Severus Snape stumbled slightly as he walked along the dungeon corridor. Cursing under his breath, he attempted to pull himself together before he reached the Great Hall. Minerva McGonagall would spot immediately that he had been drinking; after all, she had had enough practice with those damn Gryffindors of hers. Even the Sobriety Potion he had taken was not strong enough to mask all the effects from her eagle eyes.

He had, of course, considered the option of stay in his rooms and having food brought down to him, but dismissed it when he remembered that the Headmaster had specifically requested his presence at breakfast that morning. It was strange, as only a handful of teachers were staying at the school, but Snape respected Dumbledore enough to do what he asked.

He paused slightly once he reached the Entrance Hall, gathering himself once more before greeting the other teachers. He hated human interaction of any kind, and detested having to make meaningless small talk with such simple minded people as those who taught in the classrooms of Hogwarts.

"As soon as the Dark Lord is dead," he promised himself. "I am going to get as far away from this hell hole as I possibly can." With that thought in mind, he pushed open the heavy old doors to the Great Hall, and strode in, doing his best to walk as normally as possible.

He sat down at his usual seat at the High Table, the one closest to the Slytherins. Unfortunately for him, Professor McGonagall saw him come in, and immediately picked up her plate and mug, and sat down next to him.

"What was so important that Dumbledore needed us all here for? He's not even here himself, lazy old coot!" Severus sneered to her, trying to keep up his usual acid tones. To own the truth, he was quite curious about Dumbledore's surprise, but kept it well hidden, along with all his other emotions.

"For the last time, Severus, refer to the Headmaster with respect!" McGonagall informed him primly. When there were no students around, they could show their true feelings towards each other, which they usually did, sniping away until someone interrupted them. "And, as you very well know, I know as much as you do about the Headmaster's plans."

Severus didn't bother to reply, instead reaching for the pot of coffee in front of him, hoping it was very strong. Unfortunately, his hand fumbled slightly around the handle, not enough to be largely noticeable, but enough for Professor McGonagall to perceive. She was well aware that Severus prided himself on absolute and complete control over his movements, and that something had to be wrong.

"Severus, have you been drinking!" she demanded sharply.

"Of course not, Minerva, why in Merlin would I be hitting the bottle this early? Not everyone is an alcoholic like you, you know!" he replied. He had learnt early on in life that the best way to defend yourself was to attack, and what he had said was sure to have hit a nerve with McGonagall. Her father had been an alcoholic, and it was a source of great shame to her whole family.

"HOW – HOW DARE YOU!!!" she screeched, and, standing up sharply, looked as though she was about to pour her mug of steaming coffee over his greasy head.

Severus looked up at her, straight into her eyes, and willed her to do it. It would give him a good excuse to go back down to the dungeons, and would get her into trouble with the Headmaster. But just as she was about to tip it, a voice cut through the Great Hall.

"I don't think that would be a very good idea, Minerva." Both Snape and McGonagall turned swiftly towards the doors, where a smiling Dumbledore, a smirking Harry Potter, and three terrified Dursleys stood, waiting to see what would happen.

I know it's short, but please be patient with me. I found that I couldn't write until I had posted this up. I'll do my best to get the next bit up tonight, but I'm not making any promises.

Lunablue – I'm having a bit of trouble with Harry, I'm not really sure who he is anymore, since he changed so much in the fifth book. I'll do my best to fix it. Thanks for the compliments, they are much appreciated.

Façade – Okay!

greenleaf-in-bloom – I've lost count of how many times that I have done that! Hope you like the chapter.

Kathleen – Not really a secret drinker, just someone who has a drink now and again when things get too much. I thought the underpants was pretty gross too, she could have easily left that out. I wasn't sure about the tears either, but he was asleep, and he wiped them away as soon as he realised. I wasn't that saddened about Sirius' death, I had never really liked him that much, now I know why (how could he do that to poor Sevvie?!). I feel sorry for Harry, though.

Schulyr – I hope so!!!

Serpena – I'm glad you like it, and I'll do my best to keep the surprises coming. Pity about the work breaks!

Lady Lightning – Thanks.

UnknownCatstar – I'm really glad you like it. I'll update as quickly as I can.

Crystal Angel – I think Dumbledore would have to be the one to tell the Dursleys, after all, he is the Headmaster. And I don't think Lupin would be completely overjoyed to tell the Dursleys, as it would mean Harry would have to put up with them all year. Still, he would find it amusing. I'll do my best to write him into the story, thanks for the idea.

Thanks for all the reviews. You know, I have just realised that I wrote a whole chapter of basically nothing!!!