Author's Note: My Albus is based on Richard Harris' Dumbledore. I prefer his rendering to the new actor's work. No offense against Michael Gambon or those who like him, but I can't accept him. The man didn't work for me. His costume was weird and what was with tying his beard? And I didn't like when he hit Ron's broken leg. I winced along with him and I can't see Albus doing that to any student. Hopefully, this won't put anyone off the story.
Author's Thanks: Dragonero and Purplereader, I'm glad you're both enjoying it. Uhm, since Albus knows the truth, Severus remains in the female tense. Hope that's not too confusing.
Severus followed Albus into his office, nodding at Fawkes. The bird bowed its regal head, acknowledging their presence before returning to its own grooming. "What is it, sir?"
"Sit down, child," he encouraged the professor, gesturing to the chair.
Grumbling, Severus sat down stiffly. Tea was offered and the dark head shook, internally wincing at the thought of the sweet tea the Headmaster preferred. "No, thank you."
"Where were you at dinner? I missed you," he nevertheless placed the drink in front of her, knowing she wouldn't refuse.
"One of my students found a dog in the forest. I was taking care of him with Hagrid's help, then we searched for any more traps," she replied, taking a sip. The sugar hit her system and she winced at the force of it. "Must you drink this drek?"
"It is our national drink," he mildly rebuked.
"This isn't tea, Headmaster, this is hot, brown sugar water." She replied, putting it to the side having done the polite thing and had a taste. Rising, she went to the sideboard and poured herself a fresh cup-without the additions that the Headmaster made. Adding a little honey, she returned to her seat and drank it slowly.
"You said there was an injured dog in the woods," he started and she nodded. "Any idea of where it came from?"
Shaking her head, Severus pondered what she had observed of the dog. "I would hazard a guess that the beast is magically, for how else did it end up in the forest? But other than that, I have no idea about what it is or where it came from."
"Perhaps I should take a look at him tomorrow," Albus mused.
"I would appreciate it. Now, what is it that you truly wished to see me about?"
Albus shook his head reproachfully. "Is it not possible that I wished to see you?"
"After midnight?" she queried. "Following my destruction of a boggart which somehow got loose in the school and nearly killed your precious Mister Potter?"
"We have many boggarts in the school, Severus," the headmaster reminded her smoothly.
"But none are stupid enough to wander the dungeons," she countered.
Albus nodded, "that is true. You have made it quite clear that they are not welcome."
"Headmaster, you know that I have done no such thing," she said, exasperated. "They sense what I am and stay away for fear of my unnaturalness."
"Peace, Severus, I meant it only as a joke."
"A very little one," she put the cup down on the arm of the chair and leaned forward. "Now, truth time, what is it that you wish of me?"
"Impatience always was your besetting sin, Severus. I wish that you would teach Harry something," he said.
"No." There wasn't even a pause as angry color flooded her cheeks. "You cannot be seriously asking me to do that."
"Severus, it is important."
The teacher was on her feet, pacing the room with long strides. "I don't care, Albus! What you suggest is insane! And I will not give that arrogant Potter a lighted match to use on the nitroglycerine that he thinks is his power. He would destroy us all."
For once, the blue eyes lacked his twinkle as he stared at the furious teacher. "Harry is not as incapable as you think, Severus."
"He is a Potter!"
"And an Evans," he countered somberly.
"I taught Lily nothing. She was a natural," she rejected his words.
"As such, it is his birthright-and your duty," he pressed.
"Duty be damned," she hissed, turning towards the door.
"Be that as it may, you will teach him."
Turning, she leveled a glare at him. "I most certainly will not."
"He will find his power, Severus," Albus reminded him. Rising to his feet, he placed a hand on the door and held it closed. "Must I remind you of everything you owe me?"
Severus stumbled backwards, eyes wide in a face full of fear. Right now, none of his authority was hidden behind a veil of gentle myopia. Breathing heavily, her head shook in numb denial. "That will not be necessary," she whispered.
"You will teach him," he reiterated. Numbly, she nodded her agreement. Instantly, the gentle man was back. "Brilliant. Get some rest, taking care of a dog places quite a burden of responsibility upon your shoulders."
"Yes, Headmaster." Walking out on deadened feet, she made one rotation about the grounds and went to her quarters, pausing once to speak with Filtch.
"Potter?" he asked, scratching his head as he thought about it.
A malevolent grin twisted Severus' thin face. "I caught him earlier, he said that he'd been with you in detention."
"Oh, that's right. He was here earlier, cleaning out a few of the closets."
"What did he do?"
"Madame Pince didn't tell me what but it must have been something awful. She practically spat fire when she turned him over to me. I let him go hours ago. Why? Did he do something else?" he asked gleefully.
"That is not your concern, Filtch," Severus frostily informed him. "Thank you for the information. I bid you and Mrs. Norris good night."
"No problem, professor." He watched the potions teacher make his way to his office and shook his head. "Oh, someone is in trouble, aren't they?"
Mrs. Norris meowed in agreement and they continued to do their rounds of the school.
Harry snuck into the dorm room and quietly passed the sleeping boys. Once at his bed, he made sure to check that Ron was resting. Even though he liked having a best friend, Ron could be quite nosy when he didn't want him to be.
Pulling back the covers, he pulled off his shoes. Getting up, he changed and got into bed. As angry as he was that Professor Snape had caught him out after hours, he couldn't help but wonder what he'd been doing.
Leaning back on the bed, he stared up at the ceiling. Thinking back, he remembered being dismissed and walking towards to the tower. Halfway up, he couldn't recall anything.
Except a weird siren sounding, an odd reverberation that echoed within his soul.
The next thing he knew, there was the dark professor, scolding him for being out after hours.
It figured. He blacked out and wandered around dazedly until Snape found him.
Knowing further thought was useless; he rolled over and went to sleep. At least tomorrow, he wouldn't have to see the potions master.
The Next Day.
"Harry, get up!" Ron shrieked into his ear.
As loud he was, Harry only rolled over and used his pillow as a shield from the annoyance.
The redhead Gryffindor yanked back the covers and shouted at Seamus. The young man responded with a chilled water charm directly over Harry's bed and the boy leapt up, glaring furiously. "What did you do that for?"
"You've overslept and Oliver's waiting. Be thankful we convinced him to let us get you," Ron replied smugly. "He was all fired up to get you and toss you out the window for missing your early morning Quidditch practice."
Green eyes widened as sleep was forsaken for panic. Leaping from the drenched bed, he quickly threw on his clothes. "Is he mad?"
Seamus snorted. "Is he mad? This is OliverWood, remember? The man who eats, sleeps, and dreams Quidditch. And you blew him off to sleep. How do you think he's feeling?"
Ron handed him his shoes with a sympathetic smile when Harry groaned.
"POTTER!" a voice below bellowed.
"Cheer up, mate," Ron consoled. "As long as you do well against the Hufflepuffs, he should get over it."
"Sure he will," Seamus agreed, rolling his eyes at that statement. "And today, Snape will actually give Gryffindor points for something. Face it, you're doomed."
"We don't have Snape today," Ron reminded him.
"Like I said, you're doomed."
