Chapter Eleven

A Different Set of Rules

As a bystander, Severus Snape had seen a great many changes take place in the board of governors since his first year of teaching when his own appointment was questioned. Back then the majority of the board were reformists; educators and alumni who were in favor of change, although few of them agreed on what changes would actually help the school and ranged from the moderate to the radical… one of which, Severus recalled, being none other than Lucius Malfoy.

But after Voldemort's final death and members left, retired, or were otherwise encouraged to move on, there had been a shift towards traditionalists; those who were opposed to any sort of change that might upset the natural balance of the school, finally stable after all the horrible things it went through back in those dark days. There were eight traditionalists in the twelve governors now. Like the reformists, they strongly supported Albus Dumbledore. They did not, however, particularly care for Severus Snape in any way, shape, or form. Some were former students. Others were old enough to remember the mistakes of his youth, and even after all these years were wary of him despite the Headmaster's confidence.

The current Chairman, Sebastian Shea, was a somewhat conservative reformist as was his wife Caitlin; both administrative educators in a small exclusive school known as West of Whitehall. A great many Slytherin and Ravenclaw students had come to Hogwarts from there, and Sebastian, also on the larger education board which regulated all magic schools within the country, had been a very firm supporter on the changes to OWLS and NEWTs. He at least had a lot of good reasons to be on Snape's side, notwithstanding their personal acquaintanceship in the Order of Merlin as well as fellow parents to daughters graduating that year. Caitlin he hadn't known so well. She had always taken a back spotlight to her husband, although from personal experience Severus knew that behind the scenes her opinions were certainly heard frequently by the chairman.

The other two reformists, both alumni, were more begrudging in their support of him, despite the fact that they too had been pleased with the testing changes. One of them, Bruce Wallace, had also shown quite a bit interest in Severus' research since he developed group charms. Of course, Severus remembered with a chagrin, the Gryffindor had also nearly flunked Potions; Severus had always thought him as a bit of a wash-up.

Outside the small public meeting room sat a very sleepy-looking Oracle reporter, bored out of his mind. His interest immediately perked up when he saw Severus approaching but Severus ignored him, knocking quietly on the door and immediately getting shown in while the reporter tried to peer in the door as it shut smartly behind him.

"Professor Snape," Sebastian said with a nod and a slight smile as Severus came in, while many of the others looked at him warily. "I assume this visit is regarding the allegations against you?"

"Not really. As a matter of fact, I have other pressing business that overshadows such petty arguments," he said in such a tone that Sebastian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him. "I am worried about the safety of the students concerning Ciardoth's recent activities."

"As are we all," Sebastian nodded. "But as I understand it, you have always been given a fair amount of carte blanche on the security issue, considering that no one except the Headmaster with the exception of perhaps yourself and the Deputy truly know all of the security measures Hogwarts has in place to protect itself."

"Yes, however, Ciardoth has a way of finding holes," Severus said dryly. "She has an ability which allows herself to enter our dreams and do physical damage to whomever it is she is attacking. In fact, she did so the night before last to Professor Craw." Everyone except Sebastian and Caitlin reacted. Apparently they had already been informed of it, for Sebastian merely nodded. "Craw and I have, of course, begun to take measures to protect ourselves as well as our children. However, it does nothing to protect the student body. I would like permission to teach some basic mental skills as a part of the Defense course."

The protest that went up was immediate, especially from the traditionalists that seemed quite outraged that he would even suggest it, Severus sighed impatiently as Sebastian finally brought the room to order.

"Severus, I understand your concern, but you know that goes well beyond the boundaries of what's acceptable. I'm sure you are aware of what happened the last time a Defense teacher tried something like that, and without the board's knowledge, might I add?"

"Despite the fact it happened before either of us were born, yes. The teacher had a run-in with a particularly strong willed student named Tom Riddle. Soon after he had begun to explore the outer perimeters of his class's thoughts was found in holed up in his office completely out of his mind with fear, and lived out the remainder of his life in a catatonic state," Severus said evenly. "I'm well aware of the risks…"

"And yet you admit that you may be putting the students at risk as well," Sebastian said seriously.

"Less risk than if we would be to allow Ciardoth to pick and choose among them according to their weaknesses and which one would suit her purposes, only to dispose of them once she's done with them," Severus said.

"I'm sorry, Severus, it's simply out of the question," Sebastian said firmly, the rest of the board quickly agreeing.

"Perhaps one class with permission slips from parents, so I can at least reach some of them?" Severus suggested. Sebastian paused as if considering it, but immediately the traditionalists protested his hesitation. "At least allow me to require my classes to keep dream journals to make certain nothing is going on."

"That would be a direct invasion of privacy, Severus. The board would never require a student to have to hand over a diary of their inner thoughts to anyone," Sebastian said.

"Then you are leaving them open to a direct attack, and I, as head of security, will not be able to do a thing about it," Severus said.

"Severus, I do understand your concerns and I am glad you made us aware of it. But as you already said, there really isn't anything you can do to stop it. In any case, catching such dark creatures are not the school's concern; education is our concern. And I'm sure that if Doctor Sagittari and Madame Pomfrey are actively aware that students may be faced with this, which I'm sure they are, they'll be able to catch it."

"True enough, but by that time someone will already be a victim," Severus said. "And although she has not yet killed anyone using this method, I am quite certain she could do so if she wanted…"

"We live in an open society, Severus…the price we pay for having basic rights and the ability to enjoy life rather than to live encased in armor with a number tattooed on our heads. Yes, well, a harsh example, really, but the point is that if a protective manner infringes on those rights, most people are going to tell you that it's not worth it. Severus, you wouldn't be any more comfortable with the idea of a teacher trying to get in your children's heads and you damn well know it," Sebastian said, and Severus immediately grew somber. "Speaking of which, perhaps it's better we moved on to that other topic that needs discussed.

"Now, I have here, Severus, quite a number of rather impressive statements on your behalf concerning this coaching issue….many of them from the staff, including some particulars of Aurelius' marks in general, as well as four student letters, two signed and two anonymous, all stating that they did not believe that you directly coached Aurelius in any way. Of course, we've been also been receiving quite a number of letters from concerned parents as well; some asking for particulars, and some who were quick to point out several other matters of bias which they claim that Headmaster Dumbledore, well, 'hushed up'," he said wryly.

"You know perfectly well that I don't have any say in what the Headmaster decides to bring up with you and what he doesn't," Severus said calmly. "And as for the coaching matter, I would like to state for the record that not only did I not coach him, but I had no time to coach him with the mayhem going through my life at that point. Dumbledore and my wife can both attest to that."

"Yes, Dumbledore did mention something to that affect in his letter, although he was quite vague about exactly what it was keeping you busy at that time period."

"I was concerned over my wife's behavior," Severus said evenly. "It was not long before the Lucius Malfoy incident."

"Some of the members of the board are concerned that Aurelius may have had an advantage, at least in Defense, since he was advanced a year," Bruce put in. Sebastian frowned at him.

"In which case the board should have brought it up when it occurred. As it is, I would think the fact that the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and I thought him capable of being advanced early might key the board in to the fact he has more than exceeded his class expectations and obligations."

"It's a valid point," Sebastian agreed, leaning back. "In fact, what the whole inquiry boils down to is your word and that of Dumbledore's and Aurelius', who also both deny it."

"To be blunt, sir, as a parent I am quite appalled that my son was involved in this in any way," Severus said, having trouble controlling the strain in his voice now. "Considering the fact that if it had been anyone else's child, it would not have been questioned at all. I don't care how much scrutiny you place on me or any of the other staff, but the fact that you felt you had to question a student about his abilities above the word of Headmaster Dumbledore that nothing took place disturbs me."

"We act upon the concerns of the parents, Severus," Sebastian said. "Had we not, I'm sure you realize that the media would come down on you harder than they are now…"

"Pardon, sir, but I don't give a damn what the media wants to say about me. God knows they've been doing it for thirty years already. It is the fact that Aurelius was dragged into this that I mind."

"To be perfectly honest, I feel exactly the same way myself," Sebastian said, looking around at the board, many of whom were nodding their heads gently. "You're right in that this came up because he was your son. It's not been the first time someone has complained to us about your children getting 'favoritism' in the school either, although Dumbledore has been quick to deny it. But what we fear most is that not only will this not be the last time this issue comes up, but that next time it will be something that we absolutely cannot ignore. So, we believe the best course of action is to avoid the situation completely. It would be best for both you and your wife professionally, and probably much better for your children to not have that constant pressure on them."

"Forgive me Chairman, but just what are you casting at?" Severus asked with a frown.

"That the board is planning on voting on whether or not to recommend that your four children be moved to another school…of your choice, of course…for the remainder of their school years, so as not to leave any concerns about conflicts of interest," Sebastian said. Severus stared at him in disbelief for a long time before a dark, silent anger began boiling under his skin.

"My children are not leaving Hogwarts," he said at last in a voice so firm that no one dared question it. "If you truly feel the only way to solve yourselves a bit of discomfort at the idea of having them in our classrooms is to pass this recommendation, go right ahead. But don't be surprised when you get an Owl tendering mine and my wife's resignation a minute after the fact."

"You would end a long standing career over this, Severus?" Sebastian said, his question making Severus pause after he had already turned for the door.

"I would not sacrifice any student to save my job, let alone my own children. And I assure you that even if she's not here to say it, my wife feels the same. Also, although I won't speak for them, may I remind you that Deputy Headmaster Weasley has a daughter in Hogwarts this year, not to mention my sister's two children? But go ahead and open this can of worms if you like! I only hope someone's left to teach after you're done with it!" Severus snapped angrily, storming out.

How dare they even suggest it, he fumed as he Apparated to the station, preferring to take the long way around the lake to try and give him some time to cool off. But he soon found that the more time he thought about it, the angrier he got, and his knuckles were still white from his clenched fists by the time he got to the gate.

Jennifer looked up from her desk as he came into her office and watched as he immediately went over to her lab, cranking up the burners as he began to measure out ingredients.

"Was it as bad as all of that? What did they say?" Jennifer asked in alarm, knowing he was boiling up a fresh batch of Subtle Slumber.

"I have never met such a sour bunch of bureaucrats in my entire life," Severus growled, Jennifer quickly deciding to stay well away from him. "They refused to listen to any dangers the students might be in over Ciardoth, concerning themselves with trying to make our lives miserable instead! In fact, they are in the process of voting on whether or not to move our children out of this school since we are teaching here."

"What? I'd quit first!" Jennifer scowled.

"Precisely what I told them," Severus snarled.

"If they had any concerns about it, why didn't they bring it up before?" Jennifer asked. Severus sighed and stared at the bubbling liquids.

"Actually…perhaps they have. Shea mentioned that Dumbledore had answered questions about it on other occasions, only now it's come to a head for some reason," he paused again, suddenly looking exhausted despite the fact his brew wasn't even halfway done yet. "I wonder if I overreacted, storming out of there when they mentioned it," he mused.

"What? I think not! They have no right to tell us what school our children attend," Jennifer said firmly. "Besides, if the worst does happen and we do have to leave, perhaps we can come back in a few years once they're out again." Severus glanced thoughtfully up at the picture of himself, but his portrait was busy reading one of his Sherlock Holmes novels unconcernedly.

Just then there was a knock, and Severus went over to the door, knowing very well who was behind it. He opened it to see Albus Dumbledore gazing at him over the rim of his glasses.

"Don't tell me. You heard," Severus said dryly, turning back around and over to his potion.

"That and more," Albus said with a smile as he stepped in, nodding to Jennifer. "Actually, I need to talk to you about something when you're done, Severus, but there is something I think you both ought to hear first. I just got a flame from Chairman Shea and the board has voted down a proposal to recommend moving the children to another school."

Pure relief was immediately evident on Jennifer's face, while Severus stared at him quite bewildered.

"Thank goodness, I was sure we had another fight on our hands," Jennifer admitted, smiling curiously at her husband who still had his gaze fixed on Albus.

"Perhaps something made them realize that right now they have more important things to worry about then some trivial false accusations," Albus said. "I had a feeling they would come around eventually, although I myself am amazed at how quickly it came about," he added, giving Severus such an enigmatic smile that Jennifer was quite positive he was intentionally hiding what he was thinking from her.

"Well," said Jennifer. "I think I'll head on up to the sitting room to finish setting up these handouts. Bring me up a mug of that?"

"Certainly," Severus said with a nod, walking her to the door and closing it behind her.

"Subtle Slumber again?" Albus said, accenting 'again' in such a way that Severus gave him a dirty look. "I thought you were both cutting down."

"I don't think it's unwarranted after the stress we've been under," Severus snapped. "It's not every day one gets fed to the wolves."

"The governor's board are our allies, Severus, not our enemies," Albus reminded him, sitting down. "At least, that's what I always tell myself. You certainly did make a mess out of the evening though, didn't you?"

"You were the one who told me to handle it," Severus bristled.

"No, I sent you there merely to handle that business about your being coached, which you did so splendidly, might I add. But what in heaven's name possessed you to approach the board on Occlumency? You knew that wouldn't go well," he chided him.

"I had to at least speak to them about the danger the students are in," Severus said irritably.

"Severus, I already told Sebastian of the entire situation. You really should have spoken to me before approaching anything that delicate to the board. And I really wish you hadn't mentioned that business with the journals! Now I'm going to need some unbelievably clever excuse to do so anyway, and that won't be easy. And I'm going to need your help, especially since this is your fault we're in this predicament in the first place. Yes, there can be little doubt. This is really going to complicate things," Albus sighed. Severus stared at him.

"What do you mean you need an excuse to do so anyway?" Severus said impatiently when it was obvious that Albus was more interested in polishing his spectacles than continuing.

"Severus, what's the first rule when dealing with a problem with a student?" Albus asked as he replaced his glasses, but Severus merely frowned at him. "That parents don't need to know everything. Well, the same can be said with an administrative problem. The board doesn't need to know everything…and what they do need to know is best found out…well, after whatever the problem is has been fixed successfully and has been fixed successfully for at least several months," he said in a low voice. "Now, would you care to hear a possible solution on how we get out of this predicament?"