_________________________________________________
Chapter 20
___________________________________
This wasn't one of his better nights. He was again staring at the long letter Severus had written sometime before he had been apprehended by the Aurors. There were parts of the letter where the paragraphs jumped from one topic to another, completely inconsistent with the previous topic. Then, just as suddenly, he returned to a previously mentioned phrase or concept and wrote as if there had been no break. It was quite different from Severus's usual methodical approach, but the choice of words, the subject matter, and overall concise and precise mannerisms were undoubtedly his.
Dumbledore had even cast a multitude of identification charms to be sure, though he hadn't needed to. Olin would never have delivered an important missive by anything other than Snape's request.
He was, of course, concerned about the knowledge Severus had not disclosed after the first fall of Voldemort, but that was not what worried him. He trusted Severus enough to know the man would never use that knowledge unless he was coerced. No, he was worried that the Ministry would catch wind of this and never release Snape. That was something he could not have happen.
The slight tap on his door ended his silent contemplation for the moment. The door opened of its own accord, and from the stairwell entrance stepped the undesired, resident vampire.
"May I help you, Irvan?" Dumbledore asked from his desk. It was unusual for the vampire to enter without company, namely Severus. Though in the rare times he did, it had always involved a long absence of Severus's and a vision of Harry's.
"I believe I have someone you would like to speak to," Irvan answered slowly. Just that instant, Sirius Black appeared beside him. It should have startled the great wizard more than it showed, but he had become surprisingly used to the unexpected.
"Ah, Sirius. It is good to see you again," Dumbledore greeted, sounding for all the world as if he was greeting a long lost friend. He tried not to betray his anxiety, knowing it would lead to questions he wasn't ready to answer. "Please have a seat. Would you like any tea?" Before Sirius could answer he conjured two steaming cups, setting one in front of the animagus. "Irvan, could you wait outside for a moment? I need to talk with you as well." Receiving the puzzled and cold glare from the vampire, Dumbledore returned his attention to Sirius Black. "Tell me, how has your progress been?"
Sirius stared at his cup for a minute or two, trying to collect his thoughts. Dumbledore did not press him. "Most of them are dead. But the strange thing is, Professor, is that they all died within weeks of each other, too close for it to be a coincidence. I'm tempted to say there is a spy amidst the Death Eaters." There was a pregnant pause filled with insinuations. "I know you said Snape doesn't know any of the names, but who else is there?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I don't know, Sirius. The Ministry thinks they'll find out from Severus. I've already convinced them Remus isn't the spy, and was working on Severus' case when the Ministry took him."
"You mean Snape's gone!" Sirius gasped.
"Unfortunately, he is for the moment. I'm still trying to get him cleared of this matter. Now, can you tell me who is still alive?" It was awful to ask that question. He would have preferred the lesser number to be the deaths, not the living.
"Masic, last I saw. He was supposed to be sending you a letter two days into the school year."
"I never received one. I will have to send someone to find out what happened."
"Gounfed is the only other one I found alive."
"I have heard from him. He's in Hogsmeade right now. These are not good numbers; two out of the six I sent you to find. I only hope the others have more success. You should be getting some rest. It's late, or early depending on how you look at it. You can use the internal Floo Network to reach Remus' rooms. I trust you will be comfortable there until other arrangements can be made."
Black look almost like a new man at the mention of his old friend. "Of course, Professor." He rose and walked over to the Headmaster's fireplace. "Where's the Floo powder?"
"In the blue china dish on the right."
Sirius nodded, took a pinch and disappeared though the green flames.
The door opened just as soon as the flames died down, returning to the small but merry fire that had been burning before. "Irvan, I've been meaning to ask you about this," he said, brandishing the letter. Curiosity piqued, Irvan took the papers and began rifling through them. "Have you seen this before?"
The vampire placed the parchment on the desk quickly. "Seen it, no. Though I am far too familiar with its contents."
"Do you know anything about the curse and the potion used on Sirius?"
"I do not know much about the potion Severus created; however, I know of the original. It was created circa 960 A.D. in order to bind those one desired to follow one's will. As I recall, it wasn't as successful as its maker would have liked, leaving a considerable gap between the order and actual action. A century or two later, another Potions master played with the idea of using it to control an army of followers who would not have taken any part in his schemes otherwise. I believe he was the one who perfected it to what it was before Severus started working with it.
"It was not until the late 1500s that the Imperius curse was created, along with the Impero Pareo Quamtotius. The dark wizard who created that accidentally discovered a way to link the potion and curse, but his studies were merely the foundation for what is controlling Sirius. From what I understand of that combination, and what little I know of Severus' remarkable improvements, Sirius knows only what he knew before the curse. He will act no differently, and will deny ever being cursed. When the curse it activated, he will do as commanded but remember nothing of it once it is temporarily canceled."
"You mean he could be subjected to that curse a multitude of times."
"Yes. And he will do anything without the slightest ability to retaliate. If commanded to, he would murder, rape, or commit other atrocities without a second thought. If Severus is correct, he will be used to try to capture his own godson and bring him to Voldemort."
Dumbledore leaned back and closed his eyes. Things were more difficult than he had anticipated. "Is it safe to keep him here?" He couldn't allow Sirius to remain in Hogwarts if at any moment he could become the puppet of Voldemort.
"So long as there is no one here that would cast the curse. It is a very difficult one to cast, so I doubt that any of the children have the strength. Hogwarts is most likely the safest place for him."
"Can you tell me when Severus created this . . . potion?"
"I don't know when. It was already created and tested when I met Severus. Though I understand it was not long after he first affiliated himself with Voldemort."
"As much as I hate to say this about the Dark Arts, Severus did a marvelous job with his masterpiece."
"I don't think it is his masterpiece."
"There are other potions?"
"Many others. I'm afraid he will never tell you freely, though perhaps if you asked directly. I don't even know why I'm telling you this. It's not doing him any favors."
"Quite right. Though I am curious as to how you know so much about these creations."
"I was there for most of it. I met many of the wizards in passing. I have always made it a point to meet great minds if I am able, though after Grendelwald I've slowed down. And After Voldemort I stopped completely. Likely if I had not gotten caught up with Grendelwald, you and I would have meet under starkly different circumstances."
"I would not be surprised."
The conversation lulled until Irvan brought up his desired point. "What are you doing to free Severus?"
"What I can. Going through the legal branches. Making entreaties to certain officials. Calling in favors where I am able. Everything legally available."
"What about illegally?" the vampire muttered, obviously not satisfied.
"I can't allow you to make a jail break. One, it would make Severus look suspicious. And two, it would cause no end of trouble in your promise to help Harry."
"Yes, but it is far more difficult to sit here and do nothing when Severus is stuck in that Godforsaken place, waiting for the Aurors and Dementors to suck the life from him, a fate far worse than death."
"I understand, Irvan, and I'm doing everything possible. And we already have the media's ear. Once the hysteria has died down a bit, the children's pleas will garner attention. And while it is a known fact that Slytherins will only get half an ear, the mere mention of Harry might be able to sway the public."
"Excellent," Irvan said sullenly. "Just what the Slytherins always wanted. The valiant Boy-Who-Lived coming to the rescue. No offense, Professor, Harry is a good kid and means well, but this is something the Slytherins wish to do alone."
"I quite understand. But I am not going to stop Harry from doing anything. Though I was a bit surprised to find Harry and his friends at dinner tonight."
"That is possibly because he was not aware the Slytherins intend to continue this protest. Though I believe the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs will stay out before Harry."
"Very probable. But I must ask, what have you told the Slytherins to get them to behave?"
"Behave? I was unaware they did anything but. If you detect a difference in their behavior, it is none of my doing."
"Hmm. That is something to look into. One more thing before you go, Irvan. Is it possible for you to counteract the potion or curse currently on Sirius?"
"The potion, not without knowing exactly what the variations he was given were. They change according to the person's reaction. And to my knowledge there never was a counter curse. Though it may be possible to create one. Canceling the curse must be done only by the caster."
"Thank you, Irvan. When I get any information regarding Severus I will not hesitate in contacting you." Irvan nodded and left. Dumbledore had a feeling the vampire was in poor spirits after this meeting.
* * * * * *
"Can you believe how quiet it was at dinner? I never thought the Slytherins accounted for so much of the noise."
"It wasn't just that they were gone, Ron." Hermione corrected. "Everyone was still subdued because of Snape's absence. Do you think they're still protesting?"
"You can bet on it," Harry stated. "They aren't likely to forget what happened and just pass it over happily."
"Are you going to join them, Harry?"
"I don't know. I mean, I don't like what happened, but I don't like Snape either. I just don't know."
"You know we'll support your decision. I don't like Snape any more than you do, but I have to agree with the Slytherins. Everything that has happened is wrong."
"I don't know what's so wrong about it. That's just how things are done," Ron piped in.
Hermione glared. "It might be how things are done, but it doesn't mean it's right."
"I'm going to bed. See you in the morning, Hermione."
"You don't want to play any chess?" Ron interrupted.
"No. I'm tired. Night, Ron."
Harry walked up the stairs to his dorm. Very few were actually asleep. Harry wasn't really ready to turn in, but he needed time to think. * Evan, you there? *
* Of course I am. It's not like I go anywhere. *
* It's just that I haven't seen you in a while, and I don't know where you are. *
* I'm wandering. This is a big castle. *
* I know. I just don't want you to get lost or anything. *
* That is unlikely. That incident with Mrs. Norris was unexpected, but now I know how to keep track of her. She's about as annoying as that white ball of fur. *
* Do you know why the Slytherins aren't coming to dinner? *
There was a pause. * Probably because no one would listen to them any other way. That's usually why people protest. *
* I know that. But is it because Snape's gone or because of the way he was taken? *
* Both. You may think Slytherins know nothing of loyalty because they are stereotyped as dark wizards, but even dark wizards know something about loyalty. Especially when it pertains to their own. Slytherins are in a unique position to understand loyalty from all sides: loyalty to each other, and to their superiors. Their loyalty to their own is far stronger than that of the Hufflepuffs'. *
* Why is that? *
* Because no one else will return that loyalty. As it is, they could care less if Snape is a Death Eater or a spy so long as he is returned. Unharmed. *
* So, they just like Professor Snape. *
* Quite so. *
* But why are they not playing any jokes or any of the other things they used to? *
* They want to prove they don't need to? I honestly don't know. Ask them. *
* What? *
* Ask them. Find out why they've changed. It can't hurt anything. *
* Only my reputation. *
* Oh, you ruined that when you walked out for Snape. *
* Huh? My reputation is not ruined. *
* No, but it is drastically changed. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. *
* Well, uh . . . *
* The other students seem to follow you when it comes to opinions. *
* But that's just stupid. *
* Yes it is, but not incorrect. Many of them are rethinking their opinions of that night. Granted, there are going to be many who don't change what they think, but there will be plenty who do. *
* Just because I walked out. *
* Because everyone knows you hate that man, and you still walked out. I have a strong feeling Dumbledore is still trying to figure that one out. Well, he's also trying to figure out what's wrong with the Slytherins, but that's completely different. He'll never really understand. *
* Do you know what's happening to Snape? *
* Without a doubt he is being questioned. And Aurors are never to gentle when it comes to those they suspect. *
* You aren't going to tell me, are you? * Harry accused.
* No, I am not. It might not be worse than what you see Voldemort do, but then again it could be worse because you know the Aurors are on your side. *
* You mean the Aurors are just as bad as Voldemort? *
* I've seen it done. *
* Oh. Do you really think I'll get an answer? * he asked, returning to a previous topic. He just couldn't see himself asking Malfoy why he was protesting.
* You never know unless you try. Perhaps it's time to improve inter-house relations. *
* You talk as if you know all these things already. *
* My social life with my own is not that much different. * Evan sounded offended.
* Sorry, I was just observing. Anyway, are you going to come back any time soon? *
* I'll drop by when I'm near the Tower, but a can't promise anything. *
* I was just going to ask your help to pull a prank. *
* On who? *
* We haven't decided. *
* When you do, let me know. It might prove interesting. *
* Alright. Thanks for talking. *
* It's not like I'm going anywhere. *
* See you around, Evan. *
* Goodnight. *
Harry turned over in bed with many more things to think about. But at least he had settled the questions on the Slytherins, at least for the moment. Perhaps Evan was right and he should talk to Malfoy. It seemed unlikely that anyone younger would understand what he wanted to know, and he knew none of the upper years. Time to bite the bullet, as the Muggle saying went.
* * * * * * * *
No dark and dreary dungeon cell for him, no sir. A nice bright and white room meant for the convenience of the Aurors. When there weren't Aurors, there were Dementors. He wasn't even sure how long he had been there. It was amazing how fast time perception left you when you were stuck in the same bright conditions for long periods of time without sleep.
The Aurors didn't even come on a regular schedule. Stay for hours on end, leave and come right back. Or leave him with only Dementors for company. Funny, with all of his nightmares vying for the top of the list, his mind was remarkably clear. Ordinarily he would count it off as his lack of current thoughts. But now, he thought it might be a result of actually having too many nightmares.
Something told him the doors were open. But he couldn't see. The chair he was strapped to was facing away from them. It was probably an Auror or maybe several. They seemed to like to gang up on him.
"Well, if it isn't Professor Snape." The voice was far from friendly, but nowhere near unfriendly either. Severus tried to suppress a shiver. He had tried his entire life to avoid that man. Wasn't he supposed to be retired? "Never thought I'd see you in here again. Dumbledore has kept you rather well."
"Moody. A pleasure as always, I see," he remarked coldly as the disfigured wizard stepped into view.
_________________________________________________
And here's the "Thank you" for my beta The Goddess Artemis.
Chapter 20
___________________________________
This wasn't one of his better nights. He was again staring at the long letter Severus had written sometime before he had been apprehended by the Aurors. There were parts of the letter where the paragraphs jumped from one topic to another, completely inconsistent with the previous topic. Then, just as suddenly, he returned to a previously mentioned phrase or concept and wrote as if there had been no break. It was quite different from Severus's usual methodical approach, but the choice of words, the subject matter, and overall concise and precise mannerisms were undoubtedly his.
Dumbledore had even cast a multitude of identification charms to be sure, though he hadn't needed to. Olin would never have delivered an important missive by anything other than Snape's request.
He was, of course, concerned about the knowledge Severus had not disclosed after the first fall of Voldemort, but that was not what worried him. He trusted Severus enough to know the man would never use that knowledge unless he was coerced. No, he was worried that the Ministry would catch wind of this and never release Snape. That was something he could not have happen.
The slight tap on his door ended his silent contemplation for the moment. The door opened of its own accord, and from the stairwell entrance stepped the undesired, resident vampire.
"May I help you, Irvan?" Dumbledore asked from his desk. It was unusual for the vampire to enter without company, namely Severus. Though in the rare times he did, it had always involved a long absence of Severus's and a vision of Harry's.
"I believe I have someone you would like to speak to," Irvan answered slowly. Just that instant, Sirius Black appeared beside him. It should have startled the great wizard more than it showed, but he had become surprisingly used to the unexpected.
"Ah, Sirius. It is good to see you again," Dumbledore greeted, sounding for all the world as if he was greeting a long lost friend. He tried not to betray his anxiety, knowing it would lead to questions he wasn't ready to answer. "Please have a seat. Would you like any tea?" Before Sirius could answer he conjured two steaming cups, setting one in front of the animagus. "Irvan, could you wait outside for a moment? I need to talk with you as well." Receiving the puzzled and cold glare from the vampire, Dumbledore returned his attention to Sirius Black. "Tell me, how has your progress been?"
Sirius stared at his cup for a minute or two, trying to collect his thoughts. Dumbledore did not press him. "Most of them are dead. But the strange thing is, Professor, is that they all died within weeks of each other, too close for it to be a coincidence. I'm tempted to say there is a spy amidst the Death Eaters." There was a pregnant pause filled with insinuations. "I know you said Snape doesn't know any of the names, but who else is there?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I don't know, Sirius. The Ministry thinks they'll find out from Severus. I've already convinced them Remus isn't the spy, and was working on Severus' case when the Ministry took him."
"You mean Snape's gone!" Sirius gasped.
"Unfortunately, he is for the moment. I'm still trying to get him cleared of this matter. Now, can you tell me who is still alive?" It was awful to ask that question. He would have preferred the lesser number to be the deaths, not the living.
"Masic, last I saw. He was supposed to be sending you a letter two days into the school year."
"I never received one. I will have to send someone to find out what happened."
"Gounfed is the only other one I found alive."
"I have heard from him. He's in Hogsmeade right now. These are not good numbers; two out of the six I sent you to find. I only hope the others have more success. You should be getting some rest. It's late, or early depending on how you look at it. You can use the internal Floo Network to reach Remus' rooms. I trust you will be comfortable there until other arrangements can be made."
Black look almost like a new man at the mention of his old friend. "Of course, Professor." He rose and walked over to the Headmaster's fireplace. "Where's the Floo powder?"
"In the blue china dish on the right."
Sirius nodded, took a pinch and disappeared though the green flames.
The door opened just as soon as the flames died down, returning to the small but merry fire that had been burning before. "Irvan, I've been meaning to ask you about this," he said, brandishing the letter. Curiosity piqued, Irvan took the papers and began rifling through them. "Have you seen this before?"
The vampire placed the parchment on the desk quickly. "Seen it, no. Though I am far too familiar with its contents."
"Do you know anything about the curse and the potion used on Sirius?"
"I do not know much about the potion Severus created; however, I know of the original. It was created circa 960 A.D. in order to bind those one desired to follow one's will. As I recall, it wasn't as successful as its maker would have liked, leaving a considerable gap between the order and actual action. A century or two later, another Potions master played with the idea of using it to control an army of followers who would not have taken any part in his schemes otherwise. I believe he was the one who perfected it to what it was before Severus started working with it.
"It was not until the late 1500s that the Imperius curse was created, along with the Impero Pareo Quamtotius. The dark wizard who created that accidentally discovered a way to link the potion and curse, but his studies were merely the foundation for what is controlling Sirius. From what I understand of that combination, and what little I know of Severus' remarkable improvements, Sirius knows only what he knew before the curse. He will act no differently, and will deny ever being cursed. When the curse it activated, he will do as commanded but remember nothing of it once it is temporarily canceled."
"You mean he could be subjected to that curse a multitude of times."
"Yes. And he will do anything without the slightest ability to retaliate. If commanded to, he would murder, rape, or commit other atrocities without a second thought. If Severus is correct, he will be used to try to capture his own godson and bring him to Voldemort."
Dumbledore leaned back and closed his eyes. Things were more difficult than he had anticipated. "Is it safe to keep him here?" He couldn't allow Sirius to remain in Hogwarts if at any moment he could become the puppet of Voldemort.
"So long as there is no one here that would cast the curse. It is a very difficult one to cast, so I doubt that any of the children have the strength. Hogwarts is most likely the safest place for him."
"Can you tell me when Severus created this . . . potion?"
"I don't know when. It was already created and tested when I met Severus. Though I understand it was not long after he first affiliated himself with Voldemort."
"As much as I hate to say this about the Dark Arts, Severus did a marvelous job with his masterpiece."
"I don't think it is his masterpiece."
"There are other potions?"
"Many others. I'm afraid he will never tell you freely, though perhaps if you asked directly. I don't even know why I'm telling you this. It's not doing him any favors."
"Quite right. Though I am curious as to how you know so much about these creations."
"I was there for most of it. I met many of the wizards in passing. I have always made it a point to meet great minds if I am able, though after Grendelwald I've slowed down. And After Voldemort I stopped completely. Likely if I had not gotten caught up with Grendelwald, you and I would have meet under starkly different circumstances."
"I would not be surprised."
The conversation lulled until Irvan brought up his desired point. "What are you doing to free Severus?"
"What I can. Going through the legal branches. Making entreaties to certain officials. Calling in favors where I am able. Everything legally available."
"What about illegally?" the vampire muttered, obviously not satisfied.
"I can't allow you to make a jail break. One, it would make Severus look suspicious. And two, it would cause no end of trouble in your promise to help Harry."
"Yes, but it is far more difficult to sit here and do nothing when Severus is stuck in that Godforsaken place, waiting for the Aurors and Dementors to suck the life from him, a fate far worse than death."
"I understand, Irvan, and I'm doing everything possible. And we already have the media's ear. Once the hysteria has died down a bit, the children's pleas will garner attention. And while it is a known fact that Slytherins will only get half an ear, the mere mention of Harry might be able to sway the public."
"Excellent," Irvan said sullenly. "Just what the Slytherins always wanted. The valiant Boy-Who-Lived coming to the rescue. No offense, Professor, Harry is a good kid and means well, but this is something the Slytherins wish to do alone."
"I quite understand. But I am not going to stop Harry from doing anything. Though I was a bit surprised to find Harry and his friends at dinner tonight."
"That is possibly because he was not aware the Slytherins intend to continue this protest. Though I believe the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs will stay out before Harry."
"Very probable. But I must ask, what have you told the Slytherins to get them to behave?"
"Behave? I was unaware they did anything but. If you detect a difference in their behavior, it is none of my doing."
"Hmm. That is something to look into. One more thing before you go, Irvan. Is it possible for you to counteract the potion or curse currently on Sirius?"
"The potion, not without knowing exactly what the variations he was given were. They change according to the person's reaction. And to my knowledge there never was a counter curse. Though it may be possible to create one. Canceling the curse must be done only by the caster."
"Thank you, Irvan. When I get any information regarding Severus I will not hesitate in contacting you." Irvan nodded and left. Dumbledore had a feeling the vampire was in poor spirits after this meeting.
* * * * * *
"Can you believe how quiet it was at dinner? I never thought the Slytherins accounted for so much of the noise."
"It wasn't just that they were gone, Ron." Hermione corrected. "Everyone was still subdued because of Snape's absence. Do you think they're still protesting?"
"You can bet on it," Harry stated. "They aren't likely to forget what happened and just pass it over happily."
"Are you going to join them, Harry?"
"I don't know. I mean, I don't like what happened, but I don't like Snape either. I just don't know."
"You know we'll support your decision. I don't like Snape any more than you do, but I have to agree with the Slytherins. Everything that has happened is wrong."
"I don't know what's so wrong about it. That's just how things are done," Ron piped in.
Hermione glared. "It might be how things are done, but it doesn't mean it's right."
"I'm going to bed. See you in the morning, Hermione."
"You don't want to play any chess?" Ron interrupted.
"No. I'm tired. Night, Ron."
Harry walked up the stairs to his dorm. Very few were actually asleep. Harry wasn't really ready to turn in, but he needed time to think. * Evan, you there? *
* Of course I am. It's not like I go anywhere. *
* It's just that I haven't seen you in a while, and I don't know where you are. *
* I'm wandering. This is a big castle. *
* I know. I just don't want you to get lost or anything. *
* That is unlikely. That incident with Mrs. Norris was unexpected, but now I know how to keep track of her. She's about as annoying as that white ball of fur. *
* Do you know why the Slytherins aren't coming to dinner? *
There was a pause. * Probably because no one would listen to them any other way. That's usually why people protest. *
* I know that. But is it because Snape's gone or because of the way he was taken? *
* Both. You may think Slytherins know nothing of loyalty because they are stereotyped as dark wizards, but even dark wizards know something about loyalty. Especially when it pertains to their own. Slytherins are in a unique position to understand loyalty from all sides: loyalty to each other, and to their superiors. Their loyalty to their own is far stronger than that of the Hufflepuffs'. *
* Why is that? *
* Because no one else will return that loyalty. As it is, they could care less if Snape is a Death Eater or a spy so long as he is returned. Unharmed. *
* So, they just like Professor Snape. *
* Quite so. *
* But why are they not playing any jokes or any of the other things they used to? *
* They want to prove they don't need to? I honestly don't know. Ask them. *
* What? *
* Ask them. Find out why they've changed. It can't hurt anything. *
* Only my reputation. *
* Oh, you ruined that when you walked out for Snape. *
* Huh? My reputation is not ruined. *
* No, but it is drastically changed. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. *
* Well, uh . . . *
* The other students seem to follow you when it comes to opinions. *
* But that's just stupid. *
* Yes it is, but not incorrect. Many of them are rethinking their opinions of that night. Granted, there are going to be many who don't change what they think, but there will be plenty who do. *
* Just because I walked out. *
* Because everyone knows you hate that man, and you still walked out. I have a strong feeling Dumbledore is still trying to figure that one out. Well, he's also trying to figure out what's wrong with the Slytherins, but that's completely different. He'll never really understand. *
* Do you know what's happening to Snape? *
* Without a doubt he is being questioned. And Aurors are never to gentle when it comes to those they suspect. *
* You aren't going to tell me, are you? * Harry accused.
* No, I am not. It might not be worse than what you see Voldemort do, but then again it could be worse because you know the Aurors are on your side. *
* You mean the Aurors are just as bad as Voldemort? *
* I've seen it done. *
* Oh. Do you really think I'll get an answer? * he asked, returning to a previous topic. He just couldn't see himself asking Malfoy why he was protesting.
* You never know unless you try. Perhaps it's time to improve inter-house relations. *
* You talk as if you know all these things already. *
* My social life with my own is not that much different. * Evan sounded offended.
* Sorry, I was just observing. Anyway, are you going to come back any time soon? *
* I'll drop by when I'm near the Tower, but a can't promise anything. *
* I was just going to ask your help to pull a prank. *
* On who? *
* We haven't decided. *
* When you do, let me know. It might prove interesting. *
* Alright. Thanks for talking. *
* It's not like I'm going anywhere. *
* See you around, Evan. *
* Goodnight. *
Harry turned over in bed with many more things to think about. But at least he had settled the questions on the Slytherins, at least for the moment. Perhaps Evan was right and he should talk to Malfoy. It seemed unlikely that anyone younger would understand what he wanted to know, and he knew none of the upper years. Time to bite the bullet, as the Muggle saying went.
* * * * * * * *
No dark and dreary dungeon cell for him, no sir. A nice bright and white room meant for the convenience of the Aurors. When there weren't Aurors, there were Dementors. He wasn't even sure how long he had been there. It was amazing how fast time perception left you when you were stuck in the same bright conditions for long periods of time without sleep.
The Aurors didn't even come on a regular schedule. Stay for hours on end, leave and come right back. Or leave him with only Dementors for company. Funny, with all of his nightmares vying for the top of the list, his mind was remarkably clear. Ordinarily he would count it off as his lack of current thoughts. But now, he thought it might be a result of actually having too many nightmares.
Something told him the doors were open. But he couldn't see. The chair he was strapped to was facing away from them. It was probably an Auror or maybe several. They seemed to like to gang up on him.
"Well, if it isn't Professor Snape." The voice was far from friendly, but nowhere near unfriendly either. Severus tried to suppress a shiver. He had tried his entire life to avoid that man. Wasn't he supposed to be retired? "Never thought I'd see you in here again. Dumbledore has kept you rather well."
"Moody. A pleasure as always, I see," he remarked coldly as the disfigured wizard stepped into view.
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And here's the "Thank you" for my beta The Goddess Artemis.