27. [ A Shift of Perspective]

AN: This is shorter than usual (around half the size) but I was reassured by my beta that you'd rather like shorter chapters more frequently. This is kind of a transition chapter, setting some developements in motion and placing the characters for the final chapters. Next one should contain once again more action and some – eh more juicy parts.

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Severus Snapes emotionless eyes glittered as he sat ensconced in the rotunda while Harry Potter entertained his grandmother's ghost, but he did not linger long due to an enourmous headache he felt approaching rapidly The rare November sun was slowly melting the heavy frost on the grounds and the frozen grass crunched beneath his long strides as he headed straight towards the manor, his face scrunched in a clouded frown, with Potter now jogging along to keep from getting lost in the maze again.

Snape silently ignored his unwelcome morning companion as he looked upon the gables rising above the tops of the enchanted hedgerows that simply parted way upon his brisk approach. Instead his gaze fixed upon the remnants of ivy that had since lost it leaves, now exposing the underlying stone and abandoned birds' nests wedged within the knurled stems still clinging to the mortar.

Somehow this morning he felt the bracelet around his wrist virbrating gently against his skin more than ever, sending a welcoming warmth through his body from the point where metal met flesh as he got closer to the manor. He would have to check on his wife and see what she was doing. Suddenly this seemed like the most important thing in the world to do. He silently cursed once again the family magic that emanated from the metal chains and that was playing with his emotions.

Why me?

But then again, this questions had stayed unanswered so many times in the past, that he didn't really expected an answer this time. Somehow he was sure Albus would find immense amusement in this and probably offer him a helpful phrase and some lemon drops.

Damn old meddler!

Ginny Weasley loved mysteries, loved strolling through old enchanted houses like the burrow and she was always fearless in a Gryffindor way that set her mum to worrying. Molly Weasley complained that her Ginny was far too adventurous for her own good, maybe this would explain why back in her first year she had willingly explored Tom Riddle's diary- it had been filled with mystery and magic.

So Ginny couldn't help but notice that Snape manor was crackling with magic. The humming family magic surging through the building gently called to her with a sense of belonging but fell silent once detecting she wasn't a family member. There were very few old manors and estates like this one left in England and they were mostly owned by prominent pureblood families like the Malfoys, Longbottoms, or the Snapes. These families filled their homes with ancient protective wards for generations by assembling their ancestors in the forms of ghosts who in return protected the inhabitants and structure against intruders.

Ginny knew all that so she wasn't surprised to find an assembly of ghosts in one of the upper rooms. Originally she had wanted to look for Harry but all that was forgotten once she felt the magic flowing inside these walls. The ghosts were whispering conspiratorially with each other, most of them dressed in fine and elegant manor robes and many possessed a rather large and hawk-like nose- it was obviously a family trademark. Ginny leaned against the wall not wanting to interrupt their conversations and was content with only watching. Having grown up in the burrow she was used to ghosts, and unlike most muggles she knew their limitations. She was invited by Professor Snape to be here, so they couldn't use family magic to harm her and like all ghosts they couldn't touch anything solid.

After a while it got a bit boring listening to them drone on, and Ginny mischievously decided to let them know they had an audience.

"Good morning. Would you mind if I pass?" she said with a smile.

The ghosts immediately turned around and some eyed her suspiciously slowly floating closer. Ginny just returned their stare calmly and without hesitation, not moving one inch.

"Who are you and what are doing in our manor traipsing through the hallways?" One of the ghosts, a tall middle aged wizard with thick black wiry hair and piercing blue eyes, demanded with a bellowing voice.

Ginny was completely unimpressed and her fierce brown eyes determinedly met his. "I am a guest of the house and I am strolling the hallways because it has not been forbidden by Professor Snape."

The tall ghost snorted and glowered in a familiar way. "Not forbidden doesn't mean it is allowed young lady. You have no business in this area of the house."

A pretty female ghost sighed and floated forward surprising Ginny with a gentle tone.

"Eugene dear, this is one of the students Severus has brought here after the school was attacked. Isn't that true my dear?"

Ginny nodded still meeting the steel blue eyes of the disapproving man-spirit.

The lady ghost chuckled softly looking over Ginnys flaming red hair. "You must be a Weasley, am I right my girl?"

A surprised Ginny nodded once again and the ghost smiled warmly and winked. "I once spent several wonderful evenings with one of your charming ancestors. Very lovely people your family."

Ginny returned the smile and nodded shortly. In this moment a smooth deep voice cut the air.

"As much as I hate to interrupt this merry chattering, I assume the ghosts have work to do and I need to talk with this young lady." Snape's voice was as coldly business-like and the ghosts floated away through the ceiling but Ginny spied some hostile looks directed right at the professor.

She turned around in defiance and was surprised to see the Potions Master grinning in amusement as he leaned against the doorframe. He looked different, elegant, relaxed, there was a flush to his cheeks, and his face showed no sneer or malice. Carefully Ginny stepped closer and returned the grin hesitantly.

"Nice family you have."

He nodded turning more seriously all in a sudden. "This house hides dangers like no other, Miss Weasley. Walking around here alone is not a good idea, not at all. The ghosts are rebellious given my current situation and the atmosphere is shifting to one of defying my will. This house is not safe."

Ginny nodded. "I understand. I can feel the magic vibrating through the house." Frowning sympathetically, she sighed softly. "And it's not very supportive at times. Like the house occupants don't like the fact that we are here."

Snape furrowed his brow as he concentrated. "I fear it is as I suspected, we have to either return to Hogwarts soon or do something about the ghosts." His voice sounded troubled all of a sudden.

"Is Hogwarts safe though?" a concerned Ginny asked.

Snapes darkening gaze shifted from the ceiling to her questioning expression. "I spoke with the headmaster this morning and he stated that the aurors have left claiming the wards were working properly once again. He suggested that we can return in the next days since school is starting once again in a week." He hesitated shortly but then added almost inaudibly "But maybe we have to leave sooner."

Ginny's face showed clear worry lines as she contemplated these words.

Draco stared at the lady ghost floating above the opposite green leather couch and contemplated what she had just said. Try as he might he was glad that somebody was here to help him with this decision as he felt utterly lost in a world where all in a sudden as 16-year old he was forced to act as an adult.

"In a Slytherin way?" He puzzled and shrugged. "What does that mean?'

Bloodwen smiled knowingly. "I am sure you know about the history of the different houses and about their founders?" As he confirmed it with a nod she continued. "Well, I lived during the time when Salazar, Godric, Ravena and Helga were still living here at the castle. Each of them was a unique person treasuring different values and skills and of course they made decisions in different ways. Godric mostly rushed into action without much contemplation, Ravena usually considered her options intensely only being led and guided by her intellect, and Helga, well she worked to achieve consensus among the group. Salazar on the other hand made decisions in a completely different way." She paused shortly and her face brightened as she talked about these times long past. "He used to value other's opinions, but he never forgot to take one thing into consideration. One thing that every Slytherin should think about before making any decision about his or her own fate."

Draco leaned forward on the couch taking in greedily every word she was saying, wanting so much to make a choice the Slytherin way. After all this was something his father would have wanted him to do.

"Your own advantage is what should make the decision, Draco. Gryffindor would think about what's best for the world, Ravena would only allow pure logic to determine the outcome, and Helga would try to gain some democratic consensus, but a Slytherin will always think about in which position he will lose or win. It's a matter of perspective my dear, where nothing is good or evil and the question of being right or wrong is irrelevant in the end. If you come out of fate's way unharmed you are right and what you supported was good. Such is the Slytherin way." Her dark green eyes bored into his grey ones. "You are not stupid my child, so I am leaving you now to make your own decision. Take into account what I just told you and judge wisely."

With that she disappeared leaving a frowning Draco Malfoy sitting alone in the dark and quiet common room contemplating if maybe even his head of house had made a certain decision the Slytherin way.

Hermione slid open the panel door and nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Albus Dumbledore sitting on a stool in the small cramped, dusty, room under the stairway. The headmaster smiled gently and beckoned her in closing the door with his wand. A magical candle emanated an orange glowing light that bathed the small room in a warm shimmer.

"Ah Hermione, I wondered when Mr. Weasley and Mr. Longbottom would manage to pull the wardrobe away. Alas, considering the large amount of time they needed, maybe we should include some more athletic activities in the school curriculum." His eyes twinkled in amusement. "But, please sit down my dear!"

He transfigured an old jar into a low comfortable looking armchair and the girl sat down.

"Headmaster, why are you here?" she queried casting her searching eyes in his direction.

"Because I want to redeem myself Ms Snape." His voice sounded serious, all twinkling and merriment gone from his features leaving only sincerity.

Hermione contemplated that shortly. "About not telling Severus and me about the prophecy?"

"No, not that really. I assume it might appear like a failure on my part but I am still convinced that only Minverva's and my silence was able to force you and Severus to grow and deal with each other and you both wouldn't be where you are if I had told Severus about the prophecy when you were sorted."

He shook his head. "No, it is more for hurting Severus and you. I have always had a very special relationship with our Potions Master as you very well know. There was a reason why I trusted him when I know Mr. Weasley and even Mr. Potter silently- or verbally sometimes- wondered if he was betraying me, working against the Order as a double spy. But what your friends cannot know is that Severus would have no reason to do so, too many things from his past are closely linked with Voldemort and he detests all of them vehemently."

"Like his father?" Hermione queried sadly.

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Yes, his father was a follower of Voldemort during the first rising and his pureblood beliefs were no different from many others back then. In a way Severus felt a family obligation to join the circle of Death Eaters as all of the Snapes were supporters. You are now aware that Severus killed his father after he had taken the Dark Mark and he was ready to go to Azkaban for that crime, he had so little to live for then. I know how much he loved his mother and for him to find her violently murdered by his father left him utterly lost as a child, and he never forgot that pain. Maybe if she had lived many of his decisions would have been different but I am afraid we will never know. The fact remains that Severus trusted me, and has always done so. Maybe it was that trust that made him consider changing sides when he realised his actions did not remove the sadness and pain, but left only regret and guilt. However, I am aware it has never been easy for him to fulfil the role of a spy, to risk his life every day for a society that looked down on him with disdain." He sighed softly. "I know I have almost shattered that trust with my decision but I feel there is something I can do for him."

Hermione hesitated but then asked. "And what is that, Sir?"

Dumbledore smiled gently. "Show you a side of him that not many people know, show you the boy he once was and make you understand him. If you see the boy and remember him, maybe facing the man will be easier for you."

When Harry returned from the garden after a quite amusing talk with Snape's grandmother he found Ginny sitting in the living room staring into the now flickering fire, a surprisingly serene expression on her face. He quietly stepped closer and plopped down next to her on the couch.

"Hello Harry, I was looking for you." Her brown eyes faced his green ones.

Harry smiled thinly. "I had an argument with Snape and then got lost in the maze. Did you know that maze has wards?"

"Most manors have mazes to protect them, Harry." She bored her eyes once again into his. "What did you argue about?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't even know anymore." When he saw Ginny's impatient face he sighed. "Honestly. I was angry about something and he said something about Voldemort and then I said that maybe he shared the capacity for evil with him."

Ginny frowned and shook her head like he missed something obvious. "After all he has done? After all he has risked for you and for the school? Only because he made bad choices once in his life? He is doing everything he can to redeem himself and still all he receives in return for it is hate. I believe in second chances Harry. I believe that not granting Professor Snape that second chance makes me wonder whether you are more like Voldemort than he is."

Harry tried to swallow down the guilt but found he was unable to. "I am just so mad because of Sirius and no matter what I do, people I care for die and there is nothing I can do to save them."

Ginny placed her hand on his arm. "But that is life, Harry. The good guys don't always win, there are causalities and sometimes nothing we can do changes the fact that people die. But we have to hold our convictions close Harry, we have to stop fighting among our allies and start facing the real enemy. If we don't then we might very well give up right now."

Harry stared into the flames as he considered these words. Maybe Ginny was right and it was time to bury the hatchet despite his feelings. Maybe he should start to place the blame for the tragedies in his life on the person who was solely responsible for it- Voldemort.

"Thanks Ginny." He got up straightening his shoulders. "I guess I have to start with an apology first?"

The redhead nodded seriously. "Yes, that would be a good start."