A Short Lived Society
"Slugcicles" Snape growled at the statue guarding Dumbledore's
headquarters. He waited impatiently as the staircase revealed itself. He
couldn't understand what the Dark Lord could want at this time. Classes had
barely started and Snape was sure that there were no major plans within the
Death Eaters Circle. At least, he was pretty sure.
Before he could knock, the Headmaster's door opened to reveal a nattered Professor McGonogall. She blinked in surprise to see Snape there, but recovered quickly. She nodded her head in acknowledgement and was about to sweep past him when he caught her arm,
"You might want to stay for this, Minerva." He said. She nodded again without saying a word and followed him back into Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster was sitting at his desk looking curiously at Snape and the Transfigurations Professor.
"You're out of class early Severus. Might I ask what has come up?" Dumbledore questioned.
"Indeed, Professor Snape, I do have a class to get back to myself." McGonogall conceded.
"I was called by the Dark Lord just a moment ago in class." He stated abruptly. Minerva took in a sharp breath as Dumbledore sighed.
"This was bound to happen sometime. Do you have any idea what this could be about?" The Headmaster inquired. Atypical to his normal behavior, Snape just shrugged.
"I haven't a clue. I came here to ask your opinion. I've told you and Minerva all that I've learned, and I was counting on the fact that you know just as much as I do Headmaster." McGonogall looked from Dumbledore to Snape, then declared,
"Well evidently something is happening, and no doubt Severus is the one to investigate, but I'm having qualms at just the thought. Besides I don't think we can afford to lose another staff member, even if he would only be gone temporarily. The students have become anxious, and it's hard enough without a DADA Professor around. What would they think if their' Potions master suddenly disappeared." Albus waved his hand in agreement. He looked at Snape thoughtfully and said,
"I assume that you feel the same way Severus. Even though you have been answering the calls all summer, I must ask if you yourself would be willing to go into this kind of danger once more." Snape raised and eyebrow at this,
"It's not like it's the first time I've gone on a mission like this sir. Why would things be anymore different? Of course I'm willing, but I'm obviously not endeared to the prospect." Dumbledore smiled at this and shook his head.
"So it is agreed. How long do you presume you'll be gone?"
"If not by the end of the afternoon, then no longer then the next morning."
"Very well then, you may go." Before Snape could stalk from the room, McGonogall called out,
"Good luck Severus. And one more thing, keep an eye on your housemates. It is common knowledge that you loath taking points from Slytherin, but it may be necessary at times. Oh, and keep your ears open, there may be more than one student in that house still faithful to the Dark Lord." Snape just grunted, then left. Dumbledore smiled at Minerva mirthfully and winked. Things were going to be difficult this year, but they could always hope for the best.
Before he could knock, the Headmaster's door opened to reveal a nattered Professor McGonogall. She blinked in surprise to see Snape there, but recovered quickly. She nodded her head in acknowledgement and was about to sweep past him when he caught her arm,
"You might want to stay for this, Minerva." He said. She nodded again without saying a word and followed him back into Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster was sitting at his desk looking curiously at Snape and the Transfigurations Professor.
"You're out of class early Severus. Might I ask what has come up?" Dumbledore questioned.
"Indeed, Professor Snape, I do have a class to get back to myself." McGonogall conceded.
"I was called by the Dark Lord just a moment ago in class." He stated abruptly. Minerva took in a sharp breath as Dumbledore sighed.
"This was bound to happen sometime. Do you have any idea what this could be about?" The Headmaster inquired. Atypical to his normal behavior, Snape just shrugged.
"I haven't a clue. I came here to ask your opinion. I've told you and Minerva all that I've learned, and I was counting on the fact that you know just as much as I do Headmaster." McGonogall looked from Dumbledore to Snape, then declared,
"Well evidently something is happening, and no doubt Severus is the one to investigate, but I'm having qualms at just the thought. Besides I don't think we can afford to lose another staff member, even if he would only be gone temporarily. The students have become anxious, and it's hard enough without a DADA Professor around. What would they think if their' Potions master suddenly disappeared." Albus waved his hand in agreement. He looked at Snape thoughtfully and said,
"I assume that you feel the same way Severus. Even though you have been answering the calls all summer, I must ask if you yourself would be willing to go into this kind of danger once more." Snape raised and eyebrow at this,
"It's not like it's the first time I've gone on a mission like this sir. Why would things be anymore different? Of course I'm willing, but I'm obviously not endeared to the prospect." Dumbledore smiled at this and shook his head.
"So it is agreed. How long do you presume you'll be gone?"
"If not by the end of the afternoon, then no longer then the next morning."
"Very well then, you may go." Before Snape could stalk from the room, McGonogall called out,
"Good luck Severus. And one more thing, keep an eye on your housemates. It is common knowledge that you loath taking points from Slytherin, but it may be necessary at times. Oh, and keep your ears open, there may be more than one student in that house still faithful to the Dark Lord." Snape just grunted, then left. Dumbledore smiled at Minerva mirthfully and winked. Things were going to be difficult this year, but they could always hope for the best.
