Snape had no idea what to do. Loathe though he was to admit it. He was sitting in Dumbledore's office, having come to inform him of the night's events. Well, an abridged version anyway. For some reason he wanted to spare the old man guilt, even though Snape felt that he richly deserved it. Sending me off there in the first place. What did he expect, that I would get a pat on the back for deigning to return and be welcomed back into the fold without a whisper. Things were never that easy. Now I have been set a task which will result in my death if I fail to achieve and I would rather die than achieve. Figure that one out if you will. Damn you Albus Dumbledore. Not that I suppose it is necessary, you can work for the side of the light and still be a monster. You know that almost as well as I do. Maybe that's why I didn't tell him…
"Now Severus, it can't be all that bad, we will find a solution to this dilemma."
The calm in his voice infuriated Snape beyond all belief.
"Dilemma?" He practically screamed. "I can see no way out of this that will not result in either my death or Potter's, and we all know which the wizarding world at large, not to mention you and I, would prefer. Also, considering that Potter's death by Voldemort's hand would return Voldemort to the power he had before Potter's mother played hero and saved the little brat from extermination."
And then he had it. It was really that simple after all. Harry's mother had known all along. His mind was whirring. In the background he could hear Dumbledore making indignant yet placating noises but he ignored him. Maybe, just maybe, there is a chance after all.
"Get him up here NOW!" he spat.
He was gratified by the look of confusion on the older man's face.
"Potter, I need to talk to him. Need to ask him, ask him about his mother, about Voldemort.
"Whatever for?"
"I believe there is a chance, a chance that we can exploit the same effect that his mother did. Cause Voldemort to transfer all his powers to another. Kill him while he is too weak to resist, certainly too weak to move to another plane. Finish him forever."
"I will not risk Harry's Life."
Not that you haven't countless times already. You mean you won't actively SEND him to his death. You should know by now there isn't a difference. I know.
"If I am right, it won't come to that. I believe I can brew a potion…"
"You always did solve everything that way in the end, didn't you Severus."
Snape's lip curled slightly. "I merely choose the most effective method." Not the one that looks most flashy.
"Very well, I will summon the boy here, we might as well both hear this together."
"Thank you headmaster." It was almost worth saying that, just to see the look on his face.
Snape barely managed to contain a smirk.
