Chapter Eight

Severus Snape wasn't in the best of moods. Admittedly, he hardly ever was in as good a mood as most people could muster. But ever since the term started a week ago, he got into doldrums like he'd never gotten into before.

And, it was all because of her.

When Albus Dumbledore announced his selection for the post that Dolores Umbridge had just vacated, the whole faculty declared its skepticism about the choice.

"Why the violent reaction?" the old wizard had asked. "Aren't we confident about her loyalties?"

"Albus," Minerva McGonagall had said, sighing, "there are no doubts as to the girl's loyalties. But there is a very big question about how it will be possible to get her to even get within ten kilometers of any magical place, much more Hogwarts."

"Minerva, while it is true that Ms. D'Angelique has as good as turned her back on our world, I'm pretty sure that we'll be able to help her see reason."

"Albus," Minerva had replied with the slight undertone of a sigh, "The girl was hurt deeply. She's happy where she is."

"If Tom Riddle gets to her, she won't be."

"Professor, if I may interrupt," Severus had cut in, something he hardly did during faculty meetings. He really didn't like speaking in such meetings; it made him feel uncomfortable. "The girl is quite safe where she is. Besides, she's had enough bad experiences with us."

"Severus--"

Severus had then surprised everyone including himself by answering back. "No, don't tell me to stop, for once, don't tell me what to think. Chel is a doctor now, living quietly in the South Downs. She DESERVES to be left alone!"

"SEVERUS!"

Getting shouted at by the great Dumbledore himself is never a good experience but at that moment, the Potions Master couldn't care less. Not that he ever did. But he felt strongly about this. He felt strongly about anything related to Chel.

Why shouldn't he? He owed her big. And he knew it.

Others would say he had deeper reasons. Maybe he did, but he never said, most likely because he wasn't too sure himself.

A creaking door snapped him back to the present, to his office, to the first Sunday of the new term. Blasted wind. He really hated it when some force of nature jilted him from his thoughts.

"A force of nature, or a nosy boss?" Albus Dumbledore pushed the door shut from his stand behind it.

The Potions Master sighed. "Good morning, Headmaster. Ok, how long have you been there?"

"Long enough to know that you've been thinking about her again."

Another sigh. "Professor, when will my thoughts be free from your insufferable prying?"

The Headmaster chuckled. "I didn't mean to sift through your thoughts. But I didn't have to make any effort. You were thinking so hard."

Severus tried to force a grin, but it hurt too much so he grimaced instead.

"If it's really bothering you, go up to her office and talk to her."

Severus grunted. "It's not that I'm bothered, Dumbledore. I had hoped that we would just leave her alone, after all she's done and been through," he replied brusquely.

The old man smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. So there IS someone you still care for. "Severus, you of all people should know that there are things that are best resolved when faced up front.''

"The same way that there are some things best forgotten."

"Yes, there are. However, our Celeste is too strong for that kind of escapism. You know that as well as I do."

Severus was internally shaking his head. He normally tried to be as stoic as possible, but the topic of the moment involved Celeste D'Angelique. It was very, very hard to stay nonchalant.

"All right, Professor. Let us say for a moment that I should decide to talk to talk to her. What in Merlin's name would I say?"

Professor Dumbledore smiled. "With that, I don't need to help you. You know who she's just lost. Help her back on her feet."

"I don't think that would be right. Too soon, don't you think, Headmaster?"

A chuckle. What was so funny? For sure, Severus didn't think anything was amusing here. "Severus, I didn't mean it that way. Must I spell it out for you? You were her friend at Hogwarts, and you know better than I do what you owe her. Just get her mind off-"

Severus held up a hand. He didn't need to hear who Chel had to get over. Without a word, he grabbed a cloak and stalked unceremoniously out of his office. The headmaster smiled knowlingly and shook his head. Young people…