Disclaimer in Pt. 1.
Severus Snape leaned against the doorframe of the small hut and looked up at the night sky.
He was numb. He had been for a long time; ever since Dumbledore had confronted him about the Unbreakable Vow he had given Narcissa in order to protect Draco.
He'd been fully aware, from the moment Narcissa had made her request, that there were only two choices: either Dumbledore would die, or he would. He had planned everything carefully, to ensure that both Dumbledore and Draco lived: he would wait until Draco had come up with a plan that would stand a reasonable chance of succeeding - if necessary, he would help Draco do so - and then he would interfere at the last minute. Breaking the Vow would kill him, but Dumbledore would still be alive, and Voldemort's displeasure would focus on him, rather than the Malfoy heir.
Despite Dumbledore's orders, he had still been prepared to do that the moment he'd come out on the roof of the tower to find the confrontation he'd feared in progress. He knew that Dumbledore had left the school on a dangerous mission, and he had noticed that the Headmaster was clearly unwell, but he was certain that he could have taken care of that.
Only Dumbledore had looked at him, and had asked him, pleaded with him, to fulfill the Vow.
Knowing that Draco was still asleep - the boy was miserable at faking it - Severus buried his head in his hands. He almost wished he hadn't protected himself from Potter's spells; it was only the fact that he needed to protect both boys, Draco and Potter, which had kept him from letting his defenses drop.
Well, that, and the rage he'd felt even through the numbness at how Potter had used his book, and his spells. That hadn't changed. He might have to protect the Potter boy, but that didn't mean that he despised the brat any less. So like his father, always looking for the easy way, using other people's work to support and bolster up his own...
Enough. Potter's alive, and not captured by Voldemort. Draco's alive, and still as safe as he can be. You've done your job for now.
For now. But what about the future? With... Albus dead, he had no way to communicate with the Order - and even if he did, there was no way they would trust him. He had little doubt that Potter had been only too happy to relate the events that had taken place on the tower top...
Well, perhaps not happy, Severus admitted to himself. Despise Potter as he did, he couldn't deny the fact that the brat was loyal to Dumbledore. But he's undoubtedly feeling all-too-justified in his hatred of me now...
Abruptly, a flicker of warmth ran across his ribs, and Severus started. It was a familiar sensation, but one he'd never expected to feel again...
Reaching into his inner pocket - the spell always placed whatever item was used in the pocket closest to his skin - Severus felt the distinctive texture of parchment. Drawing it out, he was vaguely surprised to see his name on the front of the folded sheet in Minerva McGonagall's flowing script.
How did Minerva know this spell? And why would she be writing to me using it...?
Unfolding the sheet, Severus started to read through the letter.
Severus,
I imagine you are at least somewhat surprised to receive a letter from me, much less in this fashion, considering all that has happened over the past week and a half...
I know what happened, Severus. Albus left me a letter of his own, detailing Mr. Malfoy's situation and your own, as well as the fact that you were obeying his orders that night.
I must admit that it hurts that you were able to do what you did; but knowing you as I do (and it was quite the relief to find out that I do know you, that Mr. Potter was wrong about you returning to Voldemort's service), I suspect that you are equally hurt at having been forced into that situation in the first place.
At present, I have chosen not to tell anyone else the truth. If you wish me to, please let me know who you trust enough to be told. Albus's letter suggested that I inform Mr. Potter, but while I would like to do that - it is hard to see what the past week and a half has done to him - I will do so not without your permission.
Albus has left me details on the various methods you used to communicate with him when it was unsafe for you to deal directly with the old crowd, as you have no doubt guessed from the method of delivery of this letter. Please feel free to communicate whatever you feel necessary to me using those methods. And should you feel the need, I would not object to receiving the occasional letter-chat; I will miss our debates terribly until it is safe for you to return.
Slughorn is currently Acting Head of Slytherin, and has agreed to continue teaching Potions next year - assuming the Board agrees to let us remain open. That is still something they are debating, and it is irritating me to no end. Any information you can give me about the safety of the school would be more than appreciated.
Until our next communiqué,
-- Minerva
Severus stared at the letter for a long moment, shocked, before he returned his gaze to the stars. This was something that would require a great deal of thought.