Chapter Eighteen

The morning after the ball came too quickly for some of Hogwart's inhabitants. Most of the students were still sleeping after the late night before, taking advantage of the lack of weekend classes.

Severus had awakened earlier to the scratching of an owl on his bedroom window. Dumbledore had sent him a letter asking him to attend the staff meeting and brunch scheduled to begin in a few hours. After dressing and preparing for the day, Severus slowly made his way to the staff room and took his usual seat. He sat alone for a few moments, staring at the fire, before the other teachers started to arrive. Severus noted with interest that Ron and Ginny Weasley followed their cousin into the room, taking the final two seats at the table.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and looked pointedly at the two students, then addressed Dumbledore. Albus, it was my understanding that this meeting was called to enlighten the staff about last night's attack on Professor Shorelake. Why are there students in attendence?

Minerva, I appreciate your concern, but there is something that Valerie would like her cousins to know, and I felt that it was best that she only be required to tell the story once. My dear, whenever you're ready you may begin.

All eyes in the room turned to Val, and she cleared her throat nervously before staring down at her hands. After a minute she raised her chin, and a determined glint appeared in her eyes. She cleared her throat and began her story.

I met Edward when I was eleven years old. It was my first day at the American Academy, and I was terrified. It was the first time I'd ever been away from home for more than a night or two. I sought refuge in the garden away from the other students, and cried my heart out. An older boy, one of the student advisors, found me and comforted me, and we became good friends. I trusted Edward, and spent most of my time with him for the next few years. We started dating in his final year of school, and he took a job nearby after he graduated so he could be close to me. I loved him so much it never occured to me to ask what he did for a living. Edward proposed to me on the night of my graduation, and I accepted happily. I wanted a long engagement so I could get my degree and become a professor, so we decided to wait.

About a year ago Edward started pushing me to set a date for our wedding. I wasn't ready. I was almost done with my degree and I wanted to find a job before making plans. Edward was starting to make me uncomfortable. His behavior changed, and it almost seemed like he wanted to threaten me a few times. I was starting to reconsider my future with Edward. I wasn't happy with him any more. I knew there was something that he was hiding from me, so I decided to find out his secret.

I followed him the next time I was suspicious of his leaving the house. I saw Edward join a large group of Death Eaters at a Dark revel. I couldn't watch them torture the Muggles that they had captured, so I snuck away and returned home to pack my things. Edward returned before I could leave, and I confronted him. He was proud of being a Death Eater, and he told me that he was the leader of Voldemort's American forces. I managed to apparate away before he did anything to stop me. I was afraid Edward would come after me, so I moved to England and applied for the job here at Hogwarts, thinking I would be safe. I didn't see Edward again until last night, when he attacked me in the hallway. Luckily Professor Snape was in the corridor and prevented my kidnapping.

After Val finished her story there was silence for a moment. Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet and said, I believe that precautions must be taken in order to ensure Professor Shorelake's safety. She needs to be protected from any future Death Eater attacks. Severus, because you have the most knowledge about Voldemort's followers, I would like you to be the one to watch over her.

Severus started to protest. Albus, I'm not sure that is a good idea...

Dumbledore merely shook his head. Professor Shorelake is extremely talented in the area of potions, Severus. I think you should put her knowledge to good use while you keep her company in her free hours, in the evenings and on the weekends. She can be your research assistant.

Dumbledore turned to the rest of the staff. I would like to ask the rest of you to be on guard, and report any suspicious activity to me at once. And Mr. and Miss Weasley, I trust you to keep your cousin's confidence in this matter. I do not believe she would object to sharing her story with Mr Potter and Miss Granger, but please do not tell any of the other students. Now, it is time for brunch. I trust you are all hungry by now.

He gestured, and plates appeared in front of each person at the table. Val glanced at Snape from across the table. His face was impassive, but she had the vague impression that he was displeased with the arrangement.

After the meeting Oliver drew Val to the side of the room. Are you okay? he asked her softly as he scrutinized her face.

I'm fine, Oliver. Don't worry about me, she replied.
Well, if there's anything you need... he was cut off in the middle of his sentence by the sudden appearance of Snape at Val's side.

Professor, I think we should continue to my laboratory and discuss research options, if it is convenient of course.

Val smiled at him and startled him by taking his arm. Of course, Severus. I'll talk to you later Oliver. Shocked at her reaction, Snape led her wordlessly out of the staff room and up the hall towards his office.