DISCLAIMER: Nothing, I own. JKR, all hail.

DUMBLEDORE'S ORDERS

"She can't. It's against Hogwarts policy to allow students to enrol beyond first year."

Snape was pacing the Headmaster's office angrily, his fists clenched by his side.

"Severus, please," Dumbledore said wearily. "Sit down. You're wearing out my favourite rug."

He stopped walking, glared at the Headmaster briefly, and then sat down in a large overstuffed armchair in front of Dumbledore's desk, gazing darkly into the fireplace. A long silence hung in the air, as Dumbledore apparently allowed his Potions Master to calm down.

"True, allowing a student to enrol in sixth year at Hogwarts without having studied here before is… not the norm. However, the Governors have given Lucius their approval and we have no choice but to oblige. Besides that, I believe her education at Durmstrang to have been thorough, if not ideal. I think she will have no difficulty in keeping up with her fellow students here. And…" he paused, studying Severus carefully.

"Yes?" the younger man prompted irritably.

"Lucius is right."

Snape scoffed, and resumed his pacing. "Lucius is never right."

"Not often, no. But this time is different. The girl does need someone like you, Severus. She is walking a fine line, my boy. A line between darkness and light that you once walked yourself. I cannot help her, for she will not accept my guidance. You, on the other hand…"

"You don't understand what he's asking me to do! Lucius' idea of re-education, Dumbledore… I cannot inflict on a child what he expects me to!" He rested his hands on the top of the fireplace to stop them from shaking.

Dumbledore sighed heavily. Snape turned around and was suddenly aware of how old and tired he looked. His blue eyes, usually so bright and alive, seemed… worried. Exhausted.

"I know what he expects of you. If you believe even for a moment that I have not seen the full extent of Lucius Malfoy's viciousness, you are mistaken. But Severus," he said, his voice low and serious. "She has been raised to understand one thing: power. Her father, her mother, her former school… they all taught her to love it, respect it and strive for it. Gentle guidance is not something she will comprehend or acknowledge. You must understand this. If she is to be brought around to anyone's side, it will only be through careful manipulation and demonstration of power. It's sad, yes. But the only way."

Dumbledore would say no more on the matter, but Snape understood him perfectly.

"And this quest of yours… saving this girl from the dark side," he sneered contemptuously. "I suppose it's born completely of nobility and morality, and nothing to do with strategy? It seems odd that you would waste me on this task while a war rages outside the castle walls."

Dumbledore retained his sombre expression and fixed Snape with a serious gaze. "Sit down, Severus."

He obliged.

"You cannot refuse Lucius' request. We cannot risk exposing your activities to Lord Voldemort, not when we've come so far. And Drusilla Malfoy cannot become a Death Eater. It is as simple as that. I will not allow her to become a danger to our students. I will not allow her to threaten Harry's purpose. The boy is in his seventh and final year; I will not put yet another burden on his shoulders."

"Of course. It's about Potter."

"It's about Lord Voldemort!" Dumbledore thundered, his face dark and his voice dangerous. "You WILL do this, Severus. You will NOT allow Miss Malfoy to fall prey to Voldemort. Do you understand?"

Snape nodded his head slowly and frowned. "I do."

Dumbledore nodded almost imperceptibly, his fierce eyes dulling once again. "Good. Then you may leave."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I would really really appreciate it if you would review this chapter – let me know what you think, even if you didn't like it. It's all valuable.