Omnem crede diem tibi diluxisse supremum
Believe that each day which breaks is your last

Dumbledore sat next to Snape's bed, his face a stony mask. Snape squirmed under the headmaster's gaze, and couldn't bring himself to meet his eyes.

"I wasn't trying to kill myself.." he said for what felt like the hundredth time.

The older man continued his silence.

"Please believe me Albus," Snape mentally cursed himself at the pleading tone that crept into his voice, "I was drunk.. I just wanted to get the mark off.."

Finally Dumbledore lowered his gaze and let out a tired sigh. For the first time since he had known him, the headmaster began looking his age. Snape turned away, unable to stand the expression on Dumbledore's face.

Lovely, he thought bitterly to himself, All you're good for is disappointing people.

"Severus.." Dumbledore began, and Snape steeled himself for the words he knew were coming. "It might be prudent if you take a break from teaching this year. Maybe keep low for a while.."

Even though he suspected that it would come to this, it still hurt. "No!" he hissed, lunging forward, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him.

Dumbledore looked up at him, and Snape gladly met his eyes, his gaze filled with hurt and defiance. Finally the headmaster shook his head and chuckled softly.

"Maybe, I spoke too soon," Dumbledore sighed. "You'll have to forgive this old man for being too overprotective. I only have your best interests at heart."

"My best interests?" Snape snarled, "By keeping me locked away doing nothing? We all know how well that technique worked with Sirius Black!"

At seeing the stricken expression that flashed across Dumbledore's face, Snape felt the anger drain out of him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."


"Its quite all right Severus," came Dumbledore's tired reply. "It seems that all my good intentions as of late, seem to be blowing up in my face. Well.. You know what they say about good intentions anyways.." He chuckled mirthlessly. "At any rate, I'm glad you don't want to give up your position. I know I wouldn't be able to find a Potion's Master anywhere near your caliber."

The headmaster stood up abruptly. "Now, if you will excuse me, Severus. You need your rest, and I have some matters to attend to." With that Dumbledore exited, leaving Snape in the empty infirmary.

18 years earlier….

Severus felt his heart clench in his chest as he, Malfoy and Karkaroff entered a safe house somewhere deep in the bowels of Knockturn Alley. The two older men, were laughing their fool heads off, totally unconcerned about the fact that they had a horde of aurors on their tail.  Severus flung himself into a chair glowering at Malfoy, who was pulling out bottles of alcohol from an old cabinet that appeared to be well stocked. It looked like Malfoy used this safe house in a regular basis. He handed a full bottle of expensive brandy to Severus, who raised an eyebrow in question.

"Just a drink between friends," Malfoy said with a sly grin, "And a way to kick off tonight's festivities."

"I was under the impression that we already had our 'festivities' for the night." Severus stated with a scowl before grabbing the bottle.

"Ahh, but that was business, and I think after a long night of doing the Dark Lord's work, we deserve a little pleasure…"

Severus felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end at the tone of Malfoy's voice. He broke the seal of the bottle and took a swig, relishing the warmth that settled in his stomach, as he watched Malfoy walked to the far corner of the room and opened a door. It revealed a small prison like room, with three huddled figures inside. Three young women, with large frightened eyes. A sick feeling of nausea washed over him and he swallowed another mouthful of brandy to keep his bile from rising.

 Malfoy reached into the room and pulled one of the girls out by her hair. She cried piteously and struggled until he slapped her hard across the face. "I thought we might need a little entertainment after tonight's Muggle baiting. There's enough for everyone, and rooms down this hall," Malfoy chuckled. "Help yourselves.."

Karkaroff smirked and pulled another of the girls out, one who apparently had no fight left in her, and dragged her down the hall. Malfoy looked at Severus expectantly, but the younger man averted his eyes and  took another swing of brandy.

"I'm fine right here, thanks," Severus muttered as he sunk deeper into his chair. Malfoy gave him a piercing look for a moment before shrugging, as if it was no consequence. He used his foot to close the door to the small room, trapping the remaining girl inside, before dragging his girl down to a back room.

He really didn't know how long he sat there, listening to the cries and screams of the women, but it feel like eons.