Nightbirds

And when the wind draws strong

Across the cypress tress

The Nightbirds cease their songs

So gathers memories.

-Loreena McKennitt, "Courtyard Lullaby"

Ten days after the term has ended

It was uncommon for a teacher from Hogwarts to be contacted during the summer holidays, unless there was a bloody good reason for it.  After nearly a year of living in the bizarre manse amongst their pupils and fellow teachers, the professors usually needed the weeks to recuperate and prepare for the next year.  It was uncommon for one to be contacted by Dumbledore, but not unheard of.  So there was a reason.

Which is why Severus Snape, the Potions Master, found himself storming into the castle ten days after the term had ended.  He changed residence nearly every summer (his large dungeon-esque home no longer in use, nor did he care to return there), but somehow, the eccentric old wizard had found him.  This shouldn't have surprised Snape, given Dumbledore's abilities and the present situation, but it did, nonetheless.


Hagrid was waiting for him in the lobby, Fang sitting beside him, the latter growling at the Potions Master.  "Dumbledore's waitin' fer yer in his office," he said, not bothering to give him a second glance.  Snape was not amongst his favorite in the Hogwarts staff, nor was Hagrid in any higher esteem with him.  Snape nodded curtly and went up the stairs, but turned back.

"Hagrid, do you know what this is about?" he asked.


Hagrid raised one bushy eyebrow.  "Not supposed ter tell yer," he said dodgily.  "Dumbledore's orders."


Snape did not reply, but continued his trek up the pendulous staircase. He walked slowly, unsure of whether he actually wanted to hear what was going on.  After the last month, Snape had begun to live in a constant state of apprehension.  Voldemort was back in power and, from what Potter had said, was thirsting for Snape's blood.  In truth, he had given much thought to leaving the Death Eaters before the Potters were killed, but found that it was more difficult than he realized. Dumbledore had told the Ministry that Snape had left the Death Eaters before that night, but was acting as a spy. But that had not been the case.  It was after Voldemort disappeared that Snape had changed sides. He had had a very good reason (in his mind at any rate) for his change of heart.  Only one person could inspire him to give up that much power.

But she was dead now.

He remembered that night years ago, when Dumbledore had sent an owl to him during his years amongst the Death Eaters as a spy. 

Severus-

Three Death Eaters attacked young Harry Potter last night.  His godmother was there, keeping watch over him.  There is no easy way for me to say this. Tinuvial is gone from us.

                                                                                                            Albus Dumbledore

The next day, Snape had arrived at Hogwarts.  He had stopped being a spy amongst the remaining Death Eaters. It had taken all of his self-control to not kill the lot he was with.  There, Dumbledore had made him Potions Master and he had been there since.  But when Harry Potter had arrived, with his scar and face so much like that of his school year enemy, completely unaware that the best life had been laid down for his own, Snape developed a deep hatred for the boy.  Every time he looked at the popular Potter- so much like his father- Snape could only see that Tinuvial – the one person he could truly call a friend- died for him.

But now he had arrived at Dumbledore's office.  He stood outside it for a moment, until he heard Dumbledore call him in.  Somehow, the old wizard knew that he had been outside.  Snape pushed the door open.  Merlin knew what was about to happen.