A/N: Excuse the 'Next chapter' summary on the previous chapter. I'll get
back to Harry in the next chapter! (If that makes sense?) -snicker-
_______________________________________
It was still in the small hours of the thirty first of August. The Headmaster's office at Hogwarts was oddly silent. It had been a rather strange night, and it was clear that it wasn't about to get any less stranger.
In a chair behind the large desk in said office, the Headmaster himself sat quietly rubbing his frowning brow in deep thought. Directly across from him, slumped awkwardly in a chair, the Potions Master of Hogwarts was also in deep thought. But wearing a very unpleasant, ill-natured scowl.
To an onlooker the scene would appear even more disconcerting if they happened to glance around at the walls. For the people in the various portraits which hadn't fallen asleep were also looking either very serious or sullen. Even Dumbledore's pet Phoenix, Fawkes looked as if he was about to start plucking his feathers out.
A weary sigh from Dumbledore finally broke the brooding silence. 'So, ah, Severus. Do you have anything to report, from earlier today?'
The dark robed wizard seemed slightly grateful for the question. His scowl lightened.
'As it happens Headmaster, no. Narcissa maintains that there is no indication that the Dark Lord is planning to storm Azkaban. It appears he is most - displeased - at the display of incompetency in the ministry.' Severus smirked. 'I believe he referred to it as a dumb farce.'
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he peered over his half-moon glasses at his employee. 'Have you spoken with Lucius recently?'
Severus began to look smug. 'Why, I believe I had a few - words - with him, yes.'
The Headmaster coughed awkwardly and seemed a little embarrassed. 'Indeed. Ah, well. You already know that you have no need to go to such lengths to convince-'
'Lucius is after my blood now, Dumbledore!' snapped Severus. 'I cannot simply waltz in to Azkaban and reveal my identity to a person who believes that I was the reason he ended up in there! And besides, the guards only admit certain visitors.'
'A very good point.' mused the Headmaster. 'Indeed. And how does Narcissa view your choice of - ah - disguise?'
Severus tried to hold back a smirk. 'She finds the situation rather interesting, if not to say - flattering.'
'She doesn't mind?'
'Why should she mind?' was the indignant reply. 'She has been waiting for years to gain more influence over her son. She thought herself fortunate enough to have him enrolled at Hogwarts and not Durmstrang.'
'Point made,' the Headmaster coughed awkwardly. It hadn't been the point he'd been looking for.
Inwardly he found himself recoiling a little. He had changed with the times, but when it came to certain things he was essentially at heart still a Victorian wizard. These youngsters were so much more open-minded! Well, if Narcissa clearly wasn't bothered about Severus' undercover antics, then-
Draco? Oh, Merlin's beard, this must never reach the poor lad's ears. Did Severus have a conscience?
Dumbledore decided a slight change of subject was due.
'And so, how is the situation seen by the inmates?'
'The living conditions, naturally, don't agree with Malfoy's penchant for the grandiose. So of course he is quite beside himself.'
'I can imagine. Poor Mr. Malfoy,' was the mild reply.
'He knows of the Dark Lord's dissatisfaction, and is, of course distraught that his connections in the political world may have been marred by his public outing as a Deatheater.' Severus raised an eyebrow and looked the Headmaster right in the eye. 'The emphasis being of course, on the word 'may."
Dumbledore frowned. 'Then there is little doubt that Cornelius has the Ministry deeply embroiled in less savoury, extra-curricular activities. The donations to the cause must have been sizeable indeed.'
'One or two galleons, perhaps,' muttered Severus ironically. 'But the Malfoys, as you know, are extremely discreet when it comes to leaving records of their financial transactions.'
'As ever. Anything else notable?'
The younger wizard shuffled in his chair, and gritted his teeth. 'Only that Malfoy has recently gained an inkling that the Dark Lord might have been suspicious of his loyalty to him for some time.'
'But I trust you were careful all last year Severus?' remarked the Headmaster in a concerned tone. 'Your Occlumens skills are pliable enough to-'
'Yes, yes!' he hissed back. 'I have known Lucius for many years. I am quite capable of posing as him! As he is unable to penetrate my defences I am certain I didn't arouse the Dark Lord's suspicion.'
'So you are confident that Voldemort still believes Lucius was spending a marked amount of time with a Hogwarts Teacher purely to gain information, and not - perhaps - to betray him in turn?'
Severus paled slightly under his employer's piercing gaze. 'I admit,' he muttered quietly. 'That there may have been one time where the routine didn't go quite - as I'd planned.'
The expression on the old wizard's face turned graver. 'In what way, Severus?'
'The mark burned unexpectedly one evening, as you know,' began the hushed explanation. 'A week before the fracas at the Ministry. I happened to be visiting Knockturn Alley. I had attended the Lord's meeting before as Lucius, and as this summoning was wholly unexpected, we had not had time to arrange whether Lucius or I would attend.'
'I decided to apparate immediately to Malfoy Manor to check. Lucius was delaying answering the Lord's summons too. After a few words we decided that he should attend the meeting that night in person.'
Severus paused. Dumbledore noted that the younger wizard was looking rather more distracted than usual.
'As you know also, Lucius remarked - perhaps too casually - when he next saw me, that the Dark Lord had duly rewarded his tardiness with a bout of Cruciatus.'
Another pause. Dumbledore nodded, and urged the explanation on.
'But - as I have discovered through my recent undercover work, he declined to tell me that Pettigrew apparated to the Lord's side a short while after he did. And was rewarded, not punished for it.'
Dumbledore peered worriedly at his Potions Master. 'What are Lucius' suspicions?'
'Not favourable. Considering that Malfoy Manor is not rat proof.'
'Spy versus spy,' whispered Dumbledore.
'Quite,' muttered Severus sourly.
'Could Voldemort suspect Narcissa of being in on our conspiracy?'
'I am not certain. But with Pettigrew being the small animagus he is. Possibly.'
Dumbledore sighed deeply. 'Then I trust you are aware of the seriousness of the situation. It now appears likely that the reason Voldemort has not taken steps to free his imprisoned Deatheaters, stems from his suspicion of their loyalties.'
Severus sneered, as if he considered the Headmaster's explanation to be an insult to his intelligence. 'What do you propose I do now?'
'Well, now we come to it,' was the muttered reply. 'I know you won't agree with my decision Severus, so I will just plough ahead and announce it anyway.'
He cleared his throat to try and get his employee's attention, which had begun to wander. 'I cannot let you continue with your objective now your cover may well be blown. There is too much risk involved.'
'What?!' The Potion Master's head snapped round, his eyes glittering.
'You heard me perfectly well, Severus,' he remarked lightly. 'To use the Malfoys henceforward as a source of information is probably unwise if Voldemort suspects them.'
'I happen to trust Narcissa!' exclaimed Severus indignantly.
Dumbledore smiled. 'As I do, Severus.' The smile faded. 'But I cannot extend the trust to certain people she is required to associate with.'
The Potions Master looked sullen. 'I gave her my word that I would look out for her son's best interests.'
'So you did,' was the heavy reply. 'So you did.'
Dumbledore sank into thought. After a short while he was snapped out of it by an odd snigger. He looked up to find Severus grinning at him oddly.
'And to think I had considered myself to be risking my neck last year,' he sneered. 'It is all going to be so much more fun this September.'
Dumbledore's grave look returned. 'Severus.' he sighed. 'You are not going to like this, but please use some forbearance. The situation is such that I now cannot let you return as Potions Master this Autumn.'
'I.' His jaw hung open. For once Severus Snape was rendered incapable of disparaging comment.
'Oh, please do not worry about your students,' continued the Headmaster lightly. 'I believe I already know of a suitable candidate for the post. He's been applying for your position for years actually. Very blithe, eager chap.'
'What! That.no.HIM!' The younger wizard clamped his jaw shut, hardly believing what he was hearing. What the Headmaster was implying - surely he was dreaming this time?
'He was in your year, wasn't he?' Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. 'A Ravenclaw though.'
Snape seethed. It was possible that he even saw red. He looked down at the floor and took in several rasped breaths in an attempt to calm himself. Finally he managed to speak.
'I presume this is the end for me then?' came the bitter rasp. 'I suppose I expected to outlive my use someday. Oh, but perhaps not as caretaker.' he sneered, his voice rising. 'An INSPIRED use of my expertise - mopping the floors! Seeing as I can't leave the castle now, can I? Too dangerous - for me and a certain precious someone!!'
'Severus-'
'What, you raving old fool? WHAT?!' snarled Snape. 'And feel free to sack me now while you're at it! Why wait until September!?'
He sprang up and stalked toward the door. 'I shall pack immediately. For one thing I am not letting that new buffoon employee of yours have any of my more valuable potion ingredients. He can damn well buy his own!' he shrieked.
'Severus, will you stand still and hear me out!?' rounded off Dumbledore sharply.
Clenching and unclenching his fists, Snape whirled round and fixed his iciest stare onto the Headmaster. 'Why?!'
'Come, sit down. I hadn't finished speaking.'
'Sounded as if you had!' came the snappish response.
Dumbledore waited until the other lowered himself sulkily back into his chair before speaking. His tone was gentle. 'Severus. Do you know the whereabouts of your brother?'
Snape stiffened. 'As I said earlier - after the whole Potter fiasco - I absolutely refuse to become involved-'
'Do you know the whereabouts of your brother?'
Snape felt the full force of the Headmaster's piercing, ice blue gaze. He glared back, but could not hold it for long. He dropped the glare and sighed bitterly.
'Not exactly.'
'He is quite unwell, isn't he?'
'I believe he is, yes,' said Snape, sounding cool and unconcerned.
'I need you to visit him tomorrow.'
Severus' fingers gripped tightly into the chair arms. 'What use would that do?' he snapped. 'The bastard's in a coma!'
'Much use, Severus. I need you to take a few samples.'
The younger wizard's eyes widened. 'Oh, no. No, no-'
'If you do this, I have a very worthwhile offer I know you would definitely consider, Severus.'
Dumbledore smiled. That had got the Slytherin's attention. Slytherins couldn't resist deals.
'And what offer would that be?' said Snape slowly, his black eyes gleaming with interest.
Dumbledore paused for effect.
Fawkes stopped plucking out his feathers and fixed a beady eye on his owner.
The pictures around the walls, even the ones that were sleeping, stopped snoring for a moment to listen in.
'What if I were to offer you the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?'
_____
A/N: Aha! ;-) An offer Severus Snape can't refuse - if canon rumours are to be believed! (For Snape's motive toward using the term 'new buffoon employee' to describe the new Potions Master, please see 16 Year Old Hangover Part One ;-)
_______________________________________
It was still in the small hours of the thirty first of August. The Headmaster's office at Hogwarts was oddly silent. It had been a rather strange night, and it was clear that it wasn't about to get any less stranger.
In a chair behind the large desk in said office, the Headmaster himself sat quietly rubbing his frowning brow in deep thought. Directly across from him, slumped awkwardly in a chair, the Potions Master of Hogwarts was also in deep thought. But wearing a very unpleasant, ill-natured scowl.
To an onlooker the scene would appear even more disconcerting if they happened to glance around at the walls. For the people in the various portraits which hadn't fallen asleep were also looking either very serious or sullen. Even Dumbledore's pet Phoenix, Fawkes looked as if he was about to start plucking his feathers out.
A weary sigh from Dumbledore finally broke the brooding silence. 'So, ah, Severus. Do you have anything to report, from earlier today?'
The dark robed wizard seemed slightly grateful for the question. His scowl lightened.
'As it happens Headmaster, no. Narcissa maintains that there is no indication that the Dark Lord is planning to storm Azkaban. It appears he is most - displeased - at the display of incompetency in the ministry.' Severus smirked. 'I believe he referred to it as a dumb farce.'
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he peered over his half-moon glasses at his employee. 'Have you spoken with Lucius recently?'
Severus began to look smug. 'Why, I believe I had a few - words - with him, yes.'
The Headmaster coughed awkwardly and seemed a little embarrassed. 'Indeed. Ah, well. You already know that you have no need to go to such lengths to convince-'
'Lucius is after my blood now, Dumbledore!' snapped Severus. 'I cannot simply waltz in to Azkaban and reveal my identity to a person who believes that I was the reason he ended up in there! And besides, the guards only admit certain visitors.'
'A very good point.' mused the Headmaster. 'Indeed. And how does Narcissa view your choice of - ah - disguise?'
Severus tried to hold back a smirk. 'She finds the situation rather interesting, if not to say - flattering.'
'She doesn't mind?'
'Why should she mind?' was the indignant reply. 'She has been waiting for years to gain more influence over her son. She thought herself fortunate enough to have him enrolled at Hogwarts and not Durmstrang.'
'Point made,' the Headmaster coughed awkwardly. It hadn't been the point he'd been looking for.
Inwardly he found himself recoiling a little. He had changed with the times, but when it came to certain things he was essentially at heart still a Victorian wizard. These youngsters were so much more open-minded! Well, if Narcissa clearly wasn't bothered about Severus' undercover antics, then-
Draco? Oh, Merlin's beard, this must never reach the poor lad's ears. Did Severus have a conscience?
Dumbledore decided a slight change of subject was due.
'And so, how is the situation seen by the inmates?'
'The living conditions, naturally, don't agree with Malfoy's penchant for the grandiose. So of course he is quite beside himself.'
'I can imagine. Poor Mr. Malfoy,' was the mild reply.
'He knows of the Dark Lord's dissatisfaction, and is, of course distraught that his connections in the political world may have been marred by his public outing as a Deatheater.' Severus raised an eyebrow and looked the Headmaster right in the eye. 'The emphasis being of course, on the word 'may."
Dumbledore frowned. 'Then there is little doubt that Cornelius has the Ministry deeply embroiled in less savoury, extra-curricular activities. The donations to the cause must have been sizeable indeed.'
'One or two galleons, perhaps,' muttered Severus ironically. 'But the Malfoys, as you know, are extremely discreet when it comes to leaving records of their financial transactions.'
'As ever. Anything else notable?'
The younger wizard shuffled in his chair, and gritted his teeth. 'Only that Malfoy has recently gained an inkling that the Dark Lord might have been suspicious of his loyalty to him for some time.'
'But I trust you were careful all last year Severus?' remarked the Headmaster in a concerned tone. 'Your Occlumens skills are pliable enough to-'
'Yes, yes!' he hissed back. 'I have known Lucius for many years. I am quite capable of posing as him! As he is unable to penetrate my defences I am certain I didn't arouse the Dark Lord's suspicion.'
'So you are confident that Voldemort still believes Lucius was spending a marked amount of time with a Hogwarts Teacher purely to gain information, and not - perhaps - to betray him in turn?'
Severus paled slightly under his employer's piercing gaze. 'I admit,' he muttered quietly. 'That there may have been one time where the routine didn't go quite - as I'd planned.'
The expression on the old wizard's face turned graver. 'In what way, Severus?'
'The mark burned unexpectedly one evening, as you know,' began the hushed explanation. 'A week before the fracas at the Ministry. I happened to be visiting Knockturn Alley. I had attended the Lord's meeting before as Lucius, and as this summoning was wholly unexpected, we had not had time to arrange whether Lucius or I would attend.'
'I decided to apparate immediately to Malfoy Manor to check. Lucius was delaying answering the Lord's summons too. After a few words we decided that he should attend the meeting that night in person.'
Severus paused. Dumbledore noted that the younger wizard was looking rather more distracted than usual.
'As you know also, Lucius remarked - perhaps too casually - when he next saw me, that the Dark Lord had duly rewarded his tardiness with a bout of Cruciatus.'
Another pause. Dumbledore nodded, and urged the explanation on.
'But - as I have discovered through my recent undercover work, he declined to tell me that Pettigrew apparated to the Lord's side a short while after he did. And was rewarded, not punished for it.'
Dumbledore peered worriedly at his Potions Master. 'What are Lucius' suspicions?'
'Not favourable. Considering that Malfoy Manor is not rat proof.'
'Spy versus spy,' whispered Dumbledore.
'Quite,' muttered Severus sourly.
'Could Voldemort suspect Narcissa of being in on our conspiracy?'
'I am not certain. But with Pettigrew being the small animagus he is. Possibly.'
Dumbledore sighed deeply. 'Then I trust you are aware of the seriousness of the situation. It now appears likely that the reason Voldemort has not taken steps to free his imprisoned Deatheaters, stems from his suspicion of their loyalties.'
Severus sneered, as if he considered the Headmaster's explanation to be an insult to his intelligence. 'What do you propose I do now?'
'Well, now we come to it,' was the muttered reply. 'I know you won't agree with my decision Severus, so I will just plough ahead and announce it anyway.'
He cleared his throat to try and get his employee's attention, which had begun to wander. 'I cannot let you continue with your objective now your cover may well be blown. There is too much risk involved.'
'What?!' The Potion Master's head snapped round, his eyes glittering.
'You heard me perfectly well, Severus,' he remarked lightly. 'To use the Malfoys henceforward as a source of information is probably unwise if Voldemort suspects them.'
'I happen to trust Narcissa!' exclaimed Severus indignantly.
Dumbledore smiled. 'As I do, Severus.' The smile faded. 'But I cannot extend the trust to certain people she is required to associate with.'
The Potions Master looked sullen. 'I gave her my word that I would look out for her son's best interests.'
'So you did,' was the heavy reply. 'So you did.'
Dumbledore sank into thought. After a short while he was snapped out of it by an odd snigger. He looked up to find Severus grinning at him oddly.
'And to think I had considered myself to be risking my neck last year,' he sneered. 'It is all going to be so much more fun this September.'
Dumbledore's grave look returned. 'Severus.' he sighed. 'You are not going to like this, but please use some forbearance. The situation is such that I now cannot let you return as Potions Master this Autumn.'
'I.' His jaw hung open. For once Severus Snape was rendered incapable of disparaging comment.
'Oh, please do not worry about your students,' continued the Headmaster lightly. 'I believe I already know of a suitable candidate for the post. He's been applying for your position for years actually. Very blithe, eager chap.'
'What! That.no.HIM!' The younger wizard clamped his jaw shut, hardly believing what he was hearing. What the Headmaster was implying - surely he was dreaming this time?
'He was in your year, wasn't he?' Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. 'A Ravenclaw though.'
Snape seethed. It was possible that he even saw red. He looked down at the floor and took in several rasped breaths in an attempt to calm himself. Finally he managed to speak.
'I presume this is the end for me then?' came the bitter rasp. 'I suppose I expected to outlive my use someday. Oh, but perhaps not as caretaker.' he sneered, his voice rising. 'An INSPIRED use of my expertise - mopping the floors! Seeing as I can't leave the castle now, can I? Too dangerous - for me and a certain precious someone!!'
'Severus-'
'What, you raving old fool? WHAT?!' snarled Snape. 'And feel free to sack me now while you're at it! Why wait until September!?'
He sprang up and stalked toward the door. 'I shall pack immediately. For one thing I am not letting that new buffoon employee of yours have any of my more valuable potion ingredients. He can damn well buy his own!' he shrieked.
'Severus, will you stand still and hear me out!?' rounded off Dumbledore sharply.
Clenching and unclenching his fists, Snape whirled round and fixed his iciest stare onto the Headmaster. 'Why?!'
'Come, sit down. I hadn't finished speaking.'
'Sounded as if you had!' came the snappish response.
Dumbledore waited until the other lowered himself sulkily back into his chair before speaking. His tone was gentle. 'Severus. Do you know the whereabouts of your brother?'
Snape stiffened. 'As I said earlier - after the whole Potter fiasco - I absolutely refuse to become involved-'
'Do you know the whereabouts of your brother?'
Snape felt the full force of the Headmaster's piercing, ice blue gaze. He glared back, but could not hold it for long. He dropped the glare and sighed bitterly.
'Not exactly.'
'He is quite unwell, isn't he?'
'I believe he is, yes,' said Snape, sounding cool and unconcerned.
'I need you to visit him tomorrow.'
Severus' fingers gripped tightly into the chair arms. 'What use would that do?' he snapped. 'The bastard's in a coma!'
'Much use, Severus. I need you to take a few samples.'
The younger wizard's eyes widened. 'Oh, no. No, no-'
'If you do this, I have a very worthwhile offer I know you would definitely consider, Severus.'
Dumbledore smiled. That had got the Slytherin's attention. Slytherins couldn't resist deals.
'And what offer would that be?' said Snape slowly, his black eyes gleaming with interest.
Dumbledore paused for effect.
Fawkes stopped plucking out his feathers and fixed a beady eye on his owner.
The pictures around the walls, even the ones that were sleeping, stopped snoring for a moment to listen in.
'What if I were to offer you the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?'
_____
A/N: Aha! ;-) An offer Severus Snape can't refuse - if canon rumours are to be believed! (For Snape's motive toward using the term 'new buffoon employee' to describe the new Potions Master, please see 16 Year Old Hangover Part One ;-)