This chapter contains very mild spoilers for Order of the Phoenix.
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Chapter 22
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It was a testament of Dumbledore's desperation that kept him hidden away. He had seen no one other than Remus and a random visit from his godson. Of course he understood Harry had other obligations to the school and needed to keep normal appearances, but he could not help but feel depressed.
It had been over two months since his return to Hogwarts and no one was telling him anything. He only found out about the Ministry observation of Remus the day it occurred. And he had to ask why Percy Weasley was there. Of course there were no unforeseen complications to that visit. He was required to stay out of sight for the entire day, but Remus filled him in with the details that night.
The next thing he had to ask about was the Wolfsbane potion when the full moon came around and there was no Snape. Sirius wouldn't have minded too much about Snape's absence, except for the little problem of Wolfsbane. And when he learned that the vampire was making it, he nearly howled in frustration. Remus assured him that the vampire would do nothing to poison the potion and that if he, a werewolf, could trust the vampire then Sirius should as well. If only as far as creating a useable potion.
It was after breakfast right now and all of the students and teachers were in class, leaving the halls empty enough for him to sneak around and get some exercise. Today he was interested in walking out to the front gates for some reason. It was a long walk and no one used that entrance during the normal school day. And most of the visitors would arrive in some sort of carriage and go right up to the front doors. He could easily hide from the noisy coaches.
He had reached the iron-wrought gates twisted to form the Hogwarts's four animal crest when he hear the unique sound of a port key. Ducking quickly under the shrubbery, he peeked out to view who had arrived. It had to be one of the Ministry; they controlled the creations of port keys rigorously, or at least they wanted to.
The sight was surprising. Two blue coated Aurors stood supporting a ragged man between. It didn't take three guesses as to who they were bringing back. Severus Snape. The man look worse than Sirius had once escaping from Azkaban. Sirius was only dirty and weak from hunger. Not battered and bruised. Served the git right for causing problems.
"All right. Leave him here," said the taller of the two.
"Leave him? Are you sure he can make it to the castle?"
"Who cares. We were told to take him to Hogwarts, and this is Hogwarts. Come on, we have other business to attend to." Releasing their hold, they stepped back and Apperated. Snape seemed able to stand on his own while the Aurors Disapperated, and Sirius thought the other wizard could make it to the gates, even with the shuffled stagger of an invalid. He was ready to turn away and head back to the castle thinking nothing was amiss, when Snape's last staggered step sent him falling face first.
Under normal circumstances he would have found this amusing. However at the moment he understood, briefly, what it is like to finally be free of Azkaban and Dementors. He hadn't had the luxury of enjoying that experience, not like it appeared Snape was doing. But Snape hadn't moved in several long moments. There came the dilemma. Leave and forget he ever saw this and let Snape deal with getting back in by himself, which was by far the most favorable. Leave and notify Dumbledore or Lupin, while that entailed him to actually participate in helping the greasy bastard it was far more favorable than the last. God forbid that he actually stay and help the git.
He was again about to leave when he heard what sounded like mutterings. Was Snape talking to himself? He was more unhinged than ever. Creeping closer, the need to satisfy his desire to watch Snape in his insanity.
"Good one, Severus. Imagine what they'll when find out about this. Can't even crawl three feet. I'm going to kill him when I get out of this. I don't care what his excuse is I'm going to kill him. Now all you have to is reach the gate. Remember last time. Touch the gate. Remember?"
Last time? Had Snape been kicked out of Azkaban before? Or was he just referring to another unrelated time when he was dropped injured before the gates of Hogwarts.
"It isn't even three feet if you have crawl. It's not like you haven't done this before. No, I refuse to do that. I've done this before without help. I'm going to kill him." The mutterings ceased to have intelligible meaning after that, no matter how close he was. Soon Snape had somehow pulled himself to his knees and was resting on all fours. Sirius had seen this before. A long time ago when they were attending Hogwarts as students. It was usually how Snape began his retaliations. Pause vulnerable then lash out. Not that James ever allowed him to get that far.
Still the mutterings had not stopped. Sirius thought that odd. A gasp of pain interrupted the wordless monotone as Snape firmly planted his foot on the earth. The mumbled sounds turned to stronger chanting now that Snape stood more upright. Slowly but steadily he made his way to standing.
But it was the face that surprised Sirius. The battered wizard, looking to frail to stand, appeared to be in a state of calm by looking at his visage. Eyes closed, facial muscles lax. The only movement was the slight change in his lips as he chanted a charm. It was steady, no variation as slowly he placed one foot in front of the other and brought himself closer to the gates.
It was then he caught a whiff of the sounds and recognized it for what it was. Dark Magic. Snape was chanting a Black Charm in order to reach the gates. It was impossible for Snape to be that badly off to need assistance from a spell, any type of spell, not isolated to the Dark Arts. He could be that badly injured if he could chant a spell. But there was a nagging feeling that he shouldn't be surprised. A feeling Sirius couldn't shake, nor could he ignore. But this little bit of wandless magic just didn't surprise him like it should.
Stopping just shy of the iron, Snape ceased chanting, knowing full well that Hogwarts dislikes any sort of Dark Magic. And Snape probably reeked of it. He seemed hesitate as he reached out to steady himself on the gates. He gripped the emblem of the Slytherin House tightly as if it was going to repel him. "Open, already," he said to the gates, which didn't move. Sighing he resolved to wait, loosing what little strength the gained from the spell.
Time wore on and Sirius knew the classes were changing and therefore couldn't return to the castle at the moment without risking a sighting. That meant he was stuck here for another half an hour, to be safe. And watching Snape wasn't much fun unless he was rising to the bait.
"You're not doing much good on that side of the gate," he heard Snape say, thinking for a moment the git was addressing him. Looking up, Sirius saw otherwise. Snape's gaze was vacant and turned in the direction of something directly in front of him. Sirius thought he saw a moment of distortion of the wrought iron seal, blinked and saw nothing different. Next he saw Snape appearing to mount a horse. "Entrance to the dungeons by way of the lake." Suddenly Snape was airborne and the next he was invisible.
Odd. Had Snape used more Dark Magic to get past the gates? But he was certain the gates would never have allowed any of the Dark Arts to bypass it. It was something else he was not familiar with. Perhaps he should go inform Dumbledore. At the very least he could get the git in trouble. That would prove to be interesting.
* * * * * * * *
The thestral landed him close to his point of entry. He could use the Dark Chant to gain strength now that he was on Hogwarts's grounds. That would have had devastating consequences. Nor did he have his wand. Had he, he could have cast some heal charms. While that was not his forte, he knew enough to enable him a reliable way down to his dungeons were he would find potions to cure most of his aliments. And mask those he couldn't cure. No, he was going to have to use the last of the strength he called on from that Dark Chant to reach his rooms, but he was not sure he had enough to reach his rooms.
Still he had to try. Even though Dumbledore was likely alerted to his presence by now, it was unlikely the old fool would go searching for him. And he did not want to meet another staff member in this condition. They would take him to the infirmary for that blasted medi-witch to take care of. He had better things to do with his time than spend it under her strict supervision. He had had enough of that while in school, though even then he tried to avoid it.
Awkwardly he made it down the steep stairwell of the secret entrance he had created upon becoming a professor at this school, some fourteen years ago. As far as he knew the Headmaster was the only other sole who even had a remote idea that it existed. Along with being steep it was damp and treacherous, which was part of the reason he created it so near the lake. There would be very few people who would venture only this route.
Upon entering one of the lesser used corridors immediately next to his chambers, Severus carefully scanned the area for intruders. Not that he expected anyone to be down here this time of day, none of the students even knew where he really slept. His Slytherins believed his rooms were near the Slytherin dorms. Out of the staff only McGonnagal and Dumbledore could find the rooms. Irvan, however, could find any room he wished, just not be able to enter without an invitation. He still did not understand why that was and Irvan couldn't seem to find an answer. Probably went back to a long forgotten curse.
Severus glanced at the clock on the far wall of the entryway. Nearing lunch. He made the split second decision of making an appearance before the Evening Prophet could announce his release in conjunction with all types of slanders they could manage. He was afraid of what he might read in the issue of the Daily Prophet concerning his 'arrest.' But making an appearance required him to change robes and down dozens of potions so he would not suffer reticule for his pains, nor suffer the pains themselves.
By the time he was ready, the clock struck Lunch and given the amount of time it would take him to reach the Great Hall, he figured he would arrive at about the time he normal did. Just after the students had taken their seats and had begun to consume mass quantities of food. He should arrive relatively unnoticed.
He had been thinking many other things to stave off the lingering affect of Dementors and Azkaban, but he was not certain which thoughts were manifestations of his memories or ravings of insanity. There were some he hoped were from partial insanity.
But one thing was certain, he was going to kill Moody. He'd kill Dumbledore too, if he thought there was any remote chance of actually pulling off the deed. But he vowed to kill Moody. He didn't care what position the retired Auror played in the Order; he was personally going to kill the man. Wasn't it bad enough he experienced the wrath of present Aurors and their treatment of supposed spies? Did the misshapen wizard have to show up time and again just to spite him?
He wanted, in vain, to kill Dumbledore as well. He knew he could never achieve that goal. But had the old goat done anything to facilitate his release. He knew straight from Malfoy's mouth that he had been release solely because Malfoy had the Minister's Ear. Head more like it. Malfoy was conducting the Ministry through the puppet all to support the Dark Lord's designs. What had Dumbledore done all this time? He was now expected to go to Dumbledore and recount everything he had told the Aurors even though Moody had been present for most of the proceedings.
Despite the fact that Dumbledore already knew of his arrival, Severus planned on surprising everyone by appearing in the Great Hall.
Severus walked through the teacher's entrance, making a sweeping glance around the Hall. No one seemed to notice him in the least. His eye's lingered on his Slytherins; they appeared gloomy, talking little and focusing more on their plates than their surroundings. Severus knew that to be untrue. No matter how unassuming a Slytherin appeared, you could be sure he knew what was going on. As if to prove his point, a Hufflepuff stumbled into a group of fourth year Slytherins who were on their way to their seats. As one they broke apart and the Hufflepuff boy fell face first between them, the Slytherins ignoring it all. Severus had expected some for of retaliation, but was not extremely surprise there was none.
Taking a glance at the Head Table, he noticed to his great disappointment the only seat remaining was between Lupin and Irvan. Whatever possessed the vampire to chose a seat next to the werewolf? He stalked towards it, oblivious to his own injuries, particularly because he refused to take stalk of the number and seriousness of them, but knowing they were almost devastating if he had to resort to a chant.
Lupin noticed him first, or at least he expressed his surprise. "Severus! You're back!"
"I am aware of that, Lupin," he responded tonelessly.
"About time, if you ask me," Irvan added. "I don't suppose you are up for teaching this afternoon, are you?"
"And why do you ask that?"
"He's asking because Dumbledore has placed him as the Potion's Professor and Head of Slytherin while you were away. I don't think he fancies the job."
"Quite right. I would prefer to not deal with children." Irvan, teach? That was interesting. Severus would have to ask about that. "Oh, look," the vampire added unconcernedly. "They're starting to notice." He took a sip of a drink Severus could not identify off hand, but knew it was not tea or pumpkin juice. Irvan was right. The chatter lessened and all eyes were turning to the Head Table.
Dumbledore stood to address the students and staff alike. "As you can see, our Professor Snape has return, no worse for wear. He will return to teaching next week, after the weekend." And that was all he had for a welcome home. Not that he was expecting more. Polite applause rang from the Slytherin table. They never were ones to overtly express their emotions. He'd learn about their sentiments this evening when he went for a visit. Severus was surprise to see several of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs join. He did note, as expected, none of the Gryffindors took part.
"I'd say the same people who took part in the protest are welcoming you home," Lupin whispered. "Aren't you going to acknowledge it?"
He nodded to the students. He wasn't really in the best of form to stand, nor was he one to bask in the limelight.
"I suppose you would be wondering about your students while you were gone," Lupin said, in hopes of starting a conversation. "There was a general protest when you left. All of the Slytherins walked out, followed by about half of he Ravenclaws and a goof number of the Hufflepuffs. I don't think they appreciated what the Ministry did."
Why was Lupin telling him this? He heard vague reports of the Slytherins from Malfoy, not that they were much more than small tidbits of information meant to mislead the ignorant. He had known the Slytherins protested, but not the other Houses. At least he was safe in the knowledge Gryffindor could care less.
"Not that you'd be disappointed, Severus, but Gryffindor didn't seem to mind your removal. But there were a few notable exceptions," Lupin continued. Exceptions? Who in their right mind would walk out for Gryffindor? "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
Severus blinked. Those two? Those two would be the last he thought would have walked out. Though Longbottom was very high on that particular list.
"Of course you can't forget that the Slytherins never came to dinner the entire time you were gone. What did they tell you, Irvan? I assume they told you something."
His Slytherins not only walked out, but also refused to show for supper? That was shocking.
"Brentwood only told me that as long as Severus was held by the Ministry they would remain in their common room during the evening meal."
Something to think about. Brentwood? Yes, that was something the Head Boy would think of. Slytherin he may be, but he had a great deal of common sense when it came to dealing with other forces outside Slytherin. The boy would rise to great heights in the world, provided he didn't do anything stupid. Severus wondered how Brentwood managed to connivence the entire Slytherin House to participate in a nonviolent protest. Perhaps he should look into that.
"That doesn't explain their change in attitude," Lupin said over him. "I've noticed that the Slytherins were much more complacent while Severus was gone."
Complacent? Slytherins? That did not sound right. Another item he would have to ask Brentwood about. Strange things seemed to be happening while he was away. Complacent? What did the werewolf mean by that?
"Excuse me," he said standing. Suddenly being in a room full of people was not the most pleasant sensation, nor the most desirable. He stood just outside the teachers entrance, knowing he should leave in case one of his peers wished to engage him in a conversation.
He did not want that right now.
He did not want to think about any of that right now.
"Severus."
Damn. He should not have lingered. "I am afraid I have nothing to say, Headmaster."
"Come, we will discuss this in my office." There was a quiet firmness to the tone that bespoke no nonsense. And Severus was in no position to balk at such a request.
He sat in the dazzling office waiting for the interrogation. That's all his life had been for the longest time. One interrogation after another. He didn't want to think about this. Didn't want to talk about this. He would have preferred Lupin's insane babble or even Irvan's endless complaints. Just not his recent encounter.
"Minerva will be up shortly to return your wand. You made a good choice in turning it in to her. The Ministry could have demanded it of me, but not of Minerva. As she is not your employer." What was the fool playing at? Why didn't he just begin with the questions? "Moody told me verbatim what was said during the questionings. I was also told that Lucius Malfoy played the hand that brought you back." So the fool admitted to not doing anything.
"As for the charm you apparently used to make it too the gates, I can only assume you were in such a state for it to be required. I am assuming this for it appears you failed to notice that there was someone just inside. I must ask you to remember your promise to me for I do not consider it dissolved in any way as a result of your breach."
Severus looked up. Not dissolved? But surely. Who saw him? Dumbledore just said there was someone on the inside when he was dropped off. Why didn't he help? Why didn't he see him? Who was it? Surely a student wouldn't have been that far from the castle. A staff member? If so, why didn't they help? They were usually more than insistent when it came to that.
"Severus? Do I have your word?" The query was soft, not demanding, but not backing down.
Severus watched the Headmaster strangely. Word? Even after that incident? Where was he now? His third, perhaps fourth chance? Why was the Headmaster doing this?
"Severus?" the old wizard probed again.
"Yes, Headmaster. You have my word." Just to be broken again? Was his word even worth anything anymore?
"Good. Now we're just waiting on . . ." There was a light knock on the door and Minerva entered. "Ah, just the witch we were waiting for."
Minerva nodded to the Headmaster, but focused her attention on Severus. The younger wizard seemed far older than his mid-thirties. Literally he seemed worn out. The black eyes were matt, voids of nothingness, not even the small tinge of curiosity, or more often now the glittering of malicious glee. His form was incredibly gaunt. She had watched him enter then leave the Great Hall. The Potion Master had walk with a slight limp as though he was ignoring an injury but couldn't cure it.
At present Severus was hunched over in the chair before Dumbledore's desk. His visage didn't hold any look of pain even while his body screamed it.
"Here Severus," she said quietly as she might to a skittish stallion. Severus had never been as one would call tame. She brought out his wand, thirteen inches of dogwood and dragon heartstrings. They say the wand chooses the wizard. In this particular case, she believed the wand lends it strength and durability to the wizard.
The moment Snape grasped the wand a noticeable difference come over him. Almost immediately he lost weariness of time. He was still in pain, but no longer dejected. His eye still hadn't returned to normal, but at least they were no longer dead to the world. Perhaps the return of his wand gave him some hope.
Snape stood and without a word left the office.
"How is he, Albus?"
"Disconnected. I fear that while he recognizes where he is, he does not recognize our intentions."
"He hasn't broken, has he?" That was her greatest fear. As cruel and sarcastic their Potions Master was, she couldn't imagine him any other way. She had seen proud witches and wizards break during their internment in Azkaban. Some screamed for no reason, some sat and said nothing, did nothing, some babbled nonsensically, and some lashed out unexpectedly. She didn't want to think of Severus becoming one of those.
"No, not yet. He's bottled it up so well, I don't think he realizes it. I believe he is hiding it from himself. He might break if that wall crumbles suddenly. I fear he might," Dumbledore said sadly.
Minerva turned her head to the door where Severus left. The man had to endure. They needed him to endure. If his wand meant anything, it meant he would endure.
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AN: I'm feeling very insecure about this chapter. Let me know if there is anything that can be fixed and what you think. Thanks again for continuing to read even after the release of OotP.
Chapter 22
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It was a testament of Dumbledore's desperation that kept him hidden away. He had seen no one other than Remus and a random visit from his godson. Of course he understood Harry had other obligations to the school and needed to keep normal appearances, but he could not help but feel depressed.
It had been over two months since his return to Hogwarts and no one was telling him anything. He only found out about the Ministry observation of Remus the day it occurred. And he had to ask why Percy Weasley was there. Of course there were no unforeseen complications to that visit. He was required to stay out of sight for the entire day, but Remus filled him in with the details that night.
The next thing he had to ask about was the Wolfsbane potion when the full moon came around and there was no Snape. Sirius wouldn't have minded too much about Snape's absence, except for the little problem of Wolfsbane. And when he learned that the vampire was making it, he nearly howled in frustration. Remus assured him that the vampire would do nothing to poison the potion and that if he, a werewolf, could trust the vampire then Sirius should as well. If only as far as creating a useable potion.
It was after breakfast right now and all of the students and teachers were in class, leaving the halls empty enough for him to sneak around and get some exercise. Today he was interested in walking out to the front gates for some reason. It was a long walk and no one used that entrance during the normal school day. And most of the visitors would arrive in some sort of carriage and go right up to the front doors. He could easily hide from the noisy coaches.
He had reached the iron-wrought gates twisted to form the Hogwarts's four animal crest when he hear the unique sound of a port key. Ducking quickly under the shrubbery, he peeked out to view who had arrived. It had to be one of the Ministry; they controlled the creations of port keys rigorously, or at least they wanted to.
The sight was surprising. Two blue coated Aurors stood supporting a ragged man between. It didn't take three guesses as to who they were bringing back. Severus Snape. The man look worse than Sirius had once escaping from Azkaban. Sirius was only dirty and weak from hunger. Not battered and bruised. Served the git right for causing problems.
"All right. Leave him here," said the taller of the two.
"Leave him? Are you sure he can make it to the castle?"
"Who cares. We were told to take him to Hogwarts, and this is Hogwarts. Come on, we have other business to attend to." Releasing their hold, they stepped back and Apperated. Snape seemed able to stand on his own while the Aurors Disapperated, and Sirius thought the other wizard could make it to the gates, even with the shuffled stagger of an invalid. He was ready to turn away and head back to the castle thinking nothing was amiss, when Snape's last staggered step sent him falling face first.
Under normal circumstances he would have found this amusing. However at the moment he understood, briefly, what it is like to finally be free of Azkaban and Dementors. He hadn't had the luxury of enjoying that experience, not like it appeared Snape was doing. But Snape hadn't moved in several long moments. There came the dilemma. Leave and forget he ever saw this and let Snape deal with getting back in by himself, which was by far the most favorable. Leave and notify Dumbledore or Lupin, while that entailed him to actually participate in helping the greasy bastard it was far more favorable than the last. God forbid that he actually stay and help the git.
He was again about to leave when he heard what sounded like mutterings. Was Snape talking to himself? He was more unhinged than ever. Creeping closer, the need to satisfy his desire to watch Snape in his insanity.
"Good one, Severus. Imagine what they'll when find out about this. Can't even crawl three feet. I'm going to kill him when I get out of this. I don't care what his excuse is I'm going to kill him. Now all you have to is reach the gate. Remember last time. Touch the gate. Remember?"
Last time? Had Snape been kicked out of Azkaban before? Or was he just referring to another unrelated time when he was dropped injured before the gates of Hogwarts.
"It isn't even three feet if you have crawl. It's not like you haven't done this before. No, I refuse to do that. I've done this before without help. I'm going to kill him." The mutterings ceased to have intelligible meaning after that, no matter how close he was. Soon Snape had somehow pulled himself to his knees and was resting on all fours. Sirius had seen this before. A long time ago when they were attending Hogwarts as students. It was usually how Snape began his retaliations. Pause vulnerable then lash out. Not that James ever allowed him to get that far.
Still the mutterings had not stopped. Sirius thought that odd. A gasp of pain interrupted the wordless monotone as Snape firmly planted his foot on the earth. The mumbled sounds turned to stronger chanting now that Snape stood more upright. Slowly but steadily he made his way to standing.
But it was the face that surprised Sirius. The battered wizard, looking to frail to stand, appeared to be in a state of calm by looking at his visage. Eyes closed, facial muscles lax. The only movement was the slight change in his lips as he chanted a charm. It was steady, no variation as slowly he placed one foot in front of the other and brought himself closer to the gates.
It was then he caught a whiff of the sounds and recognized it for what it was. Dark Magic. Snape was chanting a Black Charm in order to reach the gates. It was impossible for Snape to be that badly off to need assistance from a spell, any type of spell, not isolated to the Dark Arts. He could be that badly injured if he could chant a spell. But there was a nagging feeling that he shouldn't be surprised. A feeling Sirius couldn't shake, nor could he ignore. But this little bit of wandless magic just didn't surprise him like it should.
Stopping just shy of the iron, Snape ceased chanting, knowing full well that Hogwarts dislikes any sort of Dark Magic. And Snape probably reeked of it. He seemed hesitate as he reached out to steady himself on the gates. He gripped the emblem of the Slytherin House tightly as if it was going to repel him. "Open, already," he said to the gates, which didn't move. Sighing he resolved to wait, loosing what little strength the gained from the spell.
Time wore on and Sirius knew the classes were changing and therefore couldn't return to the castle at the moment without risking a sighting. That meant he was stuck here for another half an hour, to be safe. And watching Snape wasn't much fun unless he was rising to the bait.
"You're not doing much good on that side of the gate," he heard Snape say, thinking for a moment the git was addressing him. Looking up, Sirius saw otherwise. Snape's gaze was vacant and turned in the direction of something directly in front of him. Sirius thought he saw a moment of distortion of the wrought iron seal, blinked and saw nothing different. Next he saw Snape appearing to mount a horse. "Entrance to the dungeons by way of the lake." Suddenly Snape was airborne and the next he was invisible.
Odd. Had Snape used more Dark Magic to get past the gates? But he was certain the gates would never have allowed any of the Dark Arts to bypass it. It was something else he was not familiar with. Perhaps he should go inform Dumbledore. At the very least he could get the git in trouble. That would prove to be interesting.
* * * * * * * *
The thestral landed him close to his point of entry. He could use the Dark Chant to gain strength now that he was on Hogwarts's grounds. That would have had devastating consequences. Nor did he have his wand. Had he, he could have cast some heal charms. While that was not his forte, he knew enough to enable him a reliable way down to his dungeons were he would find potions to cure most of his aliments. And mask those he couldn't cure. No, he was going to have to use the last of the strength he called on from that Dark Chant to reach his rooms, but he was not sure he had enough to reach his rooms.
Still he had to try. Even though Dumbledore was likely alerted to his presence by now, it was unlikely the old fool would go searching for him. And he did not want to meet another staff member in this condition. They would take him to the infirmary for that blasted medi-witch to take care of. He had better things to do with his time than spend it under her strict supervision. He had had enough of that while in school, though even then he tried to avoid it.
Awkwardly he made it down the steep stairwell of the secret entrance he had created upon becoming a professor at this school, some fourteen years ago. As far as he knew the Headmaster was the only other sole who even had a remote idea that it existed. Along with being steep it was damp and treacherous, which was part of the reason he created it so near the lake. There would be very few people who would venture only this route.
Upon entering one of the lesser used corridors immediately next to his chambers, Severus carefully scanned the area for intruders. Not that he expected anyone to be down here this time of day, none of the students even knew where he really slept. His Slytherins believed his rooms were near the Slytherin dorms. Out of the staff only McGonnagal and Dumbledore could find the rooms. Irvan, however, could find any room he wished, just not be able to enter without an invitation. He still did not understand why that was and Irvan couldn't seem to find an answer. Probably went back to a long forgotten curse.
Severus glanced at the clock on the far wall of the entryway. Nearing lunch. He made the split second decision of making an appearance before the Evening Prophet could announce his release in conjunction with all types of slanders they could manage. He was afraid of what he might read in the issue of the Daily Prophet concerning his 'arrest.' But making an appearance required him to change robes and down dozens of potions so he would not suffer reticule for his pains, nor suffer the pains themselves.
By the time he was ready, the clock struck Lunch and given the amount of time it would take him to reach the Great Hall, he figured he would arrive at about the time he normal did. Just after the students had taken their seats and had begun to consume mass quantities of food. He should arrive relatively unnoticed.
He had been thinking many other things to stave off the lingering affect of Dementors and Azkaban, but he was not certain which thoughts were manifestations of his memories or ravings of insanity. There were some he hoped were from partial insanity.
But one thing was certain, he was going to kill Moody. He'd kill Dumbledore too, if he thought there was any remote chance of actually pulling off the deed. But he vowed to kill Moody. He didn't care what position the retired Auror played in the Order; he was personally going to kill the man. Wasn't it bad enough he experienced the wrath of present Aurors and their treatment of supposed spies? Did the misshapen wizard have to show up time and again just to spite him?
He wanted, in vain, to kill Dumbledore as well. He knew he could never achieve that goal. But had the old goat done anything to facilitate his release. He knew straight from Malfoy's mouth that he had been release solely because Malfoy had the Minister's Ear. Head more like it. Malfoy was conducting the Ministry through the puppet all to support the Dark Lord's designs. What had Dumbledore done all this time? He was now expected to go to Dumbledore and recount everything he had told the Aurors even though Moody had been present for most of the proceedings.
Despite the fact that Dumbledore already knew of his arrival, Severus planned on surprising everyone by appearing in the Great Hall.
Severus walked through the teacher's entrance, making a sweeping glance around the Hall. No one seemed to notice him in the least. His eye's lingered on his Slytherins; they appeared gloomy, talking little and focusing more on their plates than their surroundings. Severus knew that to be untrue. No matter how unassuming a Slytherin appeared, you could be sure he knew what was going on. As if to prove his point, a Hufflepuff stumbled into a group of fourth year Slytherins who were on their way to their seats. As one they broke apart and the Hufflepuff boy fell face first between them, the Slytherins ignoring it all. Severus had expected some for of retaliation, but was not extremely surprise there was none.
Taking a glance at the Head Table, he noticed to his great disappointment the only seat remaining was between Lupin and Irvan. Whatever possessed the vampire to chose a seat next to the werewolf? He stalked towards it, oblivious to his own injuries, particularly because he refused to take stalk of the number and seriousness of them, but knowing they were almost devastating if he had to resort to a chant.
Lupin noticed him first, or at least he expressed his surprise. "Severus! You're back!"
"I am aware of that, Lupin," he responded tonelessly.
"About time, if you ask me," Irvan added. "I don't suppose you are up for teaching this afternoon, are you?"
"And why do you ask that?"
"He's asking because Dumbledore has placed him as the Potion's Professor and Head of Slytherin while you were away. I don't think he fancies the job."
"Quite right. I would prefer to not deal with children." Irvan, teach? That was interesting. Severus would have to ask about that. "Oh, look," the vampire added unconcernedly. "They're starting to notice." He took a sip of a drink Severus could not identify off hand, but knew it was not tea or pumpkin juice. Irvan was right. The chatter lessened and all eyes were turning to the Head Table.
Dumbledore stood to address the students and staff alike. "As you can see, our Professor Snape has return, no worse for wear. He will return to teaching next week, after the weekend." And that was all he had for a welcome home. Not that he was expecting more. Polite applause rang from the Slytherin table. They never were ones to overtly express their emotions. He'd learn about their sentiments this evening when he went for a visit. Severus was surprise to see several of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs join. He did note, as expected, none of the Gryffindors took part.
"I'd say the same people who took part in the protest are welcoming you home," Lupin whispered. "Aren't you going to acknowledge it?"
He nodded to the students. He wasn't really in the best of form to stand, nor was he one to bask in the limelight.
"I suppose you would be wondering about your students while you were gone," Lupin said, in hopes of starting a conversation. "There was a general protest when you left. All of the Slytherins walked out, followed by about half of he Ravenclaws and a goof number of the Hufflepuffs. I don't think they appreciated what the Ministry did."
Why was Lupin telling him this? He heard vague reports of the Slytherins from Malfoy, not that they were much more than small tidbits of information meant to mislead the ignorant. He had known the Slytherins protested, but not the other Houses. At least he was safe in the knowledge Gryffindor could care less.
"Not that you'd be disappointed, Severus, but Gryffindor didn't seem to mind your removal. But there were a few notable exceptions," Lupin continued. Exceptions? Who in their right mind would walk out for Gryffindor? "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
Severus blinked. Those two? Those two would be the last he thought would have walked out. Though Longbottom was very high on that particular list.
"Of course you can't forget that the Slytherins never came to dinner the entire time you were gone. What did they tell you, Irvan? I assume they told you something."
His Slytherins not only walked out, but also refused to show for supper? That was shocking.
"Brentwood only told me that as long as Severus was held by the Ministry they would remain in their common room during the evening meal."
Something to think about. Brentwood? Yes, that was something the Head Boy would think of. Slytherin he may be, but he had a great deal of common sense when it came to dealing with other forces outside Slytherin. The boy would rise to great heights in the world, provided he didn't do anything stupid. Severus wondered how Brentwood managed to connivence the entire Slytherin House to participate in a nonviolent protest. Perhaps he should look into that.
"That doesn't explain their change in attitude," Lupin said over him. "I've noticed that the Slytherins were much more complacent while Severus was gone."
Complacent? Slytherins? That did not sound right. Another item he would have to ask Brentwood about. Strange things seemed to be happening while he was away. Complacent? What did the werewolf mean by that?
"Excuse me," he said standing. Suddenly being in a room full of people was not the most pleasant sensation, nor the most desirable. He stood just outside the teachers entrance, knowing he should leave in case one of his peers wished to engage him in a conversation.
He did not want that right now.
He did not want to think about any of that right now.
"Severus."
Damn. He should not have lingered. "I am afraid I have nothing to say, Headmaster."
"Come, we will discuss this in my office." There was a quiet firmness to the tone that bespoke no nonsense. And Severus was in no position to balk at such a request.
He sat in the dazzling office waiting for the interrogation. That's all his life had been for the longest time. One interrogation after another. He didn't want to think about this. Didn't want to talk about this. He would have preferred Lupin's insane babble or even Irvan's endless complaints. Just not his recent encounter.
"Minerva will be up shortly to return your wand. You made a good choice in turning it in to her. The Ministry could have demanded it of me, but not of Minerva. As she is not your employer." What was the fool playing at? Why didn't he just begin with the questions? "Moody told me verbatim what was said during the questionings. I was also told that Lucius Malfoy played the hand that brought you back." So the fool admitted to not doing anything.
"As for the charm you apparently used to make it too the gates, I can only assume you were in such a state for it to be required. I am assuming this for it appears you failed to notice that there was someone just inside. I must ask you to remember your promise to me for I do not consider it dissolved in any way as a result of your breach."
Severus looked up. Not dissolved? But surely. Who saw him? Dumbledore just said there was someone on the inside when he was dropped off. Why didn't he help? Why didn't he see him? Who was it? Surely a student wouldn't have been that far from the castle. A staff member? If so, why didn't they help? They were usually more than insistent when it came to that.
"Severus? Do I have your word?" The query was soft, not demanding, but not backing down.
Severus watched the Headmaster strangely. Word? Even after that incident? Where was he now? His third, perhaps fourth chance? Why was the Headmaster doing this?
"Severus?" the old wizard probed again.
"Yes, Headmaster. You have my word." Just to be broken again? Was his word even worth anything anymore?
"Good. Now we're just waiting on . . ." There was a light knock on the door and Minerva entered. "Ah, just the witch we were waiting for."
Minerva nodded to the Headmaster, but focused her attention on Severus. The younger wizard seemed far older than his mid-thirties. Literally he seemed worn out. The black eyes were matt, voids of nothingness, not even the small tinge of curiosity, or more often now the glittering of malicious glee. His form was incredibly gaunt. She had watched him enter then leave the Great Hall. The Potion Master had walk with a slight limp as though he was ignoring an injury but couldn't cure it.
At present Severus was hunched over in the chair before Dumbledore's desk. His visage didn't hold any look of pain even while his body screamed it.
"Here Severus," she said quietly as she might to a skittish stallion. Severus had never been as one would call tame. She brought out his wand, thirteen inches of dogwood and dragon heartstrings. They say the wand chooses the wizard. In this particular case, she believed the wand lends it strength and durability to the wizard.
The moment Snape grasped the wand a noticeable difference come over him. Almost immediately he lost weariness of time. He was still in pain, but no longer dejected. His eye still hadn't returned to normal, but at least they were no longer dead to the world. Perhaps the return of his wand gave him some hope.
Snape stood and without a word left the office.
"How is he, Albus?"
"Disconnected. I fear that while he recognizes where he is, he does not recognize our intentions."
"He hasn't broken, has he?" That was her greatest fear. As cruel and sarcastic their Potions Master was, she couldn't imagine him any other way. She had seen proud witches and wizards break during their internment in Azkaban. Some screamed for no reason, some sat and said nothing, did nothing, some babbled nonsensically, and some lashed out unexpectedly. She didn't want to think of Severus becoming one of those.
"No, not yet. He's bottled it up so well, I don't think he realizes it. I believe he is hiding it from himself. He might break if that wall crumbles suddenly. I fear he might," Dumbledore said sadly.
Minerva turned her head to the door where Severus left. The man had to endure. They needed him to endure. If his wand meant anything, it meant he would endure.
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AN: I'm feeling very insecure about this chapter. Let me know if there is anything that can be fixed and what you think. Thanks again for continuing to read even after the release of OotP.