meeting that followed that one had been one of torture. It was full of reminder why you didn't cross the man most regarded as the most powerful wizard of their time.
Severus paused in his pacing to swallow down the remaining brandy in his glass. He quickly made his way out of his dimly lit dungeons up to the tower where Albus was waiting. The walk was pleasant and many of the pictures sat talking amongst themselves. He nodded as he passed the portrait of the founders that had been removed from storage the previous day.
The portrait had been found by chance really, the Grey Lady had come into the office while he met with Albus demanding that the portrait be hung beside the Great Hall. That of course led them on the query of where that portrait had been. The late Lady Ravenclaw has been most helpful in explaining how she had come across the portrait behind a hidden room in the trophy room. How they hadn't found that room before was a mystery to Severus but he wasn't one to argue with a ghost.
The founders had discussed with the headmaster before being allowed to be brought down into the area before the hall. Albus wanted to make sure there would be no negative comments or dangerous ideas being placed in his students minds. After the reassurances of the ladies in the painting they were placed on the wall to greet students upon entry.
Shaking himself from his thoughts before the statue guarding Albus's office Severus spoke the password to enter. He watched as the guardian, and eagle, spun slowly to reveal the stairs that lead up to the door. Climbing them he found the door was open and Albus was waiting for him.
"Severus! My boy how are you?" The man behind the desk asked with a twinkling in his eye.
"I am fine Headmaster."
"Good good! Tea? Lemon drop?" He asked popping one in his mouth.
"No thank you. What did you call me here for tonight?"
He stepped around the puffy chairs sitting before the desk and sat down. Carefully he adjusted his black robes and arched an expectant brow.
"Ah yes. Straight to business as usual. It concerns none other than young mister Potter." The twinkle disappearing from his blue eyes as his voice changed to a grave tone.
"And WHAT has the boy done now? Did his relatives fail to buy him the best present for his birthday? Did the boy not get enough attention for the Dark Lord's return? Is poor pitiful Potter unhappy with the newspaper's slander?" He spat unhappily, leave it to Albus to worry him about the brat.
"Now Severus," He started with sad eyes, "you know his life isn't like that at home. No this concerns moving him to Headquarters this upcoming Friday. Saturday is his birthday after all."
"Yes, yes, can't have the brat away from the mutt for his birthday. What of it?"
"Does the Dark Lord suspect? We must keep Harry safe."
"It has not been brought to my attention. The last I heard was that the boy was to be moved by port key."
"Ah well that is the issue."
The portrait behind the desks watched down with interest at the conversation below them. In particular the one of Phineas Black. He observed with his head full of thoughts. If they moved the boy that night, there would be trouble and Albus knew.
"What prey tell us the issue?" The dour professor inquired.
"Gaining a portkey seems rather impossible, even for me. Kingsley is having issues with the department restricting them for use for travel in the past few weeks."
"Travels for the summer no doubt. There are other ways to move the boy."
"Yes," he paused to sip his tea, "the solution I have requires polyjuice. I was hoping you have some?"
"Of course I do. But whatever for?"
The Dark Mark flared with heat of a call on his arm. Severus gripped his forearm and grit his teeth.
"Go on my boy you must not anger him with a long delay." Albus said sadly.
"I'll come back when I return."
"Ah let's not worry for that my boy."
Severus stood and strode from the office. His robes billowed behind him as he made his way across the grounds. At the gate he withdrew his mask from his pocket and placed it on his face. With a quick spin on his heel and a soft pop he apparated away.