Two evenings later, Dumbledore came down to the dungeons to talk to Severus and Evangeline. He found them sitting in front of the fire, reading and enjoying a few moments of peace in each other's company. Peace that he was about to shatter rather spectacularly with his suggestions.
While Severus closed the door behind him, Dumbledore turned to Evangeline and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, my dear, but I have news for you."
Eager to hear what he had to say, Evangeline got up and offered her chair to Dumbledore. Then she went to sit on the arm of Snape's chair as he too sat back down to hear what plan the Headmaster had come up with.
She smiled at her friend. "It's not a problem, Albus. What brings you down here? Have you found a place for me to go?"
Dumbledore nodded at her seriously. "Yes, I have, if you're willing to do a little job for me while you're there."
Not liking the sound of this, Snape sat up straighter and frowned, but before he could speak, Evangeline laid a restraining hand on his arm. "I'm always happy to help, Albus. What would you like me to do?"
The old wizard smiled at both of them and leaned back comfortably in his chair. "Nothing either of you need to worry about. The hiding place I've chosen for you is quite isolated and safe, I assure you. I just want you to keep your eyes open while you're there for any suspicious activity on the part of a neighbor. There's a small cottage on an island off the northwest coast of Wales, in Caernarfon Bay, that would make a good, if somewhat quiet, refuge for you. The caretaker, Matthew Isley, and a pair of house elves, could see to your needs. You should be quite comfortable there. The cottage is on Clendenning Island."
Snape sat forward quickly in his seat. "Victor Clendenning?" He barked in a suspicious tone.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. His home is on the island. It's a rather imposing castle that clings to the cliff top on the outermost side of the island. He's the neighbor I'd like you to watch."
Snape shook his head, his frown deepening. "That doesn't strike me as a very good idea, Albus. While Clendenning is not actually a Death Eater, he is a supporter of Voldemort and close friends with many within the inner circle."
Dumbledore agreed. "Yes, he is. Matthew thinks something odd and potentially important is going on out there, but so far he hasn't had any luck finding out exactly what it is. I'd like him to have someone else there to help watch for trouble, someone who could get a message to me instantly, if necessary. You can move faster than owls through the paintings, Evangeline. I could really use your help, if you're willing."
Before Evangeline could even open her mouth, much less reply, Snape jumped in once more, scowling furiously at Dumbledore. "No! I won't have you putting Evangeline in more danger, Albus!"
A bit annoyed at his interference, Evangeline turned to Snape with a frown. "Why is it all right for you to risk your life, Severus, while I'm not allowed to do anything to help? This doesn't sound terribly dangerous, and why shouldn't I use my talents to help fight against Voldemort? He'd force me to use them for him if he could."
Sensing that he'd probably stirred things up enough and that the younger couple would need time to discuss his proposition alone, Dumbledore stood and prepared to take his leave. The others rose as well. "This would be a great help to me if you're willing, Evangeline. I'll leave the two of you alone to discuss the matter. Come see me in the morning with your decision. I'm sure I can find a less interesting hiding place for you, if you prefer." With that parting comment, he nodded good night and left Severus and Evangeline alone to consider his request.
As soon as the door closed behind the Headmaster, Snape crossed his arms and glared at his lover. "It's too dangerous! Clendenning is a known associate of Voldemort! He must know that Voldemort is looking for you. I won't have you throwing yourself into the path of danger like this. Albus should know better than to suggest such a thing."
Taken aback by his attitude, she glared at him in return. "So I'll go in disguise! Dumbledore doesn't want me to infiltrate Clendenning's home, only to watch from a distance and report. How dangerous could that be?"
"Don't be naïve, Evangeline! Disguises can be penetrated, and you should know that any contact with Death Eaters is dangerous!"
She raised her chin defiantly. "That doesn't stop you, though, does it? What you do is more dangerous than anything I could ever attempt. You lay your life on the line every time you walk out that door and join one of Voldemort's little meetings. How do you suppose that makes me feel? Spies can be found out, Severus, and the consequences are always brutal!"
Snape frowned and looked away. Evangeline put her hand gently on his arm and turned him back to face her. "Living in these times is dangerous, Severus. I need to be useful, just as you do. You ask me to watch and wait, while you're in danger. Now it's my turn to contribute, but this won't be nearly as dangerous as what you do. As much as I love you, Severus Snape, you don't own me. I still make my own decisions, and I've made this one. I'm going to Clendenning Island. Please, don't be angry with me."
He stared down into her serious eyes for a moment in silence, and then he suddenly reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm not angry." He whispered softly as he rested his face against her hair. "I'm scared. I can't bear the thought of losing you, as I almost did a few months ago."
She hugged him tightly. "Don't worry so. If it was that dangerous, I'm sure Albus wouldn't have suggested it."
Snape frowned darkly and held her tighter. "You don't know Albus as well as I do, Evangeline."