Chapter 11

Harry, Ron and Hermione stood in front of the statue for quite some time.

"Um, Harry, how do we get in?" Ron asked.

"We need the password." Harry replied trying to think.

"But only the Professors know the password." Hermione stated.

"Ahem."

The three turned to Snape.

"You called me Professor correct, so I should be able to open it, correct. Now stand back, let me see what I can do." Professor Snape said as he pulled out his wand.

"Harry, do you think this is a wise idea, I mean with his memory like it is, you think he can preform the spell?" Ron whispered to Harry.

"I don't know, last time I was here McGonagall waved her wand and said the password."

"Well what was it Harry?" Hermione asked.

"It was a candy, but that was a while back, I don't think he would keep the same password.."

While the trio talked Professor Snape thought about different spells, he rose his wand and pointed it at the statue.

"Lets try the only one I remember. Alohomora!"

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other in shock. Hermione pulled them aside.

"This is worse then we thought, that's a first year spell, if that's one fo the few things he remembers, we are in trouble."

The spell made for a good light show, but nothing more. Professor Snape dropped his arms and sighed in disappointment. Suddenly the Phoneix statue opened and turned. The trio looked at each other and then to Snape in shock. It was short lived as a voice broke the silence.

"Professor, are you alright? Harry, Ronald, Hermione, what brings you here?"

Harry smiled when he saw the old wizard. The long white beard and cresant shaped glasses were a definate sign they were in the presense of one of the greatest wizards known. Professor Albus Dumbledore.

"Hello sir, there has been a slight accident." Harry stated.

"An accident, how so?" Professor Dumbledore replied.

"Well sir, It's Professor Snape. He has, well, he was hit by a spell that backfired."

Professor Dumbledore looked to Professor Snape and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Is that true Professor Snape?"

Professor Snape looked to Dumbledore and then spoke.

"I don't remember sir. In fact I don't remember being a Professor here." Snape replied.

"Oh dear, this is a rather serious matter, isn't it. Well come into my office chambers so that we may speak. Will you all please follow me." Dumbledore turned and walked back up the spiral stairway and into his office. Ron and Hermione looked at it and smiled. Each of them took in the various assortment of magical objects and various moving portraits of famous wizards. Dumbledore took a seat behind his desk and motioned for the others to take a seat.

"Well, I can tell this is serious, Professor Snape, what is the last thing you remember?"Dumbledore asked.

"Well sir, seriously, it's all a blur. Nothing more."

"Well, I will have to see what I can find out. Now Harry, what exactly happened?"

"Well sir, we were on our way to the Gryffindor common room when we saw two seventh years outside of Professor Flitwick's office. They seemed to be practicing, then apparently they hit Professor Snape here with a spell, I think it was a memory charm sir."

"Ah yes, I see. Well since Professor Snape here is in no condition to teach, I shall give him a bit of time off. As for you Mr. Potter, and you two Mr. Weasley and Ms Granger. You three shall be in charge of keeping Professor Snape safe. Not only away from students, but from himself."

"Sir, for how long?" Ron spat.

"Until the charm wears off of course. Which should only be a few days."

"But sir, owls are coming up, what about our studies?" Hermione questioned.

"You will have pleanty of time for that Ms Granger. Now I want you three to take him out on the grounds, see if you can jog his memory. Take him around the castle. The quicker he recovers his memory, the better. Now off with you three, and you Professor."

Professor Snape however jolted back to the conversation at hand. His concentration was on a rather odd magical clock on Dumbledore's desk, rather then the converstation.

"Yes yes, what ever you say. Where ever did you get that?"

"Ah, Professor, You gave that to me for my birthday, though it was no match for Poppy's pair of wool socks." The headmaster replied with a grin.

Harry sighed knowing it was going to be a long couple of days, the trio moves quickly out of the office. Snape however remained seated.

"Headmaster, might I have a private word?" Professor Snape asked.

"But of course, always." Dumbledore said seriously.

The headmaster motioned for the three to leave and then as soon as they disappeared he turned to Snape.

"And what type of game are you playing at Severus."

"A rather interesting one, wouldn't you say Albus."

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