Enchanted Parchment

I promise we will find out why Severus gets drunk every Christmas - and it leads to a slight...tension...between our two heroes. I am glad that most of you liked Minerva's entrance - she will not be returning, as this story is Albus/Severus, but she will of course be making an appearance in my new summer project - more details to follow!

Here, we finally see what happens when Severus confronts Quirrell (as per the movie scene).

A Quirrell who is possessed by Voldemort...

~ SS19

Headmaster. I spoke to Quirrell, this evening.

You are up very late, Severus...

As are you.

I have Hogwarts business to attend to. What was your excuse?

Quirrell.

Ah. I see. What did you say to him?

Nothing of any importance...

Let me think. Did you threaten him?

No...yes.

What else are you known for? Did you ask him where his loyalties lie?

...Maybe.

Oh, and of course, your tag-line, as it were.

What is my tagline?

You have said it to me on several occasions - generally where I am 'meddling' or you are in a bad mood.

What do I say?

Like if I was to tell the whole school about how very pitiful you are when you are hungover - poor Severus, hardly able to move because his head hurts so badly - the things you told me because your inhibitions were pretty much gone...

You don't want me as your enemy, Dumbledore.

Ahah! Did you say that to him?

Yes.

That is absolutely your catchphrase.

What? I do not say that to everyone! And while we are on the subject of catchphrases, yours is?

Oh - something about the majesty of the Wizarding World, the beauty and wonder that is Hogwarts and the gift of learning, something that maybe references my strength and power and infinite wisdom...

..."Would you like a sherbet lemon?"

Very funny, Severus. What did Quirrell say?

He did not say anything. He stuttered.

...He always stammers, Severus, I do not think it is good of you to tease him.

Tease a man who is carrying the Dark Lord in his mind?

Are you sure about this?

I can feel him!

Very well, I know you can. I know. Severus, without proof, I cannot...

What would you like me to do? Expose him in front of the entire school? The Governors would have a field day and the school would be closed down - and you would be expelled simply for allowing him to wander our corridors...

You have made your point, Severus.

I do not think you have heard my point, Headmaster!

I have heard your point, I have taken it on board, and I am telling you once again that we will not be doing anything at the moment. Keep an eye on him, but do not outwardly threaten him.

...Yes, Headmaster.

Do not be like that - I am worried for you - if Voldemort finds out you are very much mine, he will destroy you. I will not allow that to happen.

I will not allow him to return.

I know you can be stubborn when determined, Severus. Please, listen to me now. Do not do anything foolish.

Very well. Thank you, once again, for the gloves, Headmaster, they are very beautiful.

You are very welcome, as I told you last night - I know that you need protecting sometimes, and - I have seen the burns on your hands, too.

I am relieved they are not knitted.

Your present was also very apt - especially considering you hate knitting - but at least you listened to me and bought something I actually wanted. Shall we do something today? I could offer you a rematch at chess, considering you lost yesterday -

I was distracted!

Of course. I think that's an excuse, myself. Beaten in twenty moves, Severus, perhaps your most spectacular loss -

You do not want me as your enemy, Dumbledore.

Ah, Severus, my dear boy. You know I have only one response to that.

Indeed?

Would you like a sherbet lemon?