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Chapter Seventy-Three

Upon stepping into the Entrance Hall, Severus and Lily were greeted with silence and darkness. Only a few torches kept the hall dimly lit, and as they walked across the stone floor, their footsteps echoed off the walls, the empty space filled with the single sound. Severus kept his eyes locked straight ahead, wondering if he had been a fool to go into the Forbidden Forest. His disregard for the rules and for not remembering it was the night of the full moon could have resulted in Lily being harmed. As much as he disliked having to constantly run to Dumbledore in the face of a problem, as that had been his mission in his first life, Severus knew the headmaster had a right to know what was going on in his school.

When they finally reached their destination, Severus sighed and exchanged a glance with Lily.

"Well," he stated, "it's time to tell him."

Lily nodded. "Yes, it's best just to get it over with, Sev."

Not looking forward to what was about to ensue in Dumbledore's office, Severus warily gave the password to the gargoyle, who eyed them suspiciously, enquiring as to why they had come at a late hour. Normally, Severus would have argued with the idiot thing, but his resolve was gone right now. There were more pressing matters. He knew Dumbledore wouldn't be pleased with their behavior, but worse still was the fact that Death Eaters were congregating just beyond the boundaries of Hogwarts, and it was entirely possible that they had Death Eaters in their midst.

They stepped onto the staircase, and Lily asked softly, "Do you really think he would mark underage wizards?"

"I wouldn't put it past him," Severus muttered. Recalling his past life's school days, Severus knew of a couple of seventh years who had taken the mark over the Christmas holidays. Any question about anyone younger remained unclear.

They were now standing in front of the door. Severus knocked, closing his eyes, willing his breathing to stay calm. The door creaked open, and Dumbledore stood there, gazing back at them curiously.

"Good evening," he greeted them politely. "It is a rather late hour to be knocking at my office door. I trust something has happened?"

"Yes, sir," Severus said evenly.

Stepping aside, Dumbledore said, "Well, come in, then." Severus noticed immediately that Dumbledore wasn't his usual genial self. The old man seemed to sense that something was off.

Severus and Lily strode into the office, taking seats opposite the headmaster's behind his desk. Dumbledore took his seat a moment later, rested his elbows on the desk, and steepled his fingers, propping his chin thoughtfully on them. He surveyed the two students over his halfmoon spectacles.

"Go on, then," Dumbledore encouraged.

"Sir, we were-" Lily started to say, but Severus interrupted her.

"It was my idea, sir," he said. "We were outside watching the sunset, and once it was dark, we started heading in, but I saw two figures moving across the grounds toward the forest. I thought it looked suspicious, so I decided to investigate."

"I see," Dumbledore stated firmly. "And did you not think to return to the castle for your own safety and inform me or one of the teachers of what you had witnessed?"

"We should have," Lily replied quickly, not wanting Severus to take the full blame. "But the point is... We have reason to believe they were meeting up with followers of You-Know-Who, Death Eaters."

Severus frowned, gazing at Dumbledore.

"This is most troubling," Dumbledore said gravely. "Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds, especially since the attack in Hogsmeade last year. Do you have any idea who these students might have been?"

"I'm pretty sure it was Regulus Black and Dennis Masterson," Severus said adamently.

"Are you quite certain, Severus?" inquired Dumbledore shwerdly. "Did you get a clear look at their faces?"

"No, it was too dark, but perhaps Potter and Black might offer you a better explanation. They may have gotten close enough," Severus spoke, not realizing the implications of his revelation.

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "You didn't mention you were with others besides yourselves."

"We were alone, sir," Lily explained, realizing Severus may have just given away a secret. She hadn't known of the Marauders' abilities to chance into animals until less than an hour ago.

Severus swallowed nervously. As much as he didn't care for the Marauders, it hadn't been his intention to bring them into this and cause trouble, but then again, they had been wandering about the grounds at night as illegal Animagi.

"What exactly is going on? Please explain yourselves more clearly," Dumbledore said.

"You know I know about Lupin, Headmaster," Severus said carefully. "I also happen to know that... his friends are unregistered Animagi. I believe they transform when he transforms to keep him company. I hadn't realized it was the full moon until it was almost too late, but when a group of animals came bounding through the forest, we moved out of the way. They were headed straight toward the Death Eaters, who promptly Apparated away, leaving the two underage wizards to run back to the castle."

Dumbledore sighed. "I had my suspicions," he murmured, regarding the Marauders. If Dumbledore was surprised by how calm Lily appeared at this information, he didn't let it show. "I shall have to talk with James Potter and Sirius Black, then, and see if they can identify the students. Starting first thing tomorrow morning, the rest of the staff and I are putting up a magical barrier, keeping students from going off the grounds. As for you two, as Head Boy and Head Girl, I must express my dissatisfaction at your disregard for the rules. Noble though your intentions might have been, what you risked was foolish. With a werewolf running through the forest on top of things, you were lucky you weren't attacked or infected. Mr. Potter and Mr. Black have acted recklessly as well, especially putting their friend in danger of harming others. Mr. Lupin cannot be held responsible for anything he may do when transformed."

Severus wasn't surprised by Dumbledore's disappointment. Lily felt guiltier than he did, but perhaps he had gone too far tonight. He had endangered Lily, and that was something he never wanted to do.

"And what if Potter and Black can't identity the suspects?" Severus posed.

"Then we will all have to keep our eyes open and our ears alert," Dumbledore replied.

"Can't you use Veritaserum on Black and Masterson, sir?" Severus asked harshly.

Dumbledore sighed and shook his head. "Veritaserum is highly regulated by the Ministry, Severus. I cannot simply go giving it to students, even if I am the headmaster."

Severus scowled.

"Displeased though you may be, Severus, it is late, and I trust you both to head straight to your rooms. I believe there has been enough trouble for one night."

"You're not going to punish us, sir?" Lily asked softly.

Stroking his beard thoughtfully, Dumbledore replied, "And what would you have me do, Lily? I suppose I could remove house points, give you detention... but seeing as you both will be graduating in a month and have already made it known that you stand for what is good and right, what point would I be proving? I simply ask that you use more sense next time."

"And Potter and Black?" Severus questioned, shocked they were being let off easily.

"I shall treat them likewise," Dumbledore said, yawning. "Now, off with you."

Severus stood, Lily silently by his side. They left Dumbledore's office, not glancing back, and once they were in the corridor again, Lily released a sigh.

"I hope James and Sirius won't be too upset that we told him about their Animagi forms. I had no idea-"

Severus shook his head. "Let them be angry. Dumbledore isn't going to expel them... or even punish them. I wish he would do something about Masterson and Black, though. I'm telling you, Lily; it had to be them."

They were walking down the hall down, speaking in hushed voices.

"But it could have been someone else," Lily pointed out. "I know they're suspects, but you don't know for sure, Sev. Let Dumbledore try to work things out. He's the headmaster, after all. You don't have to try to take responsibility for everything," she finished gently.

When they reached the point where they would need to part, Severus turned to face her. "I'll try," he replied softly. He leaned in and brushed her lips with a kiss. "Good night, Lily."

"Good night, Sev."

Her words seemed to hang in the air long after she turned and retreated down the long corridor, her footsteps disappearing, lingering with her words.

With a sigh, Severus headed for his room. Along the way, he kept alert for any sign of a student out after curfew. Turning a corner, he heard a muffled sob. Pausing at the closest door, Severus leaned against it, listening.

Someone was definitely inside. Severus wondered if he ought to simply pretend no one was there and head to his room. Hadn't he already been through enough tonight?

But what if whoever's in there needs help? a small, niggling voice pestered.

Withdrawing his wand just in case he might need it, Severus's hand reached for the knob, shaking slightly. Turning the handle, the door creaked open a crack, and whoever was inside drew a sharp intake of breath. A hurried shuffling came from within the darkened closet, and Severus thought, Lumos.

The light from his wand fell on the face of the last person he expected to find hiding in a broom closet. The boy's face, lined with tears, rapidly changed, twisting his handsome features. He raised his wand, but whatever he was about to use on Severus, it was too late. Severus was faster and blocked him, then disarmed him. Fully stepping into the closet, Severus closed the door behind him, unable to step down now. He was already too far involved.

"Give me back my wand," the Slytherin boy said shakily.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Severus stated arduously. Not trusting the other boy, his flicked his wand at him, and ropes came out, snaking around his opponent, binding him.

"What are you doing?" the boy demanded. "If you want to capture me, why not just Stun me?"

"Because I wish to talk with you," Severus said, coming closer. "What are you doing in here, Black?"

"That's none of your bloody business, Snape," Regulus shot back. "I wasn't hurting anyone."

"You're out after curfew," Severus observed.

He wasn't going to mention his further suspicions. His dark eyes locked with Regulus's blue ones, probing his mind. Regulus was unsettled, violently twisting in the ropes, but he didn't seem to know what Severus was doing. Finding what he was looking for, Severus's suspicions confirmed, he roughly grabbed Regulus by the ropes just under his chin.

His breath was hot on Regulus's face as he spoke. "Are you one of them?"

"One of what?" Regulus asked, feigning stupidity.

Severus released him, letting him fall to the floor. He swished his wand at the left side of the ropes and forcefully withdrew Regulus's arm. He gruffly pushed the sleeve up past the elbow, holding Regulus's wrist in his palm. Burned against the pale skin was the faded outline of the Dark Mark. Severus immediately released the arm as if he had been burned. He stepped away, eyeing the other boy with disgust and distrust.

"H- how did you know about that?" Regulus whispered, now sounding very frightened.

"As you would so kindly tell me, it's none of your business, Black," Severus spat. "So, you are a Death Eater. Just wait until the headmaster finds out about this."

"Please!" Regulus suddenly pleaded, desperately trying to grab at Severus with his free hand. "I- I didn't know what I was getting myself into, I swear it! Over the spring holiday, I was initiated, but I- I don't want this anymore."

"Oh, really?" Severus asked skeptically. "You've had a small taste of what the Dark Lord is about, and now you don't like it?"

"You don't understand," Regulus said quickly. "My entire family supports him. Since my stupid older brother disgraced the family name and even went so far as to move out of the house, it's left to me to carry on the traditions. What do you have to worry about, you half-blood? By choosing to align yourself with Mud-"

"I dare you to say the word," Severus hissed, holding his wand to Regulus's neck.

"M- Muggleborns, then," Regulus hastily corrected, swallowing. "You're just setting yourself up for defeat, Snape. I might not want to be his servant, but at least I'll still be alive in a year, five years, ten years... He's gaining power like you wouldn't believe. The time has come to choose sides, and I've chosen the winning side."

Regulus was trying to speak with more fervor, more arrogance, but Severus was reminded of Draco during his sixth year at Hogwarts. The boy had been frightened and desperate, despite trying to hide behind the guise of his usual pompous, self-righteous attitude.

"Even though you don't want to be a part of it?" Severus shot harshly at him. "You're a coward, then. You would rather be a pawn than actually stand for what you believe in?"

"But I don't support what you stand for," Regulus pointed out.

Raising his eyebrows, Severus asked, "Then what are you going to do? You honestly think you will live another ten years? Good luck with that, Black. You are no safer than anyone else. If he finds out you no longer wish to serve him, you've already bought your grave plot."

Regulus was trembling, and against his will, the tears began to spill over again. "Just stop it, Snape. You've made your point clear."

"You will need to see Dumbledore," Severus said coldly. "I can graciously show you the way."

Keeping the ropes secured around Regulus, Severus opened the door, prodding Regulus to go ahead of him. Neither boy spoke the whole way. Once they were at the headmaster's office, Severus sighed, unable to believe he was back so soon. He went through the usual routine of giving the password and stepping onto the staircase. Once at the top, Severus knocked.

Dumbledore's face was staring back a few seconds later. He gazed questioningly at Severus, then at Regulus. Severus shoved Regulus toward the headmaster.

"A Death Eater for you, sir. Good night." Severus handed Regulus's wand to Dumbledore and retreated, leaving Regulus to his plight.

As he descended the stairs, Severus knew he should have kept his gaze straight ahead, but he chanced a glance over his shoulder, catching Regulus's scared eyes. A flicker of pity went through him as he entered the hall again.

"You'll be dead in two years, Regulus," he muttered to himself.