Enchanted Parchment

Thank you for all the comments; I am trying to post one conversation a day! Sometimes these will be light hearted, but there will be soul searching too, as my two favourite boys present their relationship in a whole new light! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the first chapter, and I hope this one is just as good. PS I am replying to reviews when I get some time to sit down, really busy losing jobs and moving jobs and everything at the moment so the world is a little bit shaky, and it sees writing is the only constant! ~ SS19

You were glaring at me again at dinner, Severus. I assume you are aware that a glare cannot harm me?

Yes.

Oh, and one word answers? You hurt me, my dear. What have I done to so greatly offend you this time, Severus?

I know that you are still there. Let me think back over your day. You were fine at breakfast, in fact, you almost laughed at one of my jokes. I did not see you at lunchtime, which I am not happy about, and then you had…ah. How was young Mr. Potter, Severus?

Severus?

I could have just gone to the bathroom.

You could have done. But you didn't.

And how do you know that?

Because I do. I know that, right now, you are sat at your desk in your office. Your desk is clear of any marking because you have already marked the assignments you gave yesterday. There is a half empty beaker of firewhiskey close to your left hand, and the knuckles of your right hand are wrapped so tightly around your quill that you risk snapping it - do not snap it, Severus, for that gift was rather expensive. You are glaring at this piece of parchment as if it has just insulted you, although your eyebrows are now slightly raised because you are reading this and knowing that everything I say is true.

Get out of my office, Dumbledore.

I am Headmaster. I have eyes everywhere, you know. Do stop deflecting, Severus, dear. How was Harry?

Woefully inept.

Harsh words indeed.

Arrogant.

I do not think so.

Spoilt.

Certainly not.

Obsessed with fame.

He strikes me as rather down-to-earth.

You asked for my opinion!

I did, yet your opinion is formed from your past prejudices, not what is before your eyes. Try to see past your grudge, Severus…it is important. Harry is not James. Harry is James and Lily combined. What would you think if I assumed that you were exactly the same as your late father?

I see I have touched a nerve.

Do not ignore me, Severus.

He is Lily's child too. She was a good friend to you.

I shall reserve judgement.

Good. Do not feel so downtrodden, I was not criticising you.

Yes, you were.

I was criticising your opinion, and how it was formed. I do not criticise you. For example, I read your new article in Potions' Weekly - I do adore your pseudonym, about the phoenix - it was very impressive. Why will you not reveal yourself to your readers?

I do not desire fanmail.

Ah. You do not wish to be the new Gilderoy Lockhart, my dear?

I cannot imagine anything worse. Have you read any of his books?

Are you going to tell me that you are a fan?

I insist that they are imaginary.

What? The books?

No. The subjects in the books. I doubt he has ever even seen a werewolf.

I do not think you should make such an accusation. Have you ever met the fellow? Simply illuminating.

Next you will be trying to hire him as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.

We are only three days into the term, and yet you are already prophesying that Quirinus will be leaving us before the end of the year? You have been spending too much time in Sybil's company.

No teacher ever lasts for more than one year.

Which is why I have not hired you as of yet. When you have grown an irritant to me, I shall give in to your desire.

Thank you, such comforting words.

Ah, but you are so suited to teaching Potions!

I would rather be training our students how to defend themselves from the Dark Lord! I will not allow a repeat of last time!

Now…why would say such a thing?

What thing?

About Voldemort?

No reason.

Severus, do not lie to me, for I know you too well. What have you seen?

Nothing.

You are speaking in the present tense. Why would you speak of Voldemort as if he were alive?

I wasn't. I was just hypothesising.

Severus, is there something you wish to tell me?

No.

Really?

No.

Absolutely?

I have had a dream, that is all.

What sort of dream?

I forgot to take my Dreamless Sleep potion.

What sort of dream?

And then I was brewing late, and it is probably a mixture of those that caused it.

What sort of dream, Severus?

I saw him.

Voldemort?

If you must be so crude as to use his name.

No one else can read this parchment. Unless he is with you in your room now, which I doubt, he will never know. Now, tell me, in detail?

It is vague.

Severus.

I have dreams about him all the time, it is nothing out of the ordinary.

Ah, but it is, because you are worried.

I saw him here. At Hogwarts. He was looking for something. I do not know what.

How intriguing.

Not when it is your worst fears realised.

Do you feel he is here?

No.

Do you think he is still alive?

It is something we have long considered…

I was asking you. Do you think he is still alive, Severus?

I do not believe he is dead.

I shall investigate for you. It has clearly unsettled you.

Yes.

I shall leave you to rest.

Headmaster?

Yes, Severus?

Thank you.

You're welcome, my boy.