The room wasn't anything fancy but it was more than enough for her. It was a small offshoot of Madam Pomfrey's personal quarters; a small room and bathroom that the old woman swore she hadn't used in "over ten years". Angelina smiled to herself as she remembered the firm but humble manner of the older woman. She had seemed quite happy to be receiving help and eager to train an apprentice. Sitting on the edge of the quilt covered bed Angelina glanced around. There was a small circular window that gave her a happy view of the vibrant grass that eventually led down to a far edge of the lake. It was about five thirty now and the sun was just beginning its long descend to the other side of the earth. Late summer was always a beautiful time at Hogwarts.
Well, better get ready for din, she thought to herself. As she rummaged around in her small suitcase, she reflected on the events of the day. Everything had gone much more smoothly than she could have hoped. Dumbledore was informative and had made her feel particularly at ease, Madam Pomfrey had been sweet and benevolent, and she had a nice little room to herself. Except for that Snape episode. Her mind took off into analytical mode. Nothing he did or said had been suspicious but there was something about his presence that had caught her extremely off-guard. It amazed her that she already felt this uncomfortable around him. Shaking out a flowy forest green blouse she banished those thoughts from her head. It didn't matter anyway. It was nothing.
Angelina had never thought about how Hogwarts was run over the summer. Before now, she hadn't even considered that idea that Hogwarts was a permanent home for many of the teachers. So, as she walked into the dining hall she was greatly surprised to see the head table filled with many familiar faces. They all looked at her with a certain curious enthusiasm. It must be strange for them, she thought, Dumbledore doesn't usually hire this young. Even as her mind raced with thought, she dutifully smiled and inquired about various family members and subjects. She asked tiny Professor Flitwick about his recent research on combination charms and revealed her long held secret admiration of Transfiguration to McGonagall. She always had a knack for friendly conversation. Fred used to tease her and called her a charmer but she preferred to think of it as a talent for making people feel at ease and content. As she lowered herself into her seat, Madam Pomfrey reached over and gave her hand a loose squeeze,
"Nice to see you dear, that's a lovely green top." Angelina returned her smile warmly. Finally, the attention shifted away from her as lively dinner conversation began between the professors. She took this time to get a full look at everyone that was sitting on either side of her. Everyone looked healthy, a slight bit older, yes, but healthy. An unsolicited thought interrupted the inspection of her colleagues. Where was Snape? He was most noticeably absent. She almost physically grimaced at this thought. What is wrong with you, Angie? Fortunately heaps of food suddenly appeared on the golden plate before her and offered her a convenient distraction.
The table was very long, and made out of impeccably polished wood. A great crystal chandelier hung low in the center of it and gave off an unnervingly elegant glow. It reflected on the table and in the eyes of the people that surrounded it. It was the only source of light in the room. The table was flanked on either side with a long row of people. Even though each face differed greatly in the amount of scarring and level of attractiveness, there was a universal expression of cold austerity mixed with a certain amount of fear. It was the weekly Meeting. All eyes were fixated on the figure that sat comfortably at the head of the table. A figure with skin so pale that it almost seemed blue. To the immediate right of this figure sat a woman with dark hair that curled wildly down her back. Her eyes glowed with insatiable malice and an eagerness to inflict pain and suffering. This was Bellatrix Lestrange. To her right was a pale man with dark, lank hair. His eyes were tired and hinted at a great sadness, but only a well trained eye would be able to place these emotions. This was Severus Snape.
"So, is that all you have to report about my school?" the voice was cold and demanding, always demanding. The Dark Lord had always referred to Hogwarts as his own. It had always worried Snape, for in the back of his mind he was sure that the Final Plan in some way included an invasion of the school. Never mind, back to the matter at hand.
"Yes, my Lord. Dumbledore has kept a low profile lately and I have already told you the date of the weekend that he plans to travel." Silence. A long silence.
"Are you absolutely certain that nothing else has changed lately? Think carefully." The voice and the words had become dangerous. Severus was at a loss. Then it hit him. The Dark Lord was talking about Angelina. But why? Severus took it in stride. Now was not the time to question, now was time to give the Dark Lord an answer.
"Ah. Dumbledore did hire a young former student to become our infirmary nurse's assistant." He kept his voice plain; it was never wise to take the Dark Lord as a fool. Severus immediately realized that the Dark Lord had already known of this, and mentally kicked himself for failing to mention it earlier. It was imperative that there be no reason for the Dark Lord to think that Severus was hiding anything from him. Severus was reminded quickly of the consequences of suspected disloyalty. Forced confession. Torture. Death. Even though Severus believed himself adequately equipped to defend himself against mental attack, he still did not relish the idea of the Dark Lord attempting to pry information out of him. He also didn't overestimate his value to the Dark Lord.
"I already knew of this. Angelina Johnson. I hope that I don't have to remind you how important it is that you keep me aware of each and every new person that comes into contact with Dumbledore. I thought I made that particularly clear." The cold voice stopped abruptly.
"I apologize, Lord. It completely slipped my mind." He was painfully aware of the unusual attentiveness of the other Death Eaters. It was rare that the Dark Lord and Snape had this type of interaction.
"Ah dear Severus, you would do well to not allow other things to slip your mind in the future. Such things can be… expensive." Severus stayed silent as he now realized that he was treading in deep, unknowable waters.
"Stay aware, my spy. Always be aware." Severus took this as a warning.