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Chapter 6. Endless duties II.
Apparating to Spinner's End instead of Hogwarts was a choice Severus Snape made to protect the rest of his sanity. As much as he liked the Siberian forests, he sorely lacked nourishment, and although there was no place to help this like at the Hogwarts table, that was not the place to deal with the shock called Iris Dubois.
He was perilously hungry. And sore. And as embarrassing as it was, horny, beyond measure. Too tired to deal with the mix, he felt mildly confused, which was the worst of it. That made him angry. Not talking about the still lingering guilt and the stress he always suffered at the Dark Lord's presence. This was not the time to risk meeting anyone at Hogwarts. It was a time for recreational potions.
Severus's hand travelled towards the rarely used shelf of his kitchen cupboard unrequested when a small part of him remembered the day he swore against using those potions. Why the hell did he do that? He couldn't recall now… but most of his old favourites were gone from the shelf, and he had a faint memory about burning them himself. The few that remained were absolutely basics: Dreamless Sleep for the fainthearted, Forgetfulness for those who suffer from memories, Liquidy Lick and he wouldn't even need to touch himself, and of course Instant Cheer Powder, you just burn it, and it solves nothing, but at least in the smoke no-one would mind their troubles for a while… Twenty years ago, he would have had them all. Or at least the last two. As a potions master, he never had a problem producing eye-cleaner drops, even on a morning-after. Honestly, not even in the seventh year.
His hand was shaking as he reached up to the shelf. Of all those feelings he wanted to chase away, the strongest was desire. How could that damnable witch have such a hold on him? He didn't even like her, but all those traces her lips were drawn on his skin, on his lips… just the thought made him ready to turn and run back to her, consequences be damned! Strangely his thoughts were less clouded than other times when he longed for a woman. It was rare and usually not emotional, but he had to admit that longing always clouded at least partly his better mind, unlike this time. The Potions Master stilled and enchanted a piece of napkin.
"Revelo!"
Severus slowly pulled the napkin through his neck, earlobe, and face, then examined it under the old kitchen lamp. "Shit!" The napkin practically vibrated with shiny dots of some powder, iridescent in all colours of the rainbow. "Of all the bloody fucking possible bullshit! Lust potion?" – He cried out, more frustrated now by the fact the witch managed to get to him than the torturous yearning itself. Howling after a witch for a few hours was one thing, but for a potioneer to get poisoned was about professional pride, and he regretted the moment he left the witch without strangling her.
How on earth did she do it?! If there were the faintest sign, Severus would have seen it! He tried to recall their exchange's details, but it was hard – in every possible meaning. His predicament destroyed the better part of his focus, all spots where she kissed him were still burning with unsatiated need, never mind more private parts, where he practically felt on fire so much he had to close his eyes against it. As annoying as it was, the worst hasn't even happened. If Iris could feed him a lust potion, she could poison anyone anytime undetected as it turned out, even him! Now Severus was only glad he didn't get to those recreational potions, for their mix with this particular brew was unpredictable.
He forked up a bezoar and gulped it with as much water as he managed before he rushed under the shower and scraped every inch of his skin. It still took some time for the sensations to subside, and by the end of an hour, he was tired to a point where sleep evaded him.
In his childhood home, he was lying on his childhood bed, watching the same ceiling as it used to be his childhood habit. Nothing ever truly changed, just the dunghill grew and grew… he wondered if someone already wrote a song about this. Would it be a melancholic song or hard rock? Maybe both. A hymn – he thought before turning to his side so he wouldn't see the flies and spiders, probably the great-grandchildren of those he couldn't destroy with his wand all those years ago. At least there were survivors, unlike among his friends. Now he chided himself for using plural… Fuck, he needed a shot or a sleep potion!
Severus walked down to the living room and spread himself out on his armchair. The obscure realization steadily came to him, that in fact, there was a change. "I can soften the memories, heal your wounds, smooth the edges. This is the offer." Hurt did not go away, but he felt more the master of it, even now. His senses were muffled by tiredness, but the weight seemed lighter, and he had to admit that protecting his memories, shielding his mind came automatically. That told a lot, for occlumency was his second nature. However, this day was a close call, even with the improvement.
Occluding was not the only thing he found improved. He also just learned to fly! Severus did not miss the masses' applause, but it was amusing he achieved something of that magnitude, and no one was the wiser!
He could never forget that there was a price mentioned in his out-of-world dream, and no true Slytherin would deny the import of the offset. Seriously, no entity could suggest him falling for Iris?! If that was the love mentioned in that afflatus, he's going to pass. Anyone was to help him from outside this world; she was sloppy on the deal. Severus was Slytherin to the core, and he would accept any freedom of mind he might get in advance, but at that moment, he believed he would never live up to his side of the bargain.
The early owl's persistent knocking was obnoxious, to say the least. Doubly so, as he knew the sender before he opened the window. The Headmaster must have replied to his late-night owl that suggested that he take care of Moody.
Tonight if possible.
Severus shrugged off the bird's resentment when he sent it back on its way without tending to its needs. He would have if there were anything to offer, and he was troubled anyway. Dumbledore could have chosen a better time to tell his company was unnecessary for some additional hours.
Since sleeping seemed hopeless, Severus occupied his time by working on the old house. He already repaired the roof, the windowsills, and the pipes over the years with hard-learnt spells. Now the living room's floor appeared as if it was to give in to time. He hated it without reservations, just like all the other things about this place, but it needed to be done. He would bet all those know-it-alls at Hogwarts kept thinking he went home for the holidays to sink in his chair with a beer and read until his eyes burned out, only to play with his potion-kit every other day. The truth – as always – was so prosaic.
By dusk, he could hardly see what he was doing, consumed the rest of his kitchen's canned food reserves, and swore not to try to work with wood ever again. Under the circumstances, even socializing didn't seem such a terrible idea. Snape reached Grimmauld place unnoticed, although this time the evening was young, and the street lights were not out. The first star only showed its bright face when he entered the old door, and several voices flew towards him out of the kitchen, children's voices and argument.
Molly Weasley was adamant none of her precious offspring should stay downstairs when the Order convened, and a distinct smell of Dungbombs lingered in the corridor, signalling the reluctance of the youth. Snape patiently waited in the dark entrance, and his endurance paid off when the kitchen door opened and four hurt Weasley-kids tramped up the stairs… no, five. Was that the Granger-girl? He only then realized, the family was prepared to welcome Potter soon. As soon as that kid gets involved, all reason flies away! Why can't they just let him sit safely among the blood-wards? Tuney was worse than a minor dragon even as a girl; she should be called a protective layer herself! Snape's already poor mood worsened by the thought, but there seemed everything jolly and bright when he entered the kitchen.
The fire was crackling cheerfully under a cauldron, making it emit the delicious aroma of a ragout for supper. The house residents must have just left the table, but Lupin and the Tonks-girl – he has to refer her as an Auror – still spooned the last of their meals. Molly Weasley was everywhere, cleaning the table, chattering all around, especially with her second eldest and…an unknown witch by the table. She sat opposite Bill, between Lupin and the dog. She was visibly at ease, conversing with the Weasleys and left-and-right, but apparently, she kept Black at arms-length even sitting next to him. Severus registered Mundungus exchanging words with Arthur and good old Hestia Jones fondling her tea, but his attention turned back to the unknown witch with genuine interest.
She was not a bewildering beauty with her bushy eyebrows and bony hands, all those knuckles and long crooked fingers. One could imagine she had ten wands or didn't need any… but she had the means to catch the eye… So long that said eyes were inclined to be caught… not his… but it seemed Black's definitely were.
On her other side sat Lupin entertaining Nymphadora… - Auror Nymphadora - on his right and this witch on his left. He probably was having the night of his life… Bill Weasley finished a story with a question from across the table, and the little company consumed in their own world moved as one to listen to the reply.
"Certainly, I was the same year with her aunt, Aether. Fleur has always been a dear girl. With a strong sense of justice, I have to add. I hear she developed a great beauty, no wonder in that family." The witch's voice was a pleasant contralto, deeply melodic, and artless. She smiled at the Weasley-brat, and he beamed back like a fool.
"She's very nice indeed, but" – the kid coughed – "Fleur is also a well-versed witch with wonderful skills in…"
"I didn't see you enter, Severus. Would you like dinner too?"
He had to remind himself that Molly wanted nothing wrong while stopping his progress to his favourite place by the hearth or by making him miss the last of that conversation.
"Thank you, Molly. I'm fine." –He lied, and in the same minute he regretted that ragout, but you always pay for your pride… and before he could escape, the unknown witch turned on her seat, and after a brief, curious look, she sent him a smile while she pushed her bony hand under his nose.
"Oh, sorry, hello, we haven't met. Salbei Moody, call me Sage."
Severus stared at the hand, and his eyebrows lifted in surprise, but when he opened his mouth to answer, Black already pulled the girl's arm down.
"No need to dirty your hand, Sage. Snivellus won't stay anyway… What was that story Remus told about…?"
Severus rolled his eyes, looked towards the witch and decided she did not worth it when her voice sought him out again.
"You cannot mean that; I'm sure that's not his name," – she chided Black lightly – "Come, sit here, there's plenty more room!"
Now, that was worth it. He finally looked the witch in the eye, and when he was sure it was him, she invited… "It's Snape. Severus Snape." Her eyes were dark brown like rich chocolate, and he could feel the occlumency shield behind them. She must have sensed his defences, too, because those eyes slightly narrowed, and she knocked her head to the side. Severus waited several seconds for the attack, but she did not try to touch his mind. "I would rather stand." He finally told her and took his place by the hearth.
"See, I told you. Don't bother with him!" Black pulled on her robe's sleeve, and Sage Moody turned back to the table. Lupin attempted to reignite the conversation with the Weasley- boy, but soon Dumbledore entered with Shacklebolt and Mad-Eye. The old Auror sent Snape a murderous glance but held his peace yet, that was… good?
They gathered and settled down; this time, Shacklebolt opened the discussion, sharing his worries about the recent attacks on Ministry- workers. Arthur joined him and told them how he managed to free Rochester from under the Imperius and summarised a series of attacks in Kent against muggles. No-one mentioned the Knight Bus, the French or the giants, so Severus kept to himself.
Old Moody warned everyone about the Imperius curse and listed its symptoms. Most thought it advantageous to share those with the crowds. When the talk turned on leaflets, Severus contemplated the benefits of fresh air, but eventually, all agreed that with Fudge still doubting the Dark Lord's return, there was not much to do.
Talking about Fudge, Dumbledore mentioned that the Ministry had forced a DADA teacher on Hogwarts.
"I cannot see a way to evade her presence," – the Headmaster said. – "It might be less harmful than the Dementors were two years ago… although meeting today Madam Umbridge, I am not quite sure anymore…"
"She will not stay long if the rumour about the curse is true" – Lupin obviously intended to joke, but few laughed. Severus was inclined to tell about Malfoy's report and the Dark Lord's plan when the werewolf carried on –"And Did you find a new History of Magic professor too, Albus? I admit I am most intrigued who you might choose for that position!"
"I am yet to settle that matter," Dumbledore admitted. "Which means I welcome every volunteer and suggestions," – he added jovially – "even if I cannot recall any of you showing a remote interest in that field. Nor any other students I've ever met along the years…"
"How is that possible?" The strange new witch asked with wide-eyed disbelief. "Papa said you gather against the Dark Lord, and no one studies his ancestors, the previous battles against dark wizards or…"
"Sage, please, keep to your place!" – Mad-Eye warned, and the witch's shoulders sunk. Severus found it curious. Although she said that her name was Moody, they must be related. When she talked of her "papa," could she mean Mad-Eye? Severus shook his head. That's impossible. She was not as ugly as that! Moreover, that would mean the old bastard at least once in his lifetime… no! Iris could safely go to him; if there was a wizard in Britain, Severus could not imagine taking part in such activities…
However, Dumbledore must have had other concerns, for he replied with uncommon thoughtfulness. "His ancestry is a grave issue indeed, and I already began my research; I cannot see how old battles could help us now. Would you tell us more about your thoughts?"
She peeked at Mad-Eye guiltily, but when she answered, her voice sounded confident.
"Why, all history of magic is about approaches of magic itself! I know some prefer to understand it as a matter of dates and politics, but all those are just… symptoms of a big debate. We know about dark arts even in the stone-age, and defending against them is as old as they are. At every stage of our society, the wizard-kind have adopted muggle philosophers' works and added their own achievements. The two shaped our view from the magical creatures to our own magic itself. I wish we knew more about ancient spells; I bet we reinvented a lot of them! And understanding why dark lords keep rising among us at least would help recognize the dangers. Well, I would even think people would talk about the circumstances that called for a Dark Lord!"
"Only Death Eaters call him by that name." – Mad-Eye grumbled.
"I cannot see why. History simply calls them as they call themselves. Voldemort is only one in a long series of…"
Severus winced, hearing the name so sudden, and Moody chided her again: "I already told you not to use that name!"
"Let her!" – Dumbledore stepped in. "So would you suggest if we cannot talk about Voldemort's return, we talk about the circumstances that frequently call his kind?"
"Sure!" – She exclaimed – "I've never understood why you did not, a lot talk about some pattern of similarities at Beauxbatons in France."
"This is not France and not your darling school," – Moody grumbled again with lightning in his eyes, but Dumbledore leaned back on his chair with a contented smile.
"Maybe we should risk learning from our neighbours, Alastor. It cannot hurt to try." –He looked back at the witch – "Your father tells me you are to settle in England now. Have you already found a job?"
She shook her head.
"Brilliant, I think I have an offer to make." – Dumbledore winked at Lupin – "As it happens, Hogwarts is short of a teacher in History of Magic this year. Would you lend us your expertise?"
The witch peeked at Mad-Eye again, noticeably uncertain, before she answered.
"I really don't know… History is only a passion. I've always taught Potions…"
Severus stared at her for the first time openly.
"Well, we already have a Master of that Art" – Dumbledore smiled jovially - "What do you think, Severus?"
Was this a trick question? He could talk for a day or just say nothing, and now he opted for the second.
"I hardly think my opinion matters, Headmaster."
The witch looked taken aback, but Albus seemed contented. "Think about the offer then,"- he turned back to Sage –"your father surely won't mind." For Severus, it seemed Mad-Eye very much minded but knew better than to argue with his friend publicly. "What else?" The Headmaster clearly waited for Snape to grab the opportunity, but he suddenly felt ill-at-ease. Like he had missed something important, something he should have seen and preferred to contemplate this before he talked.
Thankfully Arthur was more than ready to carry on: "We haven't mentioned Hornblow and Grimaye," – he nodded towards Tonks, and she took over with enthusiasm.
"The strangest, really, three weeks ago both disappeared on the same day, and now only two days ago they show up, one after the other like nothing happened. Both asked for vacations and behaved all changed. Why Hornblow refused an Auror-internship, he was all about that before! I suspect here a strong case of Imperius and…"
Snape grimaced before he calmly cut in. "I can confirm that, although that's nothing you should concern yourselves with." He looked at Dumbledore and let him watch through his memories about the two idiots who went after Hagrid. Snape only continued after the Headmaster nodded his agreement. By then, Mad-Eye and Arthur both worked themselves in a state.
Snape continued. "Both of them were spying for the Ministry on Albus' dealings. By the way, Arthur, you should be more circumspect when you discuss Order-business on corridors; Rochester heard you and Nymphadora. Grimaye, the one you missed so much – he inclined his head toward Tonks –, also worked for a Death Eater called Lennier. Well, not voluntarily, and he doesn't anymore. The easiest course of action was to send them both back where they belong, and vacation also seemed in order… Don't envy their luck-"
He might have added she didn't know who would send her on vacation, but the slip of an Auror was quick to interject: "You cursed them, Imperius!"
It was hard to deal with the horror on her face, and he already had a sour reply on his lips when Mad-Eye's deep bass joined in: "What do you mean he won't work with that guy anymore?"
Sage faced him at the same time, turning on her chair. "You know Lennier?" Of all the reactions, Severus found this the most intriguing. How come a daughter of the most-feared Auror to claimed acquaintance with a Death Eater, one even feared for his vicious ways among his peers?
"Calm, everyone!" – Dumbledore interrupted – "Severus, please, carry on!"
Although Mad-Eye and Arthur kept eying him with suspicion written on their faces, Severus shrugged and told them about Nott's difficulties at recruiting and also managed to mention the preparations emptying Azkaban without interruption. "Your niece seems sorely missed" – he looked at Black – "also most of them find the best prospect to catch you before her, so the Dark Lord may give your disabled body to your dearest friend, Pettigrew, to recompense him for his services."
Lupin was content by shooting him a murderous glance, but Black was immediately at his throat. "You miserable wretch, I bet you're having a great time with the traitor whenever you gather to lick your true master's arse!"
"I have no such habits, Black, but I'm sure you know what you're talking about; you're the dog here after all… Anyway, the Dark Lord is mostly preoccupied with the prophecy I mentioned last time; the Ministry should look out for serious attention on the Death Eaters' part."
Arthur reluctantly nodded his understanding. However, his frown showed his previous discomfort hadn't dissolved. "And what about Harry?" – He asked back. – "Does he plan to attack him before the school year? Now that he's back, we cannot be too careful with his well-being."
"I haven't heard about any such plan at the moment. He is peculiarly patient about getting to the boy, although he mentioned he has other plans in motion that he found not timely to share. I still would not suggest moving Potter; more than one of his followers feel the need to prove themselves and frequently act rashly to do so."
"Of course, you don't! You have no way to understand you spiteful git,"- Black was quick to reply –"would you be happy to know him to suffer instead of being with his family and the people who love him?"
"As much as I know, he is with his family already – Snape pulled his mouth into a smile of deliberate arrogance – Keep to your place, dog, your favourite needs better protection than the one you might offer."
"As if you cared!" – Sirius shouted – "He should be here under the Fidelius being protected by the Order instead of somewhere among those muggles! I am his family. It's my job to protect him. As his godfather, it is me…"
"Because your almighty Fidelius worked out so marvellously in the past…" – Severus cut in, this time with real anger – "You'd better the first plan out how to attempt to defend anyone with not even being able to leave your mother's house!"
"That was below the belt." – Lupin now stood next to Black, and Severus instinctively touched his wand in his robe-sleeve, but the werewolf took his friend's arm and tried to turn him away from trouble. "Leave it, Padfoot; I'm sure he only wants to protect Harry on his own way..."
"NO! He hates Harry! You know it, I know it, the bloody git knows it, hell, I don't even know if he doesn't hate the whole Order; he's always been set against us all! Merlin, why the hell are we listening to a Death Eater?"
"I am not the one belittling muggles here, but partly, you may be right." – Severus agreed. "I couldn't care less for your "noble emotions," but it is my job to point out if the precious Boy-who-lived might not live long enough with your haste and lack of judgement."
"Oh, you dare to…" – before he could finish his thought, Black already pulled his wand and stepped forward only to face Snape's wand when they both heard Dumbledore's voice.
"Sirius! Might I remind you that Severus enjoys my complete and inalterable trust? I ask you both to defer your argument to a more opportune time." He only continued when Black let himself guided back to his chair and sat down. Lupin's hand stayed on his shoulder. "Maybe you both are partially right." – The Headmaster moved on. "Moving Harry has never been as dangerous as it is now, but I dare say, it has never been as important either. Young hearts feel strong" – he glanced at the three old adversaries with a meaningful twinkle in his eye – "and they need guidance. Proper guidance, mind you." – He addressed his words now to Sirius – "Which is something his other relatives might not be well-versed to give." – He finished looking Severus in the eye.
"Of course, he will get everything he needs! So how shall we do it?" – Molly Weasley found her voice quickly.
They proceeded to discuss now the boy's route to Grimmauld, and Severus listened with half-closed eyes. Whether he had to conceal or share this part of the meeting, he recorded it in memory as a separate part to make his task easier. When Dumbledore declared the meeting finished, no one protested, although several issues were not yet closed. Snape was sure that the Headmaster planned to wrap those up by his usual heart-to-hearts and pulled a sour grimace.
Predictable as the Hogwarts Express, Dumbledore stepped to him before leaving the kitchen. "Severus, could you wait on me a while? Remus needs to hurry back to his task, and I would like to hear more of our friend." There was no other way to answer than to nod dutifully.
Mad-Eye shot him a disgusted glance before following his friend and Lupin outside, already deep in silent conversation with Shacklebolt.
Severus cautiously looked around – touching his wand – to face Black if he wanted to continue their "argument," but Molly Weasley occupied the dog as far from his safe corner as it was possible. He was debating with himself if he found the witch's machinations amusing or annoying when a plate of biscuits and a cup of tea showed up right in front of him, attached by two arms to the strange witch who shared Moody's name. Later he was reasonably sure he only accepted them by surprise. Sage flashed a vague smile before she walked back to talk to the Weasley-kid.
Despite his surprise, Severus automatically checked both the cup and plate for any "uncommon" ingredients with a quick charm. There were none, so he took a silent sip of his tea, perplexed by having it, and gratefully consumed all the biscuits by the time Lupin returned and gestured for him to the door as soon as their eyes met. Severus obediently stood his cup on the mantelpiece next to the empty plate and walked up to the living room.
This time, his report was detailed and extended regarding the short mention of Dolores Umbridge as well as the French capital's involvement in the Dark Lord's plans. While silently talking, he felt Albus's touch on his mind, and he let the old wizard sort through his memories to a point. Curiously Dumbledore was more interested in the Siberian escapade than the meeting at the Dark Lord's den. He obediently showed the ministry workers and the sad end of Lennier but omitted any encounters with birds or wolves, not even to mention any attempts to fly!
"I'm sorry for what you felt you had to do," – Albus reflected on Lennier's fate, not for a second absolving him, as the Headmaster's intent Snape clearly understood.
"Not that he didn't earn it… "– he replied half-heartedly.
"Not that it matters." – Albus pushed on.
"No." – Severus agreed.
"So, is this what I should expect from you in the future?"
For a short second, his fists began to clench before Snape could rule in his temper.
"I have never done such a thing lightheartedly, and I will never do. You were the one sending me there without anything to guide me!"
"And still, you delivered miraculously," – the Headmaster's smile failed to reach his eyes- "I sometimes wonder if the circumstances waste your talent; don't you ever ruminate about this?"
Severus gazed towards the tall window as if he could escape through it. This promised to be one of those encounters with Albus Dumbledore. The ones no-one liked to recall or to advertise. Unfortunately, the thick drapes did not permit a view to the outside, but at least he could temporarily cut the eye-contact.
"Something caught my eye…" – Albus searched his face with a curious expression. "Would you mind me talking like an old teacher for a second?"
Severus very much doubted a second would be sufficient, but he could only nod.
"The flow of your magic, Severus… I've already noticed it, but now it's more decided. You must have noticed yourself…" Severus patiently waited, but the Headmaster continued with exploratory talk instead of Legilimency. "Don't mistake me, my boy; I've always known your talent and power are outstanding. They already were when you entered Hogwarts." Now Severus turned his face back to examine the Headmaster's features with disbelief. "I can hardly put the finger on the change… it is like something shifted… I would rather not take any more worry upon me in these sever times, do you have any explanation? Can you point me to the source of this change, my dear Severus?"
When Dumbledore reached the end of his cautious words, Snape's mind was as blank as clean parchments, such as his face and eyes, and he instinctively pulled all of his occlumency shields to the highest level he could ever manage. This way, the old wizard might never know how close he got to receive a punch. "Sadly, Sir, I cannot." He managed to say.
"Is that so? Haven't you recently practiced uncommon magic? Perhaps the grim fate of Lennier compelled you to…"
"I have not returned to my previous researches if this is what disturbs you, Headmaster. I'm not…" – Severus finally understood how Dumbledore won again. "It took time to track Hagrid down." He admitted. "I entertained myself debating philosophical questions."
"I'm always an enthusiast for debates in philosophy. What kind of questions did you address?"
"The source of magic itself."
"And have you reached a breakthrough on this obscure question?"
"No, Sir. However, I found the solitude stimulating."
"How so?"
I didn't have to answer questions - Severus thought but said instead: "The boundaries of common logic did not constrain me."
The Headmaster leaned back in his armchair, and some of the usual twinkles returned in his eyes. "Your intuition is nothing short of admirable then." He deemed. "I am looking forward to our usual arguments at Hogwarts. – He finally smiled. – You know, Severus, Alastor found it peculiar when a long-forgotten French Death Eater knocked last night on his door. He asked me for my opinion on your part in this remarkable occurrence."
"I hope my word reached you in time to spare him the most of the discomfort." Snape's stance suggested he couldn't care less, but the Headmaster did not seem to mind.
"On the contrary, although his daughter arrived in time to ward off the worst… Severus, is it possible you knew about the troubles in the larger family of Alastor Moody?"
The tone was slightly more accusatory than what he was prepared for after his owl, so Snape narrowed his eyes and tried to find a reason for the Headmaster's suspicions. "I didn't even know he had a daughter before tonight." – He said truthfully. "Iris mentioned she knew a woman she called his daughter, but I had no reason to believe her. The Dark Lord gave me the task to punish her, so I positioned her to gain something from her task."
"As Sage discerned it from her memories already." – Dumbledore nodded. "All right, my boy, I believe we have no reason to doubt your intentions. Alastor will have to play the game you set up."
Snape nodded too, ready to leave when he saw a face with bushy eyebrows peek inside the room. "May we come, Albus?"
"Of course, my darling girl, I just established the frames of our discussion with Severus." He turned to his spy with a jovial smile. "I hope you can spare some more time for us tonight."