Author's Note: I meant to warn you all last time that there would be some Dumbledore bashing in the chapter. Sorry about that. I hope you were able to tell though, that Severus's thoughts were driven by grief instead of malice. And once again, thank you all so, so much for your support!
Severus Snape met with Minerva the following day. He'd met her in a small Scottish village and side-alonged out to her cabin in the highlands. Nestled in the trees, the dwelling looked a bit larger than the small hunting cabin he was expecting. "It's been in the family for generations," McGonagall explained as she walked the path to the door. "It's our ancestral home but was abandoned generations ago. My brothers and I worked hard to bring it back to its former glory."
Severus looked over the large wooden structure, and thought that "lodge" was perhaps a better label than "cabin". "You've done fine work," he commented.
McGonagall let out a small laugh as she ushered him through the door. "Come now, Severus. You're not one for empty pleasantries." She led him through an open great room to a door off to one side. Inside was a cozy study filled with books, overstuffed chairs and a small table with a tea service already set up.
"Not empty at all, Minerva. I've always admired your skill," Severus said as he seated himself next to the table.
McGonagall poured them both a cup and settled back in her chair. "I'm assuming what you have to discuss is important since it couldn't wait a week until we're back at Hogwarts," she started.
"Indeed," Snape agreed. He explained his idea to the older woman, and why, if this was to go forward, she would need to be the face of the project. Minerva drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair as she listened.
After he finished his pitch, they sat in silence for a few minutes. McGonagall was the first to break the silence, "Your idea is promising, Severus. You're right, as things stand, our students are not prepared for war." The witch sighed heavily and sat down her cup. "I can get this past the board and Albus. I'll tell them it's a self-defense, self sufficiency program inspired by my days as an auror. Considering that the instruction will be done on a volunteer basis, and the students themselves won't be required to attend, I doubt they will object. I'll start owling the other professors to see if they have any interest in joining in."
"Thank you, Minerva," Severus said truly grateful for her assistance. McGonagall reached over and patted his hand.
"Of course, Severus, of course," she responded with a small smile and an affectionate squeeze of his hand before she sat back in her chair once more. "You do realize that we will be offering this training to both sides, don't you?" she said after a moment of silence.
Snape offered her a quick nod. "It has crossed my mind," he admitted. "I still believe that the potential benefit outweighs the risk." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I would also like to see my snakes make it through this war alive, as well."
Minerva closed her eyes and nodded in agreement. "As would I, Severus. As would I."
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Severus received an owl from McGonagall the following day regarding the program. It gave the basics on the proposed program and asked everyone to consider if they'd like to volunteer and if so, what they'd like to teach. There would be a meeting the day after they returned to discuss further details. Three days after that, he'd received word that the board had approved the proposal, and Albus had agreed as well. Snape had to admire the witch's efficiency. The day after this, he was summoned by the Dark Lord.
He strode through Malfoy Manor taking furtive glances around him, hoping to catch sight of either Narcissa or Draco. Unfortunately, he didn't see a trace of either of them. He entered the Dark Lord's study and took a knee bowing low.
"Severus," he hissed. "Rise, sit," he gestured to the seat across from him.
"My Lord, " he responded as he stood and took the offered seat. "How may I serve you?"
"I have heard that Albus is expanding his curriculum this year to train his army," the dark wizard said. "What do you know of this?"
"Very little, yet, my Lord," Severus started. "I only just received an owl about this two days ago."
"Two days, Severus?" he asked. "Two days ago, and yet I had to summon you to me to hear anything of it?"
"My Lord, it seemed to be an ambitious plan with little detail and little hope of being approved by the board of governors. It was to be discussed further when we returned to Hogwarts. I didn't see the need to bother you with such trivialities until I had more to report on," Snape calmly explained.
"The board approved the proposal yesterday," Voldemort countered.
Severus looked surprised. "I apologize, my Lord. I hadn't realized."
"Yes, it seems that Albus is scared, and a frightened opponent is a dead opponent." Severus almost flinched with the reminder of Albus's impending demise. Thankfully he was fully Occluding so his expression remained stoic. "Now tell me what you know of this little program."
"As of yet, I know little. I received word from the Deputy Headmistress. It stated that the proposed program would be taught by volunteers and focus on defense and survival training. The students would be free to attend if they wish," he explained.
"And your thoughts on the program?" the wizard prompted.
"It's not a bad idea. It seems like what happened in the Department of Mysteries scared everyone. I don't know how effective this idea will be, but it does present us with an unexpected opportunity," Severus said evenly.
"And what opportunity is that?" Voldemort asked.
"These courses would be open to all students fifth year and up. I say let the headmaster train our troops for war. Let him educate our children on how to bring him down. Let his arrogance be his downfall," he concluded.
Voldemort chuckled, "You make a very good point. I will see to it that every eligible child among our supporters takes advantage of this…."opportunity". You are dismissed. Report back to me once you return to Hogwarts. I want to be kept apprised of all developments going forward."
"Yes, my Lord," Severus spoke as he stood and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Severus," the dark wizard said to the retreating Death Eater. Severus stopped and turned back to his Lord. "Crucio."
Severus fell to the ground in agony. He writhed on the ground for what felt like hours before the curse was lifted. He lay on the floor panting as he heard the Dark Lord say, "Please do be more prompt with your reports going forward."
"Yes, my Lord," Snape rasped as he drug himself up from the floor and stumbled out of the room.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Severus arrived at Hogwarts a week before the start of term as usual. The instructors and staff were busy readying the school for the impending onslaught of students. He'd been surprised and grateful by the turnout at the meeting for the defense program. In fact, the interest in helping was so great that it was overwhelming. Thankfully McGonagall took the lead and simply asked everyone to note what classes they'd like to teach, how many weeks each course would need and the nights they'd be available. She'd organize the mess and get back to them before the end of the week.
Severus found himself in McGonagall's quarters sharing tea staring down at the stack of class requests. "Don't look so frightened, Severus," the witch gently teased. "This is a good thing. People are eager to help. Plus, the diversity in classes will help keep the students interested." When the dower man didn't respond, she continued. "You did a good thing, Severus. A great one in fact. I fear that, as with all wars, it's the youth that will bare the brunt of it. It's our duty to ensure we give them the very best chances of making it through to the end."
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
Dumbledore managed to corner Snape later that day. "A word, Severus," the older wizard said as he motioned him into an empty classroom. Dumbledor threw up silencing and locking charms at the closed door and sat himself at the desk with a weary sigh. "I was disappointed that you felt the need to speak with Minerva rather than myself about your extracurricular defense program," he started. Snape opened his mouth to respond, but the other wizard brought up his hand to stop him. "Please, Severus, let me continue. I know the program is your idea, and that you recruited Kingsley and Nymphadora. It's an excellent idea, Severus. It simply disappoints me that you felt you couldn't come to me."
Severus opened his mouth but closed it again as all the words he wanted to say seemed to get stuck in his throat. "I know this is difficult, my boy," Dumbledore continued. "I know that I've put you into an impossible position and for that I am truly and deeply sorry."
Snape had no idea what to do with that. How was he to respond? He had a hard time looking at him without again feeling that mixture of anger and pain, of grief. He simply shook his head in acceptance of the offered apology. "Have you had contact with the young Mister Malfoy?" Albus inquired.
"No, I'd hoped to after my last meeting, but I ended up….indisposed afterwards," he responded.
"Ah, yes, Tom always was prone to his temper tantrums," the older wizard stated. "Please do reach out to the boy when you're able. I would like a know the nature my demise," he jested. Although, Snape couldn't see the humor in it. "Also, please don't avoid me, Severus. I would give you a reprieve if I could, but events have progressed much quicker than I'd anticipated. We will need your cooperation to see us through this dark time."
"You shall have it, Albus," he said solemnly.
Albus smiled up at the man, "I never doubted you, Severus."
Once again Severus only nodded and turned to leave. He still needed to report to the Dark Lord, and had no interest in keeping him waiting.