Chapter 5: In which Severus finds himself ambushed

'What do you mean, they can't find them?' Severus's voice was dangerously low.

The faculty members and some of their allies had gathered that very night in the staff room after news of the missing researchers had broken out. All of them showed varying degrees of anxiety and were stern in composure, including Rubeus Hagrid.

'The Aurors have been scouting about secretly. They've also used tracking spells to check if any traces had been left in the department,' Arthur Weaseley explained. 'However, they found no clues to lead them to the perpetrators.' He paused, and said irritably, 'It's not like the Aurors are incompetent. They are well trained and exceptionally skilled. If they can't find out who the casters of the spells are, few else can.'

'Yes, but what if it's an inside-job?' Harry Potter asked.

Severus decided against correcting Potter's atrocious usage of the Queen's English. There were more pressing matters at hand. He let Potter continue his line of thought.

The Boy-Who-Lived had finally become the Man-Who's-Sensible. The war had made him recognise the seriousness of the situation and compelled him to put aside all his personal, unimportant problems. He had fought bravely and rationally, relinquishing the hotheaded temper of his and following instructions for once in his life. Albus was proud of Potter, Severus knew. He was impressed.

Surprising most of his contemporaries and others who did not know him so well however, Potter chose to enter one of the Quidditch teams after the war. Severus shrewdly pinpointed that it was because Quidditch was the only thing unconnected with Voldemort.

Anyhow, though he was not an Auror, or a high-ranking official in the Ministry, Potter maintained his contacts there and was kept with up-to-date information about what took place in the wizarding world.

Severus listened attentively.

'You can find out what spells have been cast, and where, but with the Charms Department, it's different. I've been there before. The whole area buzzes with magical power in the atmosphere. You can't distinguish one spell from the other. And it's a laborious task tracing the casters.'

'I agree,' Flitwick chimed in, 'Chances are, we will not find out more by going down that line of investigation.'

'Our discussion's bringing us nowhere,' Hooch said, 'Do we at least have a list of possible culprits?'

'Yes,' Albus replied, 'But I don't think our suspicions are mutual.'

Black growled menacingly. 'I heard the Aurors have gone to those bastards' places, including Crabbe's and Goyle's. They've hid their plans with more credit I'll give those twits for.'

'Which means they have a leader.' Severus concluded, and sank into reverie. Could it be. . .?

Albus leaned forward to pat his arm. Speaking to everyone, he said, 'We'll split into four groups, each in charge of a specific area in a given direction. We shall require utmost vigilance and coordination. Harry, Sirius, will you please inform the rest and arrange them into groups? We shall meet again five days from now.'

Severus watched the group in the room disperse quietly. He hated it. It reminded him of night meetings, furtively held in order to avoid both the sides' of the Dark Lord and the Ministry scrutiny. Yet they had to endure it again, for nineteen people's sake.

For her sake, he endured it for two days. Then he began to believe that the Powers Above were playing jokes on them, for he felt time dragged as though two days were two centuries.

He spent all available time to look for the missing people. Knowing it was useless, hope against hope, he discreetly went together with Arthur to the Ministry to work on the Charms in vain.

His students bore the brunt of his frustration, as in the years during the war. His moods became erratic, and his patience worn into vapourised.

In the end he learnt of what had happened to the researchers by simply being brought to them.

Worried at his Potions Master's behaviour, Albus had quite unceremoniously chucked Severus out into Hogsmeade to make purchases. As he said, he wanted Severus to burn out the excess magical aura that was practically shimmering about him in his emotional state.

Severus wandered around aimlessly. It was Saturday. The streets were relatively crowded. Yet somehow, years of self-discipline made Severus sharp enough to know that he was being followed. He strode towards a dark corner, prepared to attack the sinister shadow, when he found himself stunned by more than one assailant. Looking on fearlessly (for what had not he seen as a Death-Eater?), he saw two figures appear. One of them drew out a cup and Severus's hand was taken to touch it.

The Port-key brought them immediately to the edge of the Goyle mansion.

With two wands pointing at him, Severus knew it would be rash to tackle them. They had not hurt him, so they must be summoned just to bring him here.

When he entered the library, he saw the elegant ice blond youth. For a surreal moment, Lucius took the boy's place. How many times had they gathered here as students, as friends, to scheme and laugh about the Marauders? An anger tinged with sadness overcame him.

'Professor. Delighted to see you again. Such a long time, isn't it?' Even his mannerisms were like his father's.

'Draco.' It was all Severus could say.

'Do you want a drink?' Draco presented him with a crystal glass of scarlet liquid. 'Never let it be said that they don't have one of the best wine cellars here.'

Severus allowed himself to take it. Sitting in one of chairs, he studied Draco under half-closed eyes as he drank. His former student was tasting his own glass of wine, which was of the highest standard no doubt, but he could not bother less.

'What do you want Draco?' Severus was tired of the cat-and-mouse game he had too often been involved in. Moreover, he did not want to play it with the son as he did with the father.

'Ever to the point as before,' said Draco happily. 'Dear Professor, what is there to be so uptight about? Can't a student invite his teacher for a drink, or a chat?'

Severus stared at him. Once, he had thought him a brat. He pitied him for being under the wing of Lucius. He sought to gain his trust. He did, but it was all thrown into the wind when Draco found out where his own loyalties lay. By then, everyone said it was too late for Draco to turn back.

It was foolish, Severus tried to convince himself as he gazed at Draco. The eyes, once bright and alive, were those of Lucius', grey and steely. It was foolish.

Draco took his silence calmly. 'Have you heard of mine acquiring the assistance of some of the people from the Charms Department?'

Severus slipped into what Draco would perceive as nonchalance. He needed to play his cards well.

'I have heard of them absent in the Ministry, yes.'

'You see, one should have the best minds if one is to succeed, isn't it? I have not harmed them. Yet. Graciousness is always more effective than torture, don't you agree?'

'In what way can a bunch of researchers help you?'

'Dear Professor. . . You cannot fool me. You are anxious to know more, but I am not at leisure to tell you.'

Severus refused to react.

He said carefully, 'May I at least have your assurance that they are well taken care of here?'

'Certainly. I have told you. There are many rooms here at my disposal for them.'

'I see. And pray what is your plot?'

'Plot? Do not put it so terribly serious. I merely wish to be in control of my life, to be in power so that I can do whatever pleases me. The guests have been quite helpful. They've managed to make a certain piece of land unplottable so that I can live comfortably for a time being. Then, I can make further plans there.'

"You won't succeed Draco," Severus thought sadly, "Can't you see? You should see the error in your way. I can only help you if you turn in."

'You can help me sir, by formulating a potion that will enhance my strength permanently. I've been weakened from the war.' Draco announced.

'Why didn't you get one of your. . . guests to do that? Aren't you placing more danger to yourself by showing me where you are?'

'One has to take risks. Besides, if I ask one of them, he might poison me instead. And I can't use Crabbe or Goyle to experiment with the potion. I need them.' Draco's voice was filled with disdain when he said that.

'No Professor. I want you.' Draco leaned forward. Severus was startled to see the mad glee dancing in his eyes. 'I know your weakness Snape. You will never want to harm another soul again, including mine.' He sighed, 'But to prevent you from telling Dumbledore. . . And I will know if you did. . . You know of the other student you had among the guests?'

Severus stared blankly. "Breathe Severus, just breathe deep."

'Hermione Granger,' Draco twisted the name in disgust, 'What happens if her mangled body suddenly appears in Hogwarts? You understand, don't you?'

Unable to trust himself to speak properly, Severus nodded.

'Good. Well, I shall see you with the potion when I invite you here next time.'