Trust
********
When Severus returned to his quarters, most of the night had been burned away. He returned with low spirits and a hateful mood. He could do nothing except report directly to Dumbledore.
With a 'pop' Severus' head appeared in Dumbledore's fireplace. "Albus, wake up! ALBUS!"
Dumbledore jumped out bed and raced to the fireplace. "What is it Severus?" Albus said in a concerned yet tired voice.
"I can't tell you here, meet in...the room." Severus said. His head 'popped' away and Albus immediately raced to the room in which Severus had been talking of. The room of course was the Room of Requirement. He didn't bother changing from his pajamas, or even remove his nightcap.
Albus opened the door to the room and found Severus waiting for him. The room was styled as a hideout might be. There were all sorts of strange gadgets and concoctions lying about the room. The books had titles such as "The Great Escape" and "Revealing the Traitor". Albus soon realized what this must be about.
"Sit down Albus, I'm afraid I have dire news."
Dumbledore sat down. He was calm so as to make this as easy as possible for them. "What is it Severus?" He repeated from earlier on.
"I'll be blunt. Alton Vaughn is a Death-Eater. He was accepted this very evening. What's worse is that if he is revealed, Voldemort will know that I am a traitor. But we cannot allow him to be in the school. He is a danger to the students and the staff in turn." Severus said. He looked tired and much older at that moment. Lines were etched deep into his face and his brow was creased in thought.
"Thank you for telling me straight away Severus. But can you be sure that it was him?" Albus replied.
"I'm almost entirely positive." Severus said assuringly.
"I see. We have some serious planning to do. He cannot remain here." Dumbledore said in a worn voice. News like this is not taken easily.
They decided it would be best if they contacted the Order for advice. Soon, those that were able to attend were there, in the Room of Requirement. Tonks, Remus, Mad-Eye, McGonagall were all that had shown up. Since many of the staff were in the Order, they were shocked to find that Vaughn was a traitor. Most, genuinely liked him. It was hard for them to grasp.
They sat in thought for close to an hour. Every once in awhile, they would voice an idea but they soon found it erroneous.
Finally, at close to 5:30 in the morning, when most were beginning to leave, Remus Lupin came across an idea. He had been thinking as hard as his mind would allow, for a solution. He could not endure the thought of Harry being taught by a Death-Eater. Not to mention the other students as well. He knew the staff also, from when he was a teacher and also when he was a student, so this meant quite a lot to him.
"I have an idea." He said seriously. His voice sounded strange and particularly loud. It had been silent for so long that the sound of someone's voice had become almost foreign.
"Yes, Remus? What is it?" Albus said.
"You could have an inspection. Pose it so that it's from the ministry and regulation. Say you need one every ten years or something. Make it a surprise inspection, and have them question the Professors in order from the newest member to the oldest. That way he won't have time to prepare himself. The mark will be revealed and he will be gone."
"That's brilliant Remus!" They cried.
They agreed that this plan would be the one carried out. Albus would contact the Ministry immediately.
As the Order members began to disperse, Albus began speaking with Severus, "Severus, I think it prudent that you take your morning class off. You will not be fit to teach. You have been awake for the entire night and weighed down with stress."
"I'll be fine Albus." Severus replied. He did not feel fine, but he thought that teaching would improve his mood. Albus seemed to realize that and persisted no further.
"Goodnight Severus." Albus said as he headed back to his room.
When Severus reached his room he collapsed on his bed awoke only 2 hours later. It was still strange to wake in an entirely different bedroom from his previous years. He no longer resided in the dungeons, but was in the room connected with the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Vaughn was sleeping in his room now. Snape shuddered at the thought of that deviant in is quarters. He undoubtedly had already been 'intimate' with himself in that bed, and he may have even had another woman in it as well. He almost gagged when these thoughts entered his mind.
He had to skip breakfast because of his lateness. He gulped down some potions he had on hand. One was to ward of his pounding headache; the other was to help him stay alert. He began layering on the multitudes of black robes that was his custom and headed towards his classroom.
The 'plan', would be carried out within two months. They couldn't afford for it to be too soon, or else suspicion would arise. It had to be as soon as possible though. Severus was afraid on several occasions, that Vaughn was going to approach Severus. Snape clenched his fists and ground his teeth on such occasions when he thought this. He had visions of Vaughn asking him to somehow use him to take over the school and drive Dumbledore out. Something had to happen and fast, these thoughts were driving him mad.
********
"Next time, I'm with Hermione." Ron said as he uneasily chopped some root of Silpheighn. "It's my turn remember?"
"Yeah Ron, I remember." Harry replied. They both knew they were better off being with Hermione because they always got perfect. They still enjoyed being her partner, but she was a little more rigid because she concentrated immensely on the work and didn't talk much.
Hermione was, unfortunately partnered with Neville. Neville, however, was improving quite a lot in potions.
"Ah, you two are doing quite well." Professor Vaughn said to them. He patted Harry on the shoulder and Harry immediately doubled over in pain. "Why, Harry, what's the matter?" He said.
"My scar! It's....stop it!" Harry cried. He was referring to Vaughn grasping his arm.
Vaughn stood frozen for moment longer then let go as Harry had asked. He didn't understand what was happening. Harry stood straight again. Vaughn instructed Ron to bring him to Madame Pomfrey just to be sure that he was alright.
"Harry, are you sure you're alright?" Ron asked him as they headed towards the hospital wing.
"Yeah, it was just when Vaughn touched me. I can't help but wonder what that's all about." Harry replied.
"Yeah, that's strange." Ron said thoughtfully. "You don't think he's one of 'You Know Who's' followers, do you?"
"I'm not sure. I'll have to speak with Dumbledore."
Madam Pomfrey examined Harry several times over and finally decided there was nothing wrong with him. By the time they were done, Potion's class was over and it was well into lunch. Madam Pomfrey wanted to be absolutely sure that Harry was in top shape.
Harry went immediately to Dumbledore. He wasn't sure of the password but was relieved to see that Dumbledore was just about to enter his office.
"Sir?" Harry said simply.
"Ah, Harry, I was expecting a visit from you. I was informed of what happened by Professor Vaughn. Why don't we head up to my office to discuss the matter?" It wasn't really a question and so Harry obediently followed as Dumbledore muttered the password and they headed up the spiraling staircase.
Dumbledore took his place behind the large desk in his office and Harry in turn sat in the chair opposite him.
"Sweet-tart?" Dumbledore offered. Harry shook his head. "Well then, I suppose you should tell your account of things."
"He touched my arm and my scar felt like it was burning through my skull. It stopped when he let go."
"I see. Well Harry, I'm going to be honest with you. We have reason to suspect that Professor Vaughn is a Death-Eater. He will be gone within the next two months." Dumbledore added the last bit when he saw the horrified look on Harry's face.
Harry, like the staff, could not believe it. He genuinely liked Vaughn. It might have been the fact that he looked exactly like his father but it was also the fact that things had improved for everyone since he arrived. Potions class was better, and Snape was doing a good job as the DADA professor.
"You understand that you can't reveal this information, right Harry?"
"Yes." Harry said nodding his head. "I just can't believe this. Although, I had a strange feeling about him when he first arrived."
"I'm so sorry this had to happen." Dumbledore said sadly. "It seems as if there's hardly anyone left that I can trust. I trust you Harry. Please don't reveal this, even to your friends."
********
The Halloween dance was this Friday, and only Ron had acquired a date.
"What? Ron you never told me you had a date. You is it then?" Harry said smiling at his friend.
Ron hesitated for a moment then replied, "I didn't want you to make a fuss over it. Now that you know though, I guess it's okay. I'm going with Lavender." He said sheepishly.
"That's wonderful Ron. Maybe you could get me a date?" Harry said.
Ron blushed slightly. "I don't now Harry, I'll ask her."
"I don't think I'm going to go." Hermione said out the blue.
"Why not? You'll miss out on loads of fun!" Ron demanded.
"Well, I don't have anyone to go with and I'll feel silly." Hermione protested.
"Nonsense. Harry will take you. If not, then Neville wouldn't mind." Ron replied devilishly.
Hermione made a twisted face. "I don't think Harry wants to be stuck with me." She said. She loved Harry, but only as a friend. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea. "I'd rather go and meet someone their if I have to go then force someone to take me when they don't want to."
"Then it's settled. We'll be each other's back up. We'll dance to the slow songs together if we don't get asked so we won't feel stupid and we can enter together as well." Harry replied. He understood the awkwardness of the situation as Hermione did. They were just friends and he didn't want anything more.
"Sounds great Harry!" Hermione replied gratefully.
Ron was pleased. He didn't understand that they all they wanted was to be friends. He wanted them to be happy together, just as he was with Lavender.
********
The night of the dance rolled around quite quickly. It was a costume themed dance and Hermione was dressed as a black cat. Ginny had persuaded her to wear it because it was quite revealing. It was skin tight and black velvet. She wore her hair loose on her shoulders with black cat ears emerging from the top of her head. However sleek and sexy the costume looked on her, she still could not help but be reminded of when she had actually turned partially into a cat. It made her uneasy and uncomfortable.
Hermione walked down the stairs from the Girls' Dormitory into the common room where Harry was awaiting her arrival. He was dressed as a knight, something Ron thought completely befitting of him.
"Wow Harry, that's a great costume." Hermione said uneasily as she stepped slowly towards him.
Harry was completely taken aback by her costume. She looked amazing. He had never expected her wear something so...well...sexy. He stared at her for a few moments longer and then replied, "Hermione, your costume...I hadn't expected..."
"I know. Ginny got me to wear it."
"I didn't think you picked it out yourself. It looks really great though."
"Thanks Harry."
They exited through the portrait hole and headed towards the Great Hall to the dance.
********
A/N: Harry and Hermione are NOT going to be paired together incase you are wondering. Also, the word Silpheighn is pronounced Silfain. I have no idea where I came up it with it, but I like it.
********
When Severus returned to his quarters, most of the night had been burned away. He returned with low spirits and a hateful mood. He could do nothing except report directly to Dumbledore.
With a 'pop' Severus' head appeared in Dumbledore's fireplace. "Albus, wake up! ALBUS!"
Dumbledore jumped out bed and raced to the fireplace. "What is it Severus?" Albus said in a concerned yet tired voice.
"I can't tell you here, meet in...the room." Severus said. His head 'popped' away and Albus immediately raced to the room in which Severus had been talking of. The room of course was the Room of Requirement. He didn't bother changing from his pajamas, or even remove his nightcap.
Albus opened the door to the room and found Severus waiting for him. The room was styled as a hideout might be. There were all sorts of strange gadgets and concoctions lying about the room. The books had titles such as "The Great Escape" and "Revealing the Traitor". Albus soon realized what this must be about.
"Sit down Albus, I'm afraid I have dire news."
Dumbledore sat down. He was calm so as to make this as easy as possible for them. "What is it Severus?" He repeated from earlier on.
"I'll be blunt. Alton Vaughn is a Death-Eater. He was accepted this very evening. What's worse is that if he is revealed, Voldemort will know that I am a traitor. But we cannot allow him to be in the school. He is a danger to the students and the staff in turn." Severus said. He looked tired and much older at that moment. Lines were etched deep into his face and his brow was creased in thought.
"Thank you for telling me straight away Severus. But can you be sure that it was him?" Albus replied.
"I'm almost entirely positive." Severus said assuringly.
"I see. We have some serious planning to do. He cannot remain here." Dumbledore said in a worn voice. News like this is not taken easily.
They decided it would be best if they contacted the Order for advice. Soon, those that were able to attend were there, in the Room of Requirement. Tonks, Remus, Mad-Eye, McGonagall were all that had shown up. Since many of the staff were in the Order, they were shocked to find that Vaughn was a traitor. Most, genuinely liked him. It was hard for them to grasp.
They sat in thought for close to an hour. Every once in awhile, they would voice an idea but they soon found it erroneous.
Finally, at close to 5:30 in the morning, when most were beginning to leave, Remus Lupin came across an idea. He had been thinking as hard as his mind would allow, for a solution. He could not endure the thought of Harry being taught by a Death-Eater. Not to mention the other students as well. He knew the staff also, from when he was a teacher and also when he was a student, so this meant quite a lot to him.
"I have an idea." He said seriously. His voice sounded strange and particularly loud. It had been silent for so long that the sound of someone's voice had become almost foreign.
"Yes, Remus? What is it?" Albus said.
"You could have an inspection. Pose it so that it's from the ministry and regulation. Say you need one every ten years or something. Make it a surprise inspection, and have them question the Professors in order from the newest member to the oldest. That way he won't have time to prepare himself. The mark will be revealed and he will be gone."
"That's brilliant Remus!" They cried.
They agreed that this plan would be the one carried out. Albus would contact the Ministry immediately.
As the Order members began to disperse, Albus began speaking with Severus, "Severus, I think it prudent that you take your morning class off. You will not be fit to teach. You have been awake for the entire night and weighed down with stress."
"I'll be fine Albus." Severus replied. He did not feel fine, but he thought that teaching would improve his mood. Albus seemed to realize that and persisted no further.
"Goodnight Severus." Albus said as he headed back to his room.
When Severus reached his room he collapsed on his bed awoke only 2 hours later. It was still strange to wake in an entirely different bedroom from his previous years. He no longer resided in the dungeons, but was in the room connected with the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Vaughn was sleeping in his room now. Snape shuddered at the thought of that deviant in is quarters. He undoubtedly had already been 'intimate' with himself in that bed, and he may have even had another woman in it as well. He almost gagged when these thoughts entered his mind.
He had to skip breakfast because of his lateness. He gulped down some potions he had on hand. One was to ward of his pounding headache; the other was to help him stay alert. He began layering on the multitudes of black robes that was his custom and headed towards his classroom.
The 'plan', would be carried out within two months. They couldn't afford for it to be too soon, or else suspicion would arise. It had to be as soon as possible though. Severus was afraid on several occasions, that Vaughn was going to approach Severus. Snape clenched his fists and ground his teeth on such occasions when he thought this. He had visions of Vaughn asking him to somehow use him to take over the school and drive Dumbledore out. Something had to happen and fast, these thoughts were driving him mad.
********
"Next time, I'm with Hermione." Ron said as he uneasily chopped some root of Silpheighn. "It's my turn remember?"
"Yeah Ron, I remember." Harry replied. They both knew they were better off being with Hermione because they always got perfect. They still enjoyed being her partner, but she was a little more rigid because she concentrated immensely on the work and didn't talk much.
Hermione was, unfortunately partnered with Neville. Neville, however, was improving quite a lot in potions.
"Ah, you two are doing quite well." Professor Vaughn said to them. He patted Harry on the shoulder and Harry immediately doubled over in pain. "Why, Harry, what's the matter?" He said.
"My scar! It's....stop it!" Harry cried. He was referring to Vaughn grasping his arm.
Vaughn stood frozen for moment longer then let go as Harry had asked. He didn't understand what was happening. Harry stood straight again. Vaughn instructed Ron to bring him to Madame Pomfrey just to be sure that he was alright.
"Harry, are you sure you're alright?" Ron asked him as they headed towards the hospital wing.
"Yeah, it was just when Vaughn touched me. I can't help but wonder what that's all about." Harry replied.
"Yeah, that's strange." Ron said thoughtfully. "You don't think he's one of 'You Know Who's' followers, do you?"
"I'm not sure. I'll have to speak with Dumbledore."
Madam Pomfrey examined Harry several times over and finally decided there was nothing wrong with him. By the time they were done, Potion's class was over and it was well into lunch. Madam Pomfrey wanted to be absolutely sure that Harry was in top shape.
Harry went immediately to Dumbledore. He wasn't sure of the password but was relieved to see that Dumbledore was just about to enter his office.
"Sir?" Harry said simply.
"Ah, Harry, I was expecting a visit from you. I was informed of what happened by Professor Vaughn. Why don't we head up to my office to discuss the matter?" It wasn't really a question and so Harry obediently followed as Dumbledore muttered the password and they headed up the spiraling staircase.
Dumbledore took his place behind the large desk in his office and Harry in turn sat in the chair opposite him.
"Sweet-tart?" Dumbledore offered. Harry shook his head. "Well then, I suppose you should tell your account of things."
"He touched my arm and my scar felt like it was burning through my skull. It stopped when he let go."
"I see. Well Harry, I'm going to be honest with you. We have reason to suspect that Professor Vaughn is a Death-Eater. He will be gone within the next two months." Dumbledore added the last bit when he saw the horrified look on Harry's face.
Harry, like the staff, could not believe it. He genuinely liked Vaughn. It might have been the fact that he looked exactly like his father but it was also the fact that things had improved for everyone since he arrived. Potions class was better, and Snape was doing a good job as the DADA professor.
"You understand that you can't reveal this information, right Harry?"
"Yes." Harry said nodding his head. "I just can't believe this. Although, I had a strange feeling about him when he first arrived."
"I'm so sorry this had to happen." Dumbledore said sadly. "It seems as if there's hardly anyone left that I can trust. I trust you Harry. Please don't reveal this, even to your friends."
********
The Halloween dance was this Friday, and only Ron had acquired a date.
"What? Ron you never told me you had a date. You is it then?" Harry said smiling at his friend.
Ron hesitated for a moment then replied, "I didn't want you to make a fuss over it. Now that you know though, I guess it's okay. I'm going with Lavender." He said sheepishly.
"That's wonderful Ron. Maybe you could get me a date?" Harry said.
Ron blushed slightly. "I don't now Harry, I'll ask her."
"I don't think I'm going to go." Hermione said out the blue.
"Why not? You'll miss out on loads of fun!" Ron demanded.
"Well, I don't have anyone to go with and I'll feel silly." Hermione protested.
"Nonsense. Harry will take you. If not, then Neville wouldn't mind." Ron replied devilishly.
Hermione made a twisted face. "I don't think Harry wants to be stuck with me." She said. She loved Harry, but only as a friend. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea. "I'd rather go and meet someone their if I have to go then force someone to take me when they don't want to."
"Then it's settled. We'll be each other's back up. We'll dance to the slow songs together if we don't get asked so we won't feel stupid and we can enter together as well." Harry replied. He understood the awkwardness of the situation as Hermione did. They were just friends and he didn't want anything more.
"Sounds great Harry!" Hermione replied gratefully.
Ron was pleased. He didn't understand that they all they wanted was to be friends. He wanted them to be happy together, just as he was with Lavender.
********
The night of the dance rolled around quite quickly. It was a costume themed dance and Hermione was dressed as a black cat. Ginny had persuaded her to wear it because it was quite revealing. It was skin tight and black velvet. She wore her hair loose on her shoulders with black cat ears emerging from the top of her head. However sleek and sexy the costume looked on her, she still could not help but be reminded of when she had actually turned partially into a cat. It made her uneasy and uncomfortable.
Hermione walked down the stairs from the Girls' Dormitory into the common room where Harry was awaiting her arrival. He was dressed as a knight, something Ron thought completely befitting of him.
"Wow Harry, that's a great costume." Hermione said uneasily as she stepped slowly towards him.
Harry was completely taken aback by her costume. She looked amazing. He had never expected her wear something so...well...sexy. He stared at her for a few moments longer and then replied, "Hermione, your costume...I hadn't expected..."
"I know. Ginny got me to wear it."
"I didn't think you picked it out yourself. It looks really great though."
"Thanks Harry."
They exited through the portrait hole and headed towards the Great Hall to the dance.
********
A/N: Harry and Hermione are NOT going to be paired together incase you are wondering. Also, the word Silpheighn is pronounced Silfain. I have no idea where I came up it with it, but I like it.