Beginning of the End
Authors: Starchild and Saavik Chapter Seventeen: Logic is the Beginning of Wisdom, Not the End. ***Disclaimer*** See Chapter Seven.
When you see // ..// it means the person is thinking and not talking.
*********
Severus was genuinely upset. The staff meeting Minerva had asked him to arrange had not gone well. The other professors were not at all pleased to have more added to their workloads. With Albus gone the already stressed staff was hard pressed to fill his shoes. No one could quite believe all the man did. He never seemed busy or pressed for time. Severus secretly held the opinion the man used an illegal time-turner. It would be just like Albus to do so. //Hypocrite.//
To top it off Longbottom was still being bothersome. He had stopped his incessant pestering of Potter, but now had the habit of watching Snape. He seemed to be trying to figure the older man out. Severus was not at all interested in having Longbottom psychoanalyze him. //Albus is enough of an annoyance. Now Longbottom has decided to 'cheer up' the lonely professor. Pha. Why can't they handle the fact that I am HAPPY alone. Damn Gryffindors think everyone needs to run around laughing and playing pranks to enjoy life. I'd much rather sit back with a good book and a glass of incredibly strong tea. Merlin, I sound like Lupin.//
That thought only reinforced Snape's rather sour mood. The news that the werewolf would be returning did nothing to ease the strain of a new term. To add to that Albus had sent word he would be bringing not only a dozen American students with him to Hogwarts, but their teacher as well. //Bloody brilliant Albus. He obviously has had little to do with American teenagers. Well, Minerva will bear the brunt of their antics. Being Deputy Headmistress disciplining the little mongrels will be up to her.// This slightly cheered Snape. Not enough to be noticeable, however.
Sighing Snape moved on to his next grievance. At the meeting Minerva had dropped what for her was a bombshell. The MOM was worried that in light of the attack Hogwarts was in need of extra security. Personally Snape agreed. Dumbledore was over confidant in the wards. There was always a way around the wards. When he had been a spy he had been able to disapparate off the grounds. That was suppose to be impossible. But he and Voldermort had worked around it. Luckily the Dark Lord had never figured out how to apparate IN, only how to disapparate OUT.
Fudge had suggested they have dementors posted. After the debacle of three years ago and Crunch a year later, the staff had put their collective foot down. Since the break, Fudge could not force the issue. Minerva was able to convince them on a settlement. //Dragons.// This was not a problem to Severus. They had settled on three females. Charlie Weasley was to accompany them as their keeper. While Snape was none to fond of the Weasley family, he knew Charlie was a more than competent Dragon keeper. And the dragons chosen were all highly intelligent and trained. Contrary to popular belief some dragons were actually semi-sentient. It only happened after they reached a certain age. Charlie had struck an allegiance with a group of such dragons. In exchange for guarding Hogwarts the dragons got free 'grazing' rights in the forbidden forest. So long as they leave the centaurs, werewolves, and unicorns alone. They also would be allowed to roam the countryside of England, under strong anti-muggle wards. A privilege they had long been denied.
Minerva was dead set against the idea. Even if Snape had not approved of the concept, her adamant displeasure was enough to ensure his siding with Fudge. //First time for everything.// This was why he was now standing in the transfiguration Professor's office. She had called him here to discuss what in her mind equaled his tampering with her students. //Sheer revenge for my voting in favor of the dragons this is. Does she honestly think calling me in for scaring Longbottom when he stumbled in to my dungeons to drunkenly accuse me of working for Voldemort is going to cause me to.//
Severus's thoughts were interrupted by the aforementioned Professor rushing into the small cramped room. Pushing aside a pile of parchments she clasped into her chair. She did not offer Snape a seat. "What pray tell, did you do to the boy?"
"If you are referring to Longbottom, nothing. The boy came to see me to.express his concerns as to my loyalties. I set him straight and sent him back to bed."
"The child seems set on figuring you out Severus. He has been peppering the staff with questions about you. Everything from favorite food to childhood illnesses. What is he trying to accomplish?"
"I believe he is endeavoring to learn how my mind works. He, like Dumbledore, has decided I am in need of, I believe the word is cheer. I cringe at the thought of why he wants to know my favorite foods. The disaster can't even make a swelling solution, I hate to see what he would do to roast duck."
"You like roast duck?"
"Not really. I just refuse to inform you of what I do like. You would make sure the kitchens never fixed it again. And as for the duck, you can have them make it as often as you like. I neither care for, nor dislike it." Snape's eyes held an air of mischief as McGonagall's fell. She had been hoping to torture him with an all-duck-for-a-week menu. //Should have known he would never reveal anything I could use.//
"Just the same, leave Neville alone. And what are you doing to Harry? He seems to be constantly exhausted. And his temper is causing problems. He yelled at Hagrid yesterday and made him cry. Poor Fang was beside himself. Hagrid was afraid Harry didn't want to be his friend any longer. It took me a good hour to get Harry to apologize. And Neville told Sprout that Harry almost hit him the other night. All Neville asked was how the potion brewing was coming along."
"There is the problem. Longbottom has been showing far too much interest in Potter's activities this summer. I am of the opinion that Potter is simply fed up with the incompetent ramblings of the half-wit. As for Harry's temper, I have seen the problem and am working on it."
"WHY are you working on it! I am his head of house. You should have reported." Snape cut her off.
"You are ill prepared to deal with the issues that are plaguing Harry. The young man is in danger of going dark." At Minerva's outraged look, Snape continued. "I know you don't want to see it, Minerva. No one does. He has seen more evil in this world than most of Hogwarts put together and he is just 16. I am not saying he would join Voldermort. I am more worried he will defeat and replace him. Oh, not as evil personified, but as something more dangerous. A righteous hero. I model of conduct. He could be far worse than the Dark Lord. All his actions cloaked in light, motives seemingly pure, but in reality he would be lost. That is what I fear Minerva. His temper is but the start. The stress is getting to him. He needs to vent."
"I can not believe you are implying that Harry would EVER go dark!"
"All of us have the potential. I hope, by Merlin I pray, I am wrong. Let me be wrong. Oh gods, Minerva, let me be wrong."
"Potential. You would know about that. How is your DEAR friend's son, Draco doing? All ready to take the plunge? Perhaps we should let him start classes a few weeks late. Let him get a head start on his future."
"DO NOT EVEN JOKE ABOUT THAT! Draco is in danger of losing himself to his father's evil. Lucius use to be my friend. The man I knew is dead. In his place lives an abomination. Draco is a slave to that man's will. Have you never seen the bruises, the curse signs when he comes back from holiday? Well I have Minerva. And if it were in my power Draco would never return home again. But we can not prove anything, and Lucius is far to powerful for us to accomplish anything through the courts."
"Draco is a lost cause. The boy was evil from the start. Why Albus still tries with him is beyond me. Once a Dark Wizard, always a Dark Wizard. He has not once given an indication that he wishes to do anything other than follow his father's example. Logic would dictate we takes steps to neutralize the treat."
"Much appears beyond you Minerva. Draco is not yet a Dark Wizard, at least not that I am aware of. Perhaps I can yet keep him from that. Perhaps my mistakes can teach him. And logic, Minerva, is the beginning of wisdom, not the end." With a sad shake of his head Severus left the office. Minerva stormed after him into the hall.
"Severus Snape you listen to me. Draco Malfoy is not worth the space he takes up. Air is wasted on him. I hope he gets all that he deserves." Turning back into her office, she missed Snape's reply.
"So do I Minerva. But our ideas on what that is differ greatly."
A/N: Yes Minerva is being a bitch and Severus is out of character. His role as a spy has ended, presumably in the missing fifth year. This lets him stop some of his rather flamboyantly anti-social behavior. Although, he still is anti-social. I wouldn't have him any other way. And as for an evil Harry, we are not really making him evil. We just want people to worry a little. Snape's concerns are valid. Especially if Harry keeps repressing. And Neville's little preoccupation with the potions master? Nothing too serous. The man surprised him and Neville is rather grateful for Snape not killing him. He is also realizing he doesn't need to fear him anymore. His curiosity about Snape is an effort to humanize him. That and he is thinking a Christmas present might make the man smile. And he knows Snape will be hard to buy for so he is shopping early. No really, I'm not kidding.
As for the dragons. We think Charlie is hot. It was the only real way to work him in. As for Hagrid's reaction, Chapter 27 should deal with that and his fight with Harry.
Title and subsequent quote "Logic is the Beginning of Wisdom, Not the End" was spoken by Spock to Valaris in STVI: The Undiscovered Country.
R&R while you LL&P
Saavik
Authors: Starchild and Saavik Chapter Seventeen: Logic is the Beginning of Wisdom, Not the End. ***Disclaimer*** See Chapter Seven.
When you see // ..// it means the person is thinking and not talking.
*********
Severus was genuinely upset. The staff meeting Minerva had asked him to arrange had not gone well. The other professors were not at all pleased to have more added to their workloads. With Albus gone the already stressed staff was hard pressed to fill his shoes. No one could quite believe all the man did. He never seemed busy or pressed for time. Severus secretly held the opinion the man used an illegal time-turner. It would be just like Albus to do so. //Hypocrite.//
To top it off Longbottom was still being bothersome. He had stopped his incessant pestering of Potter, but now had the habit of watching Snape. He seemed to be trying to figure the older man out. Severus was not at all interested in having Longbottom psychoanalyze him. //Albus is enough of an annoyance. Now Longbottom has decided to 'cheer up' the lonely professor. Pha. Why can't they handle the fact that I am HAPPY alone. Damn Gryffindors think everyone needs to run around laughing and playing pranks to enjoy life. I'd much rather sit back with a good book and a glass of incredibly strong tea. Merlin, I sound like Lupin.//
That thought only reinforced Snape's rather sour mood. The news that the werewolf would be returning did nothing to ease the strain of a new term. To add to that Albus had sent word he would be bringing not only a dozen American students with him to Hogwarts, but their teacher as well. //Bloody brilliant Albus. He obviously has had little to do with American teenagers. Well, Minerva will bear the brunt of their antics. Being Deputy Headmistress disciplining the little mongrels will be up to her.// This slightly cheered Snape. Not enough to be noticeable, however.
Sighing Snape moved on to his next grievance. At the meeting Minerva had dropped what for her was a bombshell. The MOM was worried that in light of the attack Hogwarts was in need of extra security. Personally Snape agreed. Dumbledore was over confidant in the wards. There was always a way around the wards. When he had been a spy he had been able to disapparate off the grounds. That was suppose to be impossible. But he and Voldermort had worked around it. Luckily the Dark Lord had never figured out how to apparate IN, only how to disapparate OUT.
Fudge had suggested they have dementors posted. After the debacle of three years ago and Crunch a year later, the staff had put their collective foot down. Since the break, Fudge could not force the issue. Minerva was able to convince them on a settlement. //Dragons.// This was not a problem to Severus. They had settled on three females. Charlie Weasley was to accompany them as their keeper. While Snape was none to fond of the Weasley family, he knew Charlie was a more than competent Dragon keeper. And the dragons chosen were all highly intelligent and trained. Contrary to popular belief some dragons were actually semi-sentient. It only happened after they reached a certain age. Charlie had struck an allegiance with a group of such dragons. In exchange for guarding Hogwarts the dragons got free 'grazing' rights in the forbidden forest. So long as they leave the centaurs, werewolves, and unicorns alone. They also would be allowed to roam the countryside of England, under strong anti-muggle wards. A privilege they had long been denied.
Minerva was dead set against the idea. Even if Snape had not approved of the concept, her adamant displeasure was enough to ensure his siding with Fudge. //First time for everything.// This was why he was now standing in the transfiguration Professor's office. She had called him here to discuss what in her mind equaled his tampering with her students. //Sheer revenge for my voting in favor of the dragons this is. Does she honestly think calling me in for scaring Longbottom when he stumbled in to my dungeons to drunkenly accuse me of working for Voldemort is going to cause me to.//
Severus's thoughts were interrupted by the aforementioned Professor rushing into the small cramped room. Pushing aside a pile of parchments she clasped into her chair. She did not offer Snape a seat. "What pray tell, did you do to the boy?"
"If you are referring to Longbottom, nothing. The boy came to see me to.express his concerns as to my loyalties. I set him straight and sent him back to bed."
"The child seems set on figuring you out Severus. He has been peppering the staff with questions about you. Everything from favorite food to childhood illnesses. What is he trying to accomplish?"
"I believe he is endeavoring to learn how my mind works. He, like Dumbledore, has decided I am in need of, I believe the word is cheer. I cringe at the thought of why he wants to know my favorite foods. The disaster can't even make a swelling solution, I hate to see what he would do to roast duck."
"You like roast duck?"
"Not really. I just refuse to inform you of what I do like. You would make sure the kitchens never fixed it again. And as for the duck, you can have them make it as often as you like. I neither care for, nor dislike it." Snape's eyes held an air of mischief as McGonagall's fell. She had been hoping to torture him with an all-duck-for-a-week menu. //Should have known he would never reveal anything I could use.//
"Just the same, leave Neville alone. And what are you doing to Harry? He seems to be constantly exhausted. And his temper is causing problems. He yelled at Hagrid yesterday and made him cry. Poor Fang was beside himself. Hagrid was afraid Harry didn't want to be his friend any longer. It took me a good hour to get Harry to apologize. And Neville told Sprout that Harry almost hit him the other night. All Neville asked was how the potion brewing was coming along."
"There is the problem. Longbottom has been showing far too much interest in Potter's activities this summer. I am of the opinion that Potter is simply fed up with the incompetent ramblings of the half-wit. As for Harry's temper, I have seen the problem and am working on it."
"WHY are you working on it! I am his head of house. You should have reported." Snape cut her off.
"You are ill prepared to deal with the issues that are plaguing Harry. The young man is in danger of going dark." At Minerva's outraged look, Snape continued. "I know you don't want to see it, Minerva. No one does. He has seen more evil in this world than most of Hogwarts put together and he is just 16. I am not saying he would join Voldermort. I am more worried he will defeat and replace him. Oh, not as evil personified, but as something more dangerous. A righteous hero. I model of conduct. He could be far worse than the Dark Lord. All his actions cloaked in light, motives seemingly pure, but in reality he would be lost. That is what I fear Minerva. His temper is but the start. The stress is getting to him. He needs to vent."
"I can not believe you are implying that Harry would EVER go dark!"
"All of us have the potential. I hope, by Merlin I pray, I am wrong. Let me be wrong. Oh gods, Minerva, let me be wrong."
"Potential. You would know about that. How is your DEAR friend's son, Draco doing? All ready to take the plunge? Perhaps we should let him start classes a few weeks late. Let him get a head start on his future."
"DO NOT EVEN JOKE ABOUT THAT! Draco is in danger of losing himself to his father's evil. Lucius use to be my friend. The man I knew is dead. In his place lives an abomination. Draco is a slave to that man's will. Have you never seen the bruises, the curse signs when he comes back from holiday? Well I have Minerva. And if it were in my power Draco would never return home again. But we can not prove anything, and Lucius is far to powerful for us to accomplish anything through the courts."
"Draco is a lost cause. The boy was evil from the start. Why Albus still tries with him is beyond me. Once a Dark Wizard, always a Dark Wizard. He has not once given an indication that he wishes to do anything other than follow his father's example. Logic would dictate we takes steps to neutralize the treat."
"Much appears beyond you Minerva. Draco is not yet a Dark Wizard, at least not that I am aware of. Perhaps I can yet keep him from that. Perhaps my mistakes can teach him. And logic, Minerva, is the beginning of wisdom, not the end." With a sad shake of his head Severus left the office. Minerva stormed after him into the hall.
"Severus Snape you listen to me. Draco Malfoy is not worth the space he takes up. Air is wasted on him. I hope he gets all that he deserves." Turning back into her office, she missed Snape's reply.
"So do I Minerva. But our ideas on what that is differ greatly."
A/N: Yes Minerva is being a bitch and Severus is out of character. His role as a spy has ended, presumably in the missing fifth year. This lets him stop some of his rather flamboyantly anti-social behavior. Although, he still is anti-social. I wouldn't have him any other way. And as for an evil Harry, we are not really making him evil. We just want people to worry a little. Snape's concerns are valid. Especially if Harry keeps repressing. And Neville's little preoccupation with the potions master? Nothing too serous. The man surprised him and Neville is rather grateful for Snape not killing him. He is also realizing he doesn't need to fear him anymore. His curiosity about Snape is an effort to humanize him. That and he is thinking a Christmas present might make the man smile. And he knows Snape will be hard to buy for so he is shopping early. No really, I'm not kidding.
As for the dragons. We think Charlie is hot. It was the only real way to work him in. As for Hagrid's reaction, Chapter 27 should deal with that and his fight with Harry.
Title and subsequent quote "Logic is the Beginning of Wisdom, Not the End" was spoken by Spock to Valaris in STVI: The Undiscovered Country.
R&R while you LL&P
Saavik