Disclaimer: Don't own nothing not even a smidgen. All works owned by J.K. Rowling Bloomsbury paperbacks and a few others.
Summary: A gift has arrived to none then Severus Snape and due to reasons will not accept it. Will Dumbledore be able to persuade him to keep it to open his heart and trust before it's all too late? 1st ff be nice RR
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Love and Trust of the Heart
Chapter 3- Old memories of Concern
Severus Snape got up and out of bed, ignoring what Albus wished. It was his body, he should be able to do what he saw fit. He put on his customary black robes, before he headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. Severus entered in his usual fashion sitting at his chair at the head table. Severus earned a glare from Albus as he helped himself to some eggs and bacon.
"Severus feeling better this morning," Minerva asked politely. She was one of the few foolish teachers that tried daily to get him into a conversation, and ever rarely got him to interact with them.
"Yes Minerva," Severus replied in a tone that indicated 'I'm just talking to you so you can stop asking questions.'
Minerva smiled slightly and didn't ask any more questions during the meal, but to Albus.
"Any of your children or grandchildren coming to see you these summer holidays Albus,"
"Sadly no," Severus heard Albus reply in a quiet tone.
Severus glanced at Albus to see only a faint sparkle in his eyes.
Severus felt Albus' sad waves. He could tell he missed them terribly.
"Oh," was all Minerva could reply. "Any replies for the Dark Arts job Albus," she asked.
"No... not yet, but it's early days, we still have 2 months until the new school year."
Severus stopped eating and took interest in the conversation.
"How about Arabella," Minerva suggested, "I'm sure she'd be happy to take the position."
Albus nodded his head that he would consider it.
Severus cleared his throat, "Actually I have a suggestion,"
Albus turned to him, his eyes sparkling, in a knowing way of what he wanted to ask. Minerva stared suspiciously. Severus thought a moment; those eyes of Dumbledore knew what he was going to ask, so Severus rephrased his original question.
"...If you cannot find a Dark Arts Professor, I will gladly take the position."
Minerva gave the look of 'over my dead body will I agree to that.' So Severus added,
"You know how hard it is to find a decent professor, people think it's cursed, plus with the Voldemort on the loose, I'm well qualified. It'll be so much easier to find a new potion professor."
Albus gave Severus a warm smile before saying, "I'll think about it."
Severus smirked at Minerva, who was making spluttering sounds. Usually Albus just said no in a polite speech, this time was a straight out answer, which was better then Severus could have hoped for.
Severus drank down his coffee and stood up to leave before turning to Dumbledore, "I'll be waiting in your office."
Severus made his way until reached Dumbledore's gargoyle, in which he said the password "Malteasers." 'What in Merlin are malteasers?' The gargoyle stepped sprang to life and let Severus enter. Severus entered Dumbledore's office and stood waiting patiently. He could feel he was being watched to find Dumbledore's pet phoenix staring at him. Severus remembered Dumbledore having this phoenix when he was at school. Severus stared at the phoenix who just stared back. 'The phoenix is a beautiful bird.' All of a sudden it flew towards him landing on his shoulder. Severus nearly had a heart attack. The phoenix lowered its head, as if it wanted to be petted. His memory gave little snippets of him doing this before... where had that come from? Severus was sure he had never done this before. Severus hesitantly lifted his hand, and gently stroked the bird's neck with the back of his hand. The phoenix let out a note of contentment. "You're a beautiful phoenix," he added as he continued to stroke it.
"Yes he is isn't he,"
Severus turned sharply. "Do you have to do that?"
Dumbledore chuckled, "Sorry,"
The phoenix re-perched himself on Severus' shoulder. Dumbledore smiled before sitting himself at his desk. Severus stared fascinated that the bird was still perched on his shoulder. Most animals kept clear from him, this bird was bold. Severus wasn't really an animal lover in fact he hated animals. But there was something about this bird...
"Fawkes only perches on few people. In fact only one other person, who is sadly deceased."
"Who?"
"Lily Evans-Potter, although he is rather fond of Harry, sit." Dumbledore replied.
Severus walked carefully towards a seat.
"Why only few people Albus,"
"Fawkes, is attracted by loyalty, in other words you have shown me great loyalty at Voldemort's meeting," Dumbledore answered, his eyes warm and content.
Severus tore away from those eyes; he'd probably fail Albus soon enough once again. He didn't deserve his kindness.
"Now Severus, I thought I told you to stay in bed until I told you otherwise," Albus replied in an amused voice.
Severus glared at him, "You're not my guardian Albus, and before you say anything, I am over 18, I am not a child. I can look after myself."
Albus stared at Severus, "Severus don't be afraid of help when someone offers it, or be afraid to ask for it."
"I'm not afraid."
Albus smiled slightly, "Now what news do you have on Voldemort's movements."
Severus cleared his throat, and began. "Voldemort wasn't happy to see me, and nearly killed me on site, but at least let me give an explanation why I wasn't there at his rebirth. I managed to save my life by saying I was here at Hogwarts. Voldemort hasn't given plans on to attack muggles as such. He gave us each our own assignments; a few deatheaters are after Karkaroff, those who work in the ministry are to keep an eye on ministry movements. That idiot fool Pettigrew has a silver arm. I believe he is to kill the werewolf Lupin with it." 'Not a bad idea if you ask me,' Severus thought to himself. Severus saw Dumbledore's eyes fill with concern. "Voldemort has asked the Slytherin students to keep a close watch on Potter and anything strange. He hasn't told us of such about any plans involved with giants or breaking his loyal deatheaters out of Azkaban."
Dumbledore nodded understanding saying, "I believe it would then be wise to send Hagrid and Olympia to persuade the giants now."
"Yes," Severus agreed.
"I hate to break up their honeymoon, " Dumbledore replied gravely.
Severus was about to nod until he repeated what Dumbledore just said. "You mean that Hagrid and her are-"Severus couldn't say it.
"Married yes, they eloped," Dumbledore said for him.
Severus was trying not to gag; the oaf Hagrid and that French doberman... married. Severus couldn't imagine the children. Severus shook his head at the thought.
"You haven't told me your mission Severus," Albus replied slowly.
"Well he knows that you have started up the Order again, and I am to find out as much information as possible without revealing my position."
Severus stared at Albus who let out a sigh what sounded in relief.
"Well that is easily arranged. I dreaded something much worse."
"So did I."
"Thank you Severus," Albus replied gratefully.
"No thanks," Severus replied stiffly, he deserved this for all the things he had done. Severus got up from his seat and headed towards the door. He could feel Albus' gaze on him.
"Severus," Albus replied.
'What now,' "Yes Albus,"
"Take it easy today, no brewing potions,"
Severus whipped around glaring, snapping darkly, "Albus-"
"Rest your body, otherwise you'll burn out."
Severus snorted, "You're worse then Poppy."
