THE MASK

"PUT off that mask of burning gold
With emerald eyes."
"O no, my dear, you make so bold
To find if hearts be wild and wise,
And yet not cold."

"I would but find what's there to find,
Love or deceit."
"It was the mask engaged your mind,
And after set your heart to beat,
Not what's behind."

"But lest you are my enemy,
I must enquire."
"O no, my dear, let all that be;
What matter, so there is but fire
In you, in me?"

-William Butler Yeats


It was quiet for the next few weeks. Voldemort was planning something.

Harry Potter just laughed with his friends and caused good natured mayhem around the school. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were constantly smiling and laughing. The world was not holding its breath. It was laughing and enjoying amnesia.

"That's five points for talking Miss Granger." Snape informed the young girl as she put her hand over her mouth to keep from giggling at the joke Harry had just told her. Snape eyed them both suspiciously. "And since you have enough time to be talking, I expect your potion to be perfect."

Then he whirled around, his danger sense kicking in. "DROP that powdered boomslang skin Mr. Longbottom!" He strode to the front of the class, eyes scanning for trouble.

Suddenly Potter gasped softly and turned slightly pale. His hand rose instinctually to his forehead but he stopped himself. Hermione never noticed.

But she did notice when their cauldron suddenly exploded.

"What did you do?" she cried in dismay.

"He put in the wormwood when he wasn't supposed to Miss Granger. That will be detention Mr. Potter."

"It was an accident professor!" Hermione defended her friend indignantly but Snape wasn't buying it.

"Wormwood is expensive and I specifically told you all to be careful. You all heard me say that, did you not?"

"We heard you professor." Draco Malfoy chimed in, as helpful as always.

"Precisely. I will see you at seven o'clock sharp Mr. Potter. Class, bring your vials to my desk and you may be excused."

As they walked out Harry Potter looked quite pleased with himself.

"Why exactly did you want a detention Potter? I saw you add the powdered boomslang skin on purpose."

Harry's eyes were large and terrible in their depths. "I have to go Professor. Tonight."

Snape did not say anything although he felt everything finally start to fall down around him. This was it. Tonight was the end of the world. "Are you sure?"

Harry closed his eyes tightly, wishing it wasn't true either. "Yes."

"Can I help?"

"I need someone to cover me. Keep everyone busy?"

Snape nodded solemnly. He owed it to the boy to keep his friends out of it. "I will. I have a portkey for you that will take you outside Hogwarts' anti-apparition wards." He handed the boy Godric Gryffindor's sword.

Harry looked at him questioningly.

"I thought you might need it."

Harry took it, looking along its length for a moment before looking up at the potions master. "Goodbye Professor."

"Goodbye Harry Potter."

"Portus!"

And then Severus Snape was alone.


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