Connections
Severus could see Harry entering the lift out of the corner of his eye as he shook hands with Zodec Thesdale, to the best of his knowledge the only Death Eater in the whole Ministry; and of course he had to run straight into him in those ten minutes he spent in the corridors of the building.
How are you, Severus, how is work? Zodec asked in a conversational tone, smiling at him, but his vivid steelblue eyes clearly suggested that this was not what he wanted to talk about. He was in his early twenties, very tall, almost skinny, and despite his age his short hair was as white as his skin - all in all he looked like he belonged into the Department of Mysteries rather than being responsible for some paperwork regarding the control of magical creatures.
Why can't you just stay in your office where you belong. Fine, fine, as it always is. Severus replied. On your way back to your office?
Zodec nodded, understanding that they should rather get a little further away from the crowded main corridors before continuing with their conversation, and they started walking towards the stairs.
Was that who I think it was? Zodec asked in a low voice as soon as they were more or less alone.
It was indeed. Severus replied.
So may I ask how come that- Zodec stopped talking as he spotted an elderly witch carrying a pile of books coming towards them. Meredith, good morning! He said cheerfully, the witch smiled at him and walked past them. ...that you just walk in here with the boy?
They barely ever called Potter by his name, they usually just called him the boy. Not The Boy Who Lived, of course. And why didn't anyone know about it, is that what you wanted to say?
No, no, of course not. Zodec said quickly. I just wondered... He let his voice trail off.
Keep wondering, you little moron. Severus said softly. Now I wouldn't want to keep you wondering and I also need someone to pass on the information. He hesitated for a moment and glanced around to make sure nobody was within hearing range. Today he was here for his exam; unfortunately I learned about this only at very short notice so what's more interesting now is when and how they will take him back home. Let our master know about that. As soon as I will receive any information I'm going to contact you again. He came to a halt in front of the small office, turned around to face the younger man, put a hand on his shoulder and looked deep into his eyes. This is important, can I rely on you?
The younger man smiled at him. Of course you can.
You young people, so easy to manipulate. I make you feel important and you immediately turn into a loyal little servant. Very well. Severus said and quickly added a Good day to you. when he saw two wizards walking along the corridor, nodded at the other man and left. This hadn't gone quite the way he had planned it but he was sure it was going to work out nonetheless and at least like this he hopefully wouldn't have to spend his evening in the Dark Lord's company.
Severus apparated outside the gates of Hogwarts a few minutes later, realised it had become even warmer by now, cursed the sun and the summer in general and started walking up to the castle.
He pushed open the large double doors with enough force to make McGonagall and Harry who had just been walking across the Entrance Hall come to a sudden halt and stare at him.
Where's Dumbledore? He asked, already walking towards the stairs.
In his office, I suppose. McGonagall replied. Who was that man you were talking to?
I'll explain later. Severus muttered and climbed up the stairs. On his way from the gates up to the entrance doors he had actually grown a little worried about the whole situation and would have preferred to know Potter back with his Muggles already rather than seeing him here. Actually he always preferred to know Potter was some place where he wouldn't have to see him, as far away from him as possible, but this time at least he had reasons even Dumbledore wouldn't call completely irrational.
He reached the stone statue guarding the headmaster's office a minute later. Lemon fudge? It sounded more like a question than like an order for the guard to move aside; that had been last week's password so he didn't really expect it to work anyway. And he was proven right. Chocolate frog? Sherbet lemon? Jelly.... marshmallow... something? Of course the gargoyle didn't move an inch and just glared down at him indifferently. You know me, would you just let me in now? He asked in a last desperate attempt, quickly adding a very annoyed a second later, but it had no effect either.
Am I right to assume that you wanted to talk to me? Severus turned around when he heard Dumbledore's voice and saw the headmaster walking towards him.
Yes, indeed.
So how did the test go?
That would depend on your point of view. Severus replied. What I actually wanted to inform you about is that the Dark Lord by now should be aware of Potter's whereabouts, so you will have to keep that in mind when deciding on how to send him back.
You don't trust the Floo network too much, do you? Dumbledore asked thoughtfully.
I never did. But if you decide to take him back by Floo I'd suggest you do it as soon as possible to give them no time to make use of what they know.
You're probably right. I will arrange for him to return home by tomorrow morning; it will take at least a day to get the Ministry's authorization for setting up a portkey.
We could get him back within in an hour if you wouldn't wait for them. Severus muttered.
I sometimes tend to forget your tendency towards breaking the rules. Dumbledore replied and smiled at him. Waiting a few more hours won't do harm.
Severus nodded and turned to leave but then hesitated.
Anything else? Dumbledore asked.
He thought about it for a second. Anything else. Yes. Enough to fill a book with. I'm convinced that Lucius and his mates will be out of Azkaban again before the Ministry is done with writing their files. I suspect that the Dark Lord is already making plans that will be acted out as soon as they return to him. I fear that he might begin to distrust me sooner or later. And I don't want Potter in my NEWT class.
Severus replied, well aware that Dumbledore could easily tell whenever he was concealing something from him, even if it only were some of his usually unfounded worries. Will you need me to set up the portkey?
No. I don't want to risk you to be seen anywhere around that house, I'll have someone else do it. But would you please tell Harry that we will take him back tomorrow morning?
Of course, a little chat with Potter always brightens my day. He scowled and muttered
Severus decided he could just as well tell McGonagall so she could tell Potter and set off to the staff room but unfortunately he found it completely deserted. Next he went to her office, then to her private rooms and after that he searched the Entrance Hall and the Great Hall but neither her nor Potter were to be found anywhere so he went for Gryffindor tower, the only place he could still think of.
Good day, Professor. The Fat Lady guarding the entrance to the Gryffindor common room greeted him politely. On your round through the castle?
On my way to the common room actually. He replied. Is Potter in there?
Yes, Professor, I let him in just a few minutes ago. The password, please?
Umbra Lunae. Severus said and the painting swung aside.
He climbed through the portrait hole and glanced around the common room - it had definitely been a while since he had been here. And he didn't intend to make his stay longer than necessary either.
He called through the empty room, folded his arms over his chest and waited. Get down here instantly! He added when he heard something from the upstairs dormitories.
A moment later Harry came slowly walking down the stairs, greeting him with a cold glare out of narrowed eyes.
You will be taken back to your family tomorrow morning. Severus said and from the way Harry's expression changed he could tell that the boy definitely wasn't very delighted to hear this. So don't waste your time making yourself at home here. He added, smirked at Harry and left him standing there and glaring after him.
Harry spent his day prowling the castle and although he regretted that he didn't have his broom and hated Filch for being too mean to let him have one of the school brooms he really enjoyed his day away from the Dursleys and the Muggle world in general. He had dinner in his room again because luckily none of the staff members seemed to have time to have their meals together in the Great Hall anyway; although he pretty much liked all the people here - well, most of them - he thought it would have felt quite awkward being the only student sitting amongst his teachers. After dinner he had finally come to the conclusion that Hogwarts without his friends was almost as boring as Privet Drive and had felt desperate enough to consider reading a book to keep himself entertained. Unfortunately he hadn't brought anything with him but a book on advanced potions which he definitely didn't want to look at anymore before the start of the next term so he had decided to go down to the library to find himself something.
It was five minutes past ten and he was only one staircase and two corridors away from arriving back at his room when he heard quick footsteps. Harry immediately checked his watch, didn't take the time to contemplate if he would get into trouble for being out past curfew even though it was during his holidays and quickly hid between two suits of armor, hoping whoever it was would go down the stairs instead of walking along the corridor. From where he was standing he could see a person turning around the corner and as soon as he identified that person as Snape he didn't at all regret hiding in the shadows as if he had done something wrong although he was convinced he hadn't. Snape was wearing long black travelling robes and seemed to be quite in a hurry and lost in thought - which Harry was pretty glad about because he had no doubt that otherwise he would have noticed him. Harry watched him and held his breath until he saw him walking down the stairs.
Now that was close. He whispered to himself and waited a few more seconds until he couldn't even hear the echo of his footsteps anymore before continuing on his way.
Not even an hour later Harry was lying on his bed, sleeping peacefully with his face in his book and soon his mind drifted off into a dream. He was lying in the grass and blinking up into a clear sunny sky. It was a very hot day in summer and the air around him was filled with voices, laughter and the splashing of water. Harry sat up to watch the people in the swimming pool a few yards away from him. A little further away some kids were standing in queue in front of an ice cream parlour and behind that he could see a parking area jammed with cars. He felt tired and the hot sun was making him lazy and since he didn't feel like he had anything special to do he simply lied down and closed his eyes again.
Suddenly everything around him had changed; the sun seemed to have set quite a while ago and it was cold. He was quite sure that he must have dozed off. He jumped to his feet and glanced around the now silent and deserted place, looked over to the parking lot in search for the exit, but there was no parking lot. Actually there was nothing but vast empty grounds reaching up to the dark horizon. The only thing that was still there was the swimming pool but it looked different now; old, only partly filled with murky water, as if it hadn't been used in decades. Harry felt anxiety creeping up inside of him - something was wrong here, very wrong. He was convinced that he could sense the presence of someone or rather, something. He wanted to put on his clothes again but when he looked down he saw that he was already wearing long black robes. Suddenly the emptiness around him was filled with giant old trees casting black shadows onto him. As his eyes got used to the sudden darkness he saw shadowy figures gathered in front of him, all standing motionless and staring at the ground. At that moment he realised that it was a dream. He wasn't himself anymore, it was one of those dreams that made him dive into Voldemort's mind and see through his eyes. He hadn't had a dream like that ever since the one where he had seen Sirius in the Ministry and had hoped this was over but obviously it wasn't. Harry looked down and wasn't very surprised to see someone kneeling at his feet.
And exactly why haven't you been informed about it? Harry asked slowly in that high, cold voice.
I don't know, my lord. The man kneeling on the ground whispered and Harry immediately recognised Snape's voice although he didn't sound anything like he knew him; not a trace of his usual arrogance was left.
And they didn't tell you what they are planning to do with him now either, did they? Harry asked. He was pretty sure now that Voldemort was talking about no one but himself.
They didn't, my lord.
You wouldn't attempt to lie to me, would you? Harry said softly, looking down at his servant still kneeling at his feet with his head lowered.
No my lord, I never would.
Harry said slowly. You tell me that Dumbledore doesn't suspect you, yet he doesn't seem to inform you about anything regarding Potter. I wonder how you could possibly explain that to yourself? Snape didn't say anything, obviously knowing he wasn't expected to. Perhaps you're simply not putting enough effort in fulfilling your duties?
Forgive me, master, for failing you. I'm trying-
You're trying. Harry repeated. Look at me and listen closely now. He whispered and Snape slowly raised his head to look up into his master's eyes. Trying is not satisfactory. Harry was sure that for a split second he had seen a strange flicker in Snape's eyes, then he woke up.
Harry sat up straight in his bed and looked around; he was back in his dormitory, alone. Everything he had seen in his dream had felt so real but now it was already fading away again. He got to his feet and walked over to the window. It was still night but the sky already began to take on the twilight announcing the beginning of a new day.
Harry wasn't sure what to do. Maybe he should tell Dumbledore about his dream. Or maybe it really was nothing more than a dream that wasn't worth stirring up trouble. He wasn't anything special after all, not too special to have a simple, normal nightmare like anyone else on this planet. Basically all he would have to do was to find out if Snape had left the castle tonight.
Yeah, sure, no big deal. I'll just knock on his door and ask him what he's been up to lately. Harry muttered and grinned to himself.
Good morning! McGonagall said cheerfully as she was striding along the corridor towards the doors leading into the Great Hall where Severus was standing, leaning against the wall with his arms folded and waiting. He just growled something in return that could only have been understood as a Good morning by someone possessing a great amount of imagination but McGonagall couldn't be impressed by his sulkiness at all. You-Know-Who has been spotted again. She continued, taking a quick look into her copy of the Daily Prophet. Last night he seems to have been in merely three places at the same time though.
Make it four. People lose their enthusiasm quickly. Severus replied.
Yes, these so-called sightings are decreasing day by day. McGonagall said, folded up her newspaper and gave him one of those inquiring looks he always evaded easily. So are you going to join us for breakfast or rather spend your day lurking at the doors?
The doors for now.
Very well, please yourself then. McGonagall said, smiled at him and left him standing there on his own.
He didn't have to wait for too long before he saw Harry strolling along the corridor; the boy's expression immediately darkened when their eyes met.
So how are you this morning, Mr. Potter? Severus asked as soon as Harry had reached the doors.
Er... fine, I guess. Harry muttered slowly.
Severus watched him closely. He was definitely avoiding his eyes but that was nothing unusual. Nonetheless, something made him sure that kid knew what he was aiming at.
Slept well?
Harry gave him a suspicious look and took another slow step towards the doors. I really have no idea what you want from me but if you don't mind I'll just go and have breakfast now and after that I'll leave anyway. He said and turned to leave but Snape reached out, grabbed his arm, whirled him back around and pushed him against the wall.
Don't play with me, Potter. You know very well what I mean. Severus hissed and glared down at Harry who just stared at him in return. Well, either you know or you're finally convinced that I'm a complete maniac now.
Please let go of me. Harry whispered.
He's scared. Potter is actually afraid of me. Who would have thought. Severus took his hand off the boy's arm. Last night, did you dream again? He asked softly.
Harry stared at him for a moment. How can you know?
The headmaster has to be informed about this. Severus said instead of answering the boy's question.
Harry replied slowly. I will tell him about it.
Speak to him immediately. Severus said, turned away and set off back to his rooms. He was pretty sure Potter would do as he had told him, nonetheless he knew better than to rely on it; he would give him half an hour before going to Dumbledore himself.
He didn't even have to wait for that time to pass, the headmaster himself showed up at his door just twenty minutes later.
How could you know about it? Dumbledore asked as soon as he had entered the room.
I didn't exactly know it, it was more something like... a suspicion, a feeling. Severus replied slowly, not quite finding the right words to explain it.
When you looked into Voldemort's eyes?
Severus nodded. Yes. There was just something different about him, I can't tell what it was.
Do you think he was aware of Harry's presence?
No, I'm convinced he wasn't.
We will have to take measures in case that might happen again. Dumbledore said. Mr. Potter agreed with my decision that he is to stay here for the rest of the holidays instead of returning to his aunt and uncle. I believe it is still important that he will be taught how to deal with this.
Brilliant. Holidays with Potter. I really hope you're not expecting me to teach him though, I'd hate to have to disappoint you.
Don't worry, I will be teaching him. Dumbledore added, once again appearing to be able to read his mind but probably simply interpreting his expression. I'll have to go now and tell Remus that we don't need the portkey anymore.
Severus stopped him in the doorway. Just one question: why is it happening again exactly now?
Dumbledore turned back around and looked at him thoughtfully. I'm not sure. I had hoped you could tell me. He replied, smiled at him and left.
AN: Thank you to everyone who's reading, I hope you liked it. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, it means a lot to me :) Sorry for being so uncreative with answering my reviews today, I'm a little pressed for time lately and today especially... And sorry for taking so long to update, same reason ;)
Ice Lupus: Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)
Closet_Snapaholic: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it this far and thank you for the 'well written', helps a lot to reduce my doubts about my abilities when it comes to writing in English :)
Bekajwp: Thank you! I'm glad you liked my characterisations
Corgi: Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Jocelyn: Thank you! I'll probably give them a little more understanding for each other but don't worry, I won't allow Snape to become too nice ;)
Athalia: Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!
Elendil Snape: Thank you! I hope you liked this one as well
Arsinoe: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Talking about believable situations, the story about the tie is actually a true one ;)
sparkle-2oo3: Thank you! I'm not sure yet how long this story is going to be but at least a part of it will be set during Harry's sixth year, depends on my ideas and on how long there are still people out there who want to read it ;)
Tim H. Smith: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it that far and I hope I'll manage to keep you interested in reading! Btw, that wasn't a crappy review, this is a crappy reply ;)
Alicia: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm trying to stay close to the books, I'm glad you think I managed to.
Anna Mette: Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it that far :) And that you thought it was funny :)
yugure: I'm really glad you liked it, I hope this one was worth looking forward to. Danke ;)
shadowycat: Thank you! I'm really glad you liked it, I hope I'll be able to come up with another one as good as the last one then sooner or later ;) I think I'm really starting to enjoy writing McGonagall and Snape...
Pendragon: Thank you! I'm really glad to hear you liked it :) I'll definitely bring up that Pensieve situation again, much too interesting not to ;)
Amiria: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it and thank you for the 'well written', reduces the doubts I have about writing in English ;)
davine: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it :)
