Disclaimer: Doctor Pepper says that honesty's good for the kidneys, so here I go. Harry Potter is not mine. Never was, and perhaps never will be.
A/N: Such a lovely turn out for reviews! I could hug you all to bits!
June W: Hehe...yeah it is a rather fluffy title. But, I suppose I'll have to make it eventually relate to the story. No clue why I chose it. Oh, and me? Ominous? Never! I mean really. ::hrumphs:: lol.
Kudos to MelissaAdams, for finding a lovely culprit. Which will not be revealed this chapter. Heh, you all just have to -suffer- and wait.
Looking back, Severus could never really remember how he managed to get back to Hogwarts. Without splinching himself, at least.
"Severus?"
Ah, Dumbledore had once again waited up for him. How touching.
"Headmaster." Severus said curtly.
Albus Dumbledore took one look at Severus' face and already knew there was bad news coming. It was written on every inch of his face, though someone who didn't know Severus as he did wouldn't have seen it.
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked.
Straight to the point for once. And he didn't even offer one of his damned lemon drops. "The Dark Lord is planning to attack Hogwarts."
Dumbledore stared at him incredulously. When he finally regained his wits, he made a dismissive hand motion at Severus. "Take a seat."
Severus, who had been standing stiffly, had begrudgingly took a seat. "Lemon drop?" The Headmaster asked, brandishing a small dish of candies under Severus' nose.
Just when he thought he was safe. "No, Headmaster. I do not believe this is the time for lemon drops." Severus said with disdain, irritated at Albus' friviolty at a time like this.
"Now, about this attack business.." Dumbledore said, in a gentle voice, as if he were calming a child.
"You don't believe me, do you?" Severus cut in, his voice slicing sharply through the room.
"It's not that I don't believe you Severus, but not even the Dark Lord would dare to attack.."
"There was a leak." Severus said shortly.
"Pardon me?" The headmaster asked, as if he had not heard him correctly.
"You heard me. There was a leak. A snitch. A traitor. Call it what you will, but the Dark Lord got his hands on alot of information." Severus growled. You'd think after 12 years spying for this man, putting my life at risk, he'd listen to me.
Again, that incredulous look returned to the Headmaster's time-worn face. "But..who? Who would have done such a thing?" he asked, cafefully saying each word.
"I was not privy to that information. I was hoping that you could shed some light on the subject." Severus replied.
"I haven't a clue. How did you come by this information?" Dumbledore asked Severus, folding his hands on the desk and looking at him intensely.
I really wish he wouldn't do that. "The Dark Lord made an example of him in front of the entire group. And by example, I mean he threw him around a bit and killed him." Severus said harshly, not bothering to dull his words to suit the Headmaster's oh-so-delicate ears.
"Killed him?" Albus repeated. He narrowed his watery blue eyes a bit, and said "And you just let this happen, Severus?"
"What was I supposed to do? Jump in front of the killing curse to save the rat?" Severus deplored. He was really losing what little patience he had left, and fast.
Dumbledore didn't answer that question, he seemed to be drowning internally in his own thoughts. Severus cut into the silence, "I was unable to discern the identity of the traitor. When I asked the Dark Lord, I was told that "it was of no consequence" who he was. And after seeing him kill a junior member for simply mentioning Potter's name, I didn't want to try my luck."
Albus Dumbledore seemed to gain focus at the mention of Harry. "Harry was mentioned? What did he say?"
Severus sneered. His favorite topic, the boy-who-just-wouldn't-do-as-he's-told. "The Dark Lord seems to the that Potter is no danger to him." More or less...
The relief was clearly seen in the way the Headmaster relaxed his posture. He slouched comfortably into his high-backed chair and said "Do continue Severus."
"I believe the attack will be sometime later this week." Severus said, almost pleased to be back on track again. "He asked me to remove Hermione from Hogwarts by tommorrow evening."
"And take her where?" Dumbledore asked sharply.
Severus was slightly taken aback by the Headmaster's sudden change in tone. "I thought I'd take her to the manor. She'd be very safe there, as there are many precautions still in place from where my parents lived there."
Dumbledore seemed to consider this a moment, and then shook his head. "I'd rather you take her to headquarters, Severus."
Severus narrowed his eyes, sensing the distrust in the air. He didn't manage to spy for 12 years and remain alive without picking up this sort of thing. "Would you care to explain why, Headmaster?"
"No." Dumbledore said flatly. Discussion closed.
If that's the way you want it, then. "What measures will be taken to protect the school?" Severus asked. "We should evacuate the students still remaining for the holidays."
"And give the deatheater's fair warning? Surely you've noticed the amount of Slytherins staying for the holidays. Not that all of them are junior deatheaters." Dumbledore asked, his tone slightly reproachful. He finally looked over his glasses at Severus. "No, Severus. The battle lines have been drawn. It ends here."
"You're going to put these children in danger? What about the innocents Dumbledore? Are we to sacrifice them as well?" Severus bit out, through his clenched teeth. "It isn't just your precious Potter on the line."
"Sometimes...sacrifices are necessary for the greater good." the Headmaster said slowly. "You, of all people, should know that Severus."
"I never let children out to "play" war." he spat, getting up from his seat. "If that is all Headmaster?"
Severus didn't wait for the Headmaster's response. In a few short moments, he had lost all respect that he had for the man. He knew he shouldn't have reacted that way, but he couldn't help it. This wasn't a game. Although Dumbledore had fought in the first war against Voldemorte, and against the dark wizard Grindenwald, he was oblivious. Honestly, the man is sending children to fight against an army of seasoned deatheaters. It wouldn't be a battle. It would be a massacre.
A/N: Okies then. More Dumbledore-bashing, heh. Remember the prophecy! It shall be used. If you've forgotten it, it's in chapter 11.
And lookie...Snape has morals! Heh, who'd a thunk it.
I am sooooo sorry for the shortness. I just don't like switching perspectives within chapters, which you might have noticed. Next one will be fun. Baby names! ::grin:: Not too late for some suggestions!
Sorry for the kinda late update. Got slightly sidetracked.
R/R.