Chapter 16: Dinner at Hogwarts
"It is good to see you again, Alexander," Dumbledore stood smiling at him from behind his desk, "or are you to be referred to under a different name already?"
"We had the unfortunate luck of running into Professor Lupin when we first arrived," Snape answered, "And were forced to think of a name on the spot."
"Burdock, Finley Burdock." Alexander replied, arching an eyebrow suavely. Dumbledore chuckled slightly, though Snape looked bemused.
"Forget it. Muggle movie from a long time ago." Alex muttered.
Snape wrinkled his nose slightly, expression clearly reading, Oh, I see…
Dumbledore gestured for them to sit down which they complied, Snape choosing the huge armchair in front of the fire, leaning back and steepling his fingers together, the appearance of being relaxed. But Alex could see his shoulders were tense, almost as if her were awaiting something unpleasant and his black eyes kept flicking back and forth between Alexander and Dumbledore.
Alex looked dubiously at the cushy armchair in front of the Headmaster's desk before perching on the edge of it. Dumbledore settled behind the huge desk. Alex tried to focus on the ancient wizard, but his attention kept being dragged away by the various items in the room. He'd only been to the Headmaster's office once before, when he'd been a first year. That was before Dumbledore had become Headmaster, when Armando Dippet still held the position. He'd snuck into the Forbidden Forest, for a reason he couldn't remember now, but it was probably something ridiculous, and had been caught by Argus Filch, the Caretaker. Even now Alexander shuddered to think what Filch would've done if Dippet had allowed him to administer the detention.
In any case, the office had changed tremendously. During Dippet's time it had been rather bare with only the big desk and a few rugs thrown here and there. The only similarity were the numerous portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses that were leaning forward within the confines of their frames to peer interestedly at Alex. Other than that, the room couldn't have been more different. There were tables filled with an assortment of magical devices that whirred and clicked, more cushy chairs and a very squashy looking sofa, and behind Dumbledore stood an ornate cage in which sat a beautiful bird with splendid golden and red plumage. Alex did a double take before he realized that the bird was a phoenix. It gazed at him with soft brown eyes and let off a small trill, sending a slight shudder of pleasure up his spine.
"Well, Mr. Burdock," Dumbledore addressed him, "I must say you look much improved."
"Thank you, sir," Alex said softly, fingering the sleeve of his new robes.
"Have you possibly considered changing the color of your hair as well?"
Alex's eyes went wide, his hand flying up to touch the top of his head at this abrupt question. "Why would I do that?"
"You have inherited the one thing that all Weasley's possess," Dumbledore explained patiently.
"Obtuseness?" Snape muttered.
Alex jumped up and whirled on the tall man, his fists already clenching, causing Snape to lean back in his chair with slight surprise. However, Alex was stopped by Dumbledore's soft words.
"Professor Snape, as much as I respect your intelligence, it does not do to insult others' aptitude. And Professor Burdock I will ask of only one favor from you while you are in the precincts of this school, and that is not to spill blood."
"If I strangle him there will be no blood." Alex gritted.
Dumbledore gave a chuckle. "True, but you understand what I mean. Do not threaten to kill or horribly maim my Potions Master or anyone else in my faculty. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Alex grumbled giving Snape a dark look before slumping down into the armchair.
"Back onto the subject of your hair." Dumbledore said cheerfully, "I'm afraid you might be recognized. Any Weasley would recognize you immediately and as we have at the moment four Weasleys attending Hogwarts the risk would be too great."
"But we met with Professor Lupin before," Alex protested, "and I believe he would surely notice the change. I don't think I could come up with a suitable explanation as to why I dyed my hair."
"I wasn't thinking about turning it platinum blonde," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling, "But perhaps something subtle, so that Lupin nor anyone else wouldn't notice the change."
Alex caught the implied mention of others knowing about his being here and his mind thought back to the mysterious eavesdroppers earlier. But surely he can't know about that. It's not like he can read minds.
"Perhaps a lovely brown," Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
Alexander shrugged. "I suppose that it should be fine."
"Very good," Dumbledore smiled and waved his wand in Alex's direction.
Alex didn't feel anything happen and reached up to touch his head again.
"It looks good." Dumbledore nodded his head approvingly.
"Yes, quite a change for the better." Snape said softly.
Alex gripped the edge of his chair, reminding himself of the promise he made to the Headmaster. I will not kill him while inside this school…but I can't promise anything outside the boundaries of Hogwarts.
"Now, unless you have any other questions for me, Professor Snape will show you to your quarters." Dumbledore said, standing.
Alexander and Snape stood as well, but Alex leaned forward. "I do have one question." He waited for Dumbledore's nod before continuing, "What will happen to me?"
"Nothing is certain for now, Alexander," Dumbledore murmured, his blue eyes showing the same sadness that seemed to ache in Alex's heart, "But we will do all in our power to protect you and help you to reestablish your life. It is a hard road ahead, but I am confident you will be able to make the trek and hopefully come to terms with tranquility once again."
Alex nodded, swallowing hard, and bid the Headmaster farewell before following Snape out of the room once again.
Both men were silent as they walked down the hallways. The school was almost oppressively quiet, but neither seemed to notice, each wrapped up in his own thoughts. Snape suddenly stopped and turned towards Alex.
"Weasley…" He started.
"Be careful what you say Snape, even the walls have ears," Alex said, pointedly looking at a portrait of a rather dour looking man with extra long mustachios.
"Burdock," Snape gritted, "I have a question of my own for you. Why do you want to kill me?"
"Why do you want to humiliate me and my family? Why do you want to accuse people I love dearly of betrayal?" Alex shot back.
Snape folded his arms, pulling himself up to his full height. "I asked you first."
"I believe I just answered you." Alex said, staring fearlessly up at the imposing Potions Master.
Snape's black eyes glittered unpleasantly. "I have lived almost my entire life not trusting anyone, Burdock. I take reasonable doubt into consideration for everyone." Snape stepped back a step as Alex's normally haunted eyes flashed suddenly and he seemed to grow a foot higher.
"Reasonable doubt?" His voice was strangled, his hands clenched into the folds of his robes, "Reasonable doubt? Do you think they gave me the consideration of reasonable doubt before they locked me up and threw away the key?"
Snape seemed to dredge up some vestiges of courage. "Shh, Burdock, even the walls have ears." He reminded him, placing a hand on the shorter man's shoulder.
Alex shook it off with contempt. "Don't touch me."
The Potions Master stared hard at the furious man, who, even so soon after his mad outburst, was quickly retreating back into his shell, his eyes returning to their normal deadpan gaze. There's someone in there, he thought to himself, there's a human still there, even after all those years in Azkaban and I've just seen a part of him.
Alex stood by the window in his chambers staring out over the school grounds. The sun was going to set soon, the sky already turning a deep red. Alex had been standing here since Snape had escorted him to the room earlier. He hadn't bothered to tour the rooms or even to check his luggage. He had merely stood at the window, lost in thought, the memories of his school days rushing around his head.
There was a tap on the door, dragging him back to the present. "Come in."
"Burdock, it's time for dinner." Snape's voice announced with its usual sneer, "Dumbledore would appreciate it if you made an appearance so he can introduce you to some of your future students."
Alexander turned and followed Snape down the hallway keeping his eyes carefully trained on the ground three feet in front of him. Neither man acknowledged the Fat Friar, who huffed, "Well, I never!" before disappearing through a wall.
When they reached the Great Hall, Alexander paused, taking in the site of the place he remembered so well. The candles floating in the air, the bewitched ceiling that showed the now darkening sky outside—all was as he recalled. Only, instead of the five tables, four for each house and the High Table for the faculty, there was one long table running through the middle of the room. Dumbledore and a few of the other professors were already seated, including Lupin and McGonagall.
Snape had thrown Alex a disdainful look before sweeping into the room and pulling out a seat next to McGonagall. Some of the other professors looked up at his entrance, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the hesitating Alexander in the doorway. Alex moved forward, trying not to show the uncertainty he felt, sitting in between Snape and Lupin. Lupin smiled at him, Snape didn't even look at him, while the some of the others stopped their conversations to stare at the newcomer.
He hasn't told them about me.
Dumbledore had smiled at Alex, before continuing the discussion he was having with a very short professor. Alex didn't attempt to make a conversation with either Snape or Lupin, contenting himself with staring at the tablecloth.
Harry and Ron walked down to dinner, talking about their favorite subject, Quidditch.
"Griffin Flanders is the best Seeker the Chudley Cannons have had in years." Ron was protesting stoutly, "They'll be sure to win at least one game this year."
"Honestly, Ron," Harry said shaking his head sadly at his best friend, "I don't know how you got obsessed with the Cannons in the first place. They haven't one a game in over fifty years."
"They were the first team I'd ever seen play Quidditch." Ron declared, "And they only lost by a hundred points. Percy took me to the match and kept telling me that they would start winning again someday…all they needed was…"
"Talent?" Harry asked, rolling his eyes.
"No. The chance to prove they can do it."
"And you believed him? This is Percy you're talking about.
"I know, I know." Ron shrugged, "He can be a bit of a know-it-all sometimes, as well as a holier-than-thou git, but he does make some good points."
"And you've liked the Chudley Cannons since. That explains a lot."
They entered the Great Hall, stopping to take in the rearrangement of the tables.
"Wow," Ron said, "I guess there really aren't that many people staying over Christmas."
"Their parents are all probably worried Vol-er You-Know-Who will storm Hogwarts at any moment." Harry rolled his eyes again. In his mind, Hogwarts was safer than any place else in the world, mostly because Dumbledore was here. Wherever he was, Harry only truly felt safe when Dumbledore was near.
They walked in and Ron tugged on Harry's sleeve nodding towards the end of the table. Harry glanced up to see the new professor seated in between Snape and Lupin, his gaze fixated on the golden plate in front of him. Harry gestured towards the opposite end, where they took a seat. The few other students left in the school started wandering in. Fred and George, the Weasley twins, sat across from Ron and Harry and Ginny Weasley sat next to them, her face blushing slightly when Harry said hi to her.
"Ugh," Ron whispered to Harry as Draco Malfoy walked in with Crabbe and Goyle, "didn't Daddy want him home for Junior Death Eater training?"
Harry shrugged, watching the blonde boy stride pompously to the table. Malfoy smirked in his direction before taking a seat closer to the professors with Crabbe and Goyle on either side of him. Like Ron, Harry couldn't believe Malfoy hadn't gone home for Christmas. He had been sure that Lucius Malfoy would have had some plan for his son having to do with the Dark Lord.
The rest of the students, raising the numbers to exactly eleven total remaining in the school, joined them. Two first year Hufflepuffs looked nervously at the scowling Crabbe and Goyle as they sat across from them and a single third year Ravenclaw girl sat next to Ginny, striking up a conversation with her rather quickly.
Soon Dumbledore stood at the head of the table, his mere presence causing silence to fall on teachers and students alike. "As you all can see, there were not many who wished to remain with us for the holidays. Since it would seem most absurd for you to sit at your respective house tables I have decided that we should all sit together like one, big happy family."
Here, Draco snickered behind his hand and Snape scowled slightly at Lupin and Burdock. Harry cast them both angry looks and George whispered something to Fred, forcing them to have to smother laughter.
Dumbledore didn't seem to notice any of the goings on and continued speaking unperturbed. "In any case, before we begin our delicious meal, I have an announcement to make. It is my great sadness to inform you our esteemed colleague, Professor Lupin, has been called away to Romania for the rest of the term."
"What?" Ron asked, shocked.
"Yes, quite so, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said, nodding his head. No one noticed the quick look Burdock gave Ron before returning his gaze to the plate in front of him. The Headmaster continued. "Yes, I am afraid he will not be returning to us until next year. However," his blue eyes started twinkling, "I have managed to find a temporary replacement for our dear Professor Lupin. Professor Finley Burdock will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts until Professor Lupin's return."
Burdock seemed to jerk out of his trance when Lupin poked his arm. He looked up and down the table, nodding to everyone, but not returning any smiles that were offered. Harry felt a shudder pass through him as the dark eyes glanced over him. Burdock's gaze paused on the four Weasleys, but didn't remain long as he turned his gaze once again to the tablecloth.
Some of the other professors looked at each other with slightly worried expressions on their faces, McGonagall pursed her lips slightly, and only Snape and Lupin didn't seem surprised by Burdock's behavior. Lupin leaned over to Burdock and said something in a low voice, causing the thin man to stiffen visibly, his pale face darkening dangerously as he continued to look at the table.
"One more announcement," Dumbledore said in his ever-cheery voice, "For Christmas we shall indeed have the usual Christmas Feast, but we shall also play a game called Secret Santa. Each of you shall pick a name out of a hat, and whoever that person is, you will get him or her a present. Of course you shall tell no one who it is you have until Christmas day, at which time all will be revealed. All clear? Very well, now time to eat!"
At this the plates and platters in front of them filled with an assortment of delicious food. Harry couldn't help but watch Professor Burdock as the man ate his meal slowly, only taking the food offered to him.
Ron, his mouth stuffed with mashed potatoes, followed Harry's gaze. "What do you think of him?" He said nudging Harry in the side.
"I'm not sure…something still seems oddly familiar about him," Harry replied in a low voice, "for some reason he reminds me of Snuffles." Snuffles was the alias for Sirius Black that Ron, Harry, and Hermione used when in the presence of others.
Ron stared at Burdock. "Yeah, I can see what you mean. Hey, wasn't his hair reddish before?"
Harry shrugged, pouring himself a goblet of pumpkin juice. "Must have been just the way it looked in the light. Maybe we should try and talk to him some before school starts."
"Talk to who?" Fred butted in.
"Crabbe," Ron said, "I want to see if he needs a date to Hogsmeade next week."
Fred and George roared with laughter while Harry smiled gratefully at his best friend.
Alexander focused on his food, talking to neither Snape nor Lupin. True, he wanted to pull Lupin out of the room and interrogate him on what he knew about him. Right after Dumbledore had announced him as the replacement Professor, Lupin had leaned over and said in voice so no one else could hear, "It seems manners must be difficult to remember after being in Azkaban." Alex hadn't allowed himself to react, but determined that he would get this man to tell him exactly when he knew about Alexander. Their whole plan would be blown if this shabby professor knew more than he needed to know. For the first time in years, Alexander felt the cold prick of fear as he thought about what would happen if anyone else found out he was here.
They finished the main course and Alex held his very full stomach gingerly as the desserts materialized in front of him. "No more…" he moaned soflty.
Snape glanced over at him, the usual sneer fully in place as he took in the pained look on Alexander's face. "What's the matter, Burdock?" He taunted quietly, "Bitten off more than you can chew?"
"Bugger off, Snape," Alex muttered.
Snape grinned, his black eyes glittering evilly as he spooned a mound of chocolate pudding onto his own plate. "Mmm," he said through a huge mouthful, "This is good pudding, best I've tasted in years."
Alex blanched slightly, holding his stomach tighter. Some of the others looked at Snape like he'd gone mad, but the Potions professor was too intent on the object of his torture.
"How about some nice pie to go with that? I prefer apple myself, but cherry," Snape continued, his narrowing eyes showing how much he was enjoying himself, "Cherry always goes very well with mounds of whipped cream," he smirked splattering a huge dollop onto the pie with a flourish, "and of course, what would pie be without ice cream?"
Alexander turned even paler, his eyes bulging as Snape stuffed a forkful of pie, whipped cream, and ice cream into his mouth, chewing with obvious contentment.
"Mmmf, nothing like it, eh?" Snape's grin nearly reached his ears as Alex suddenly jumped up from the table and ran from the Great Hall, a hand clamped firmly over his mouth. Snape raised is eyebrows innocently at Lupin who frowned slightly back at him.
"Why did you do that?" He asked.
Snape shrugged. "I don't believe I need to explain myself to you, Lupin." He replied, wiping his mouth delicately with a napkin.
Lupin snorted. "Right." He stood and walked away from the table, following the path taken by Alexander.
Snape slouched in his seat looking up at the Headmaster. Dumbledore frowned slightly at him, the usual twinkle in his light blue eyes gone. Snape recoiled slightly and stood. "Fine…" he muttered, more to himself than to his disapproving employer. Without another word he walked from the Great Hall in the same direction Alexander and Lupin had taken.
A/N: So how much does Lupin know? **dramatic music** Will Snape employ more evil dinner tricks on our unsuspecting convict? And who will get who in the Secret Santa pick? **dramatic music again** Find out next time on---
Wait a minute! Hold everything! How did a narrator get into this? I specifically ordered that there be no unattached voices floating around in my fic unless they were critical to the plot. Now, get out of here!
**grumble grumble** Fine, fine, I know when I'm not wanted.
Whew…now that he's gone, tell me what you think? Okay, I know not much happened in this chapter, and I know some of you wanted to have my hero keep his normal hair color. But it's only temporary, people! The Weasley red will return at an undetermined time in the future. For now, he's a brunette. ^_^ I'll try and get more up soon, perhaps by Wednesday. Sound good? Okay, just be patient. ^_^
