Kaylene Sinistra sat to his right, and Virgilio Caryk sat on his left. Both were former Slytherins, making the feast more tolerable. Severus found that most of the other Professors felt that the Welcoming Feast was the perfect opportunity to discuss house politics. Even the Hufflepuffs were insufferably superior. He sent a sneer down the table at Lynwood. He vividly remembered their last encounter. He gratified to note that the balding man cringed.
He winced internally as the sorting hat began it's song. It got worse every year. And, due to the fact that there were several times as many new bumbling students as there had been in the blissful past, the length of the song was extended accordingly. It had even added the Lightning House.
Thank every famous and deceased witch and wizard that he would not have to teach all of them. His province was now the older students, some of which actually had some wits.
As the excruciatingly long list of names was read out loud by Minerva, Kaylene leaned over to him. "I have a bet with Haily that she will lose her voice halfway through." Haily Sprout, as it turned out, was somewhat of a gambler.
He eyed Minerva. "That would be a shame." In truth, he respected the woman, even though she was the head of Gryffindore. It was quite enjoyable though, to find new ways to irritate her, which he did whenever possible. She repaid him in kind. There may have be an undertone of amusement when they shot barbs at each other during staff meetings, but few noticed.
Minerva was only just now getting through the 'L's when the doors to the Great Hall opened. A messenger came through the large doors at the end of the Great Hall, hurriedly walking down the aisle between the Lightning and Gryffindor tables. Of course, she wasn't trying to look hurried. And, as he neared the end of the long trek, she was slowed down, unable to keep up the pace. It was a rather long walk.
The students all whispered to each other; Though, do to the sheer number of them, it became a loud din. Many, like he, had undoubtedly figured out what this might be about. Say, the decoy train. Granted, few of them should have known about that, but rumors spread like a plague.
The woman went straight for Dumbledore and said something to him quickly. Severus watched carefully. He had picked up a slight skill in lip reading. He caught some of the words, even with the woman's face turned slightly away: Train, attacked, Potter (of course), Naga (did he see that right?), Injuries, forest, town, muggles, Ministry…
Virgilio asked, "what did you catch?" as Dumbledore stood up and walked over to Minerva, saying something to her. Severus repeated what he had caught, low enough that only the two beside him would hear. He couldn't tell what Dumbledore said, as his back was facing Severus, but he saw Minerva's face. The woman's face was lined with worry, showing off her age. Then he remembered -her brother was there, helping. Some idea of Potters -he didn't know exactly what.
Dumbledore cast a charm on his throat, and his voice boomed out through the Hall. "Students, you have a right to know what is happening in regards to Voldemort, as you, though you may be children, are also caught up in the war. So I will tell you this: Voldemort has in fact attacked the Hogwarts Express." At this announcement, excited cries, gasps, and murmurs burst out of many, teachers and students alike. His trained ears caught Fluer translating for some of the French teachers on the other side of the table. "Silence! Now, this is indeed shocking. Keep in mind what kind of man Voldemort-" Dumbledore plowed through the slight burst of noise at his name "-is, and what he will do. A few lost their lives, and many were injured, in spite of our preparations. They gave their lives, and we have caught several dozen Death Eaters. All of them will be tried for their crimes."
There were cheers at this. Severus' face was as blank as ever. He could not help but wonder who had been caught, whose friends and family would now face Azkaban -though rightly so. He himself deserved to be there.
Dumbledore looked down at the group of first years, all wide eyed and uncomfortable. Albus was ever so fond of children; Must be part of his eccentricity. "Now, I we shall continue the sorting. Proffessor Vector, if you would. And if the Heads of House would follow me, we shall attend to the matter at hand."
Severus stood and acknowladged Kaylene with a nod. He strode towards Dumbledore and Minerva, not giving a second thought to the meal he wouldn't have a chance to eat. Hunger was a small pain, easily ignored.
Once they were out of the Great Hall, Dumbledore gave Haily and Filius some instructions, such as the notices he had panned to give the students and the end of the Feast. As the messenger led them to the entrance of the school, the headmaster gave them a very short version of what happened. Basically, the train was indeed attacked, though all the Death Eaters had been taken care of.
Then Albus sent the other two back to the Hall.
Severus asked, "Where, exactly, are we going?"
Albus answered, "To the ministry. From what I gather they encountered an unexpected difficulty." At this, the messenger snorted.
They came reached their destination, and came upon a short gray haired man. He robed were ripped and filthy. "Darrick."
The man replied, "Dumbledore. They might be at the ministry by now-"
"Take us there then. You may elaborate when we get there -I have a feeling this will be a rather long story."
************************************************************************
It took them several hours to get into the Ministry, despite Dumbledore's prestigeous presence. He and Minerva sniped at each other to pass the time. Finally, they entered a waiting room, containing Potter and several of the others who had been on the train. They all look beaten and worn.
Potter himself was leaning against to wall, his eyes closed. His robed were tattered so much that Severus could see the muggle clothes beneath. Blood staines were everywhere, and he had a deep gash on his left forearm. His hair was a mess, sporting twigs and leaves. 'Ah, so many insults come to mind.'
"Grahm, Karen." Dumbledore acknowledged. He conjured chairs for him and the three who followed him. The woman named Karen spoke up, "We've been debreifed by the ministry already, and the Death Eaters are all contained." She wiped at her face, smearing blood and dirt, which was already covering both the hand and the cheek.
Black came into the room, followed by an Auror. "Albus, Minerva… Severus." Snape eyed the scruffy man. 'Gee, he actually acknowledged me. The happy delirium follows.' His expression never changed. "Where's-" Black cut himself off noticing him godson resting against the wall. Severus too looked, and frowned. Potter still hadn't moved.
As Sirius went over to his godson, another man said, "We took all the seriously injured to St. Mungo's. Minerva, your brother is fine, just a few broken bones, bruises and scrapes." Severus saw Minerva's face tighten in her effort not to show her relief. Then he heard a slight sound, and snapped his head back to Black and Potter.
