In which Dumbledore holds his secret council, Rose gets some surprises, and Snape seems to be having a bad day. As before, book 4 spoilers. This chapter rated PG, though later chapters will be PG-13 for "adult themes" -- nothing explicit, my chicks; and as always, all things Potter are owned by the absolutely fabulous J.K. Rowling.
Rose and Tilly made the rounds next morning, saying farewell to all their friends. "But won't you be on the train with us?" they were asked more than once. Tilly parried the questions by explaining they were staying an extra day or two, since her parents were coming north.
Rose felt her eyes moisten as they watched the Hogwarts Express finally pull away. "There go seven years of our lives," she said softly. They were silent for some minutes as they watched the train recede into the distance, puffs of smoke floating away on the breeze.
Finally Tilly smiled. "And what a time it's been, eh? ... C'mon, Rose, it's a gorgeous day. Want to go for a swim?"
The freezing lake water was just the antidote for any traces of melancholy. Tilly climbed out after only a brief dip, teeth chattering, but Rose continued paddling away until she was covered in gooseflesh and had to retreat to the bank. "Wish we had some gillyweed, we could've stayed in longer," she said, shivering.
Tilly grinned. "I dare you to ask Snape for some!"
"Nah..." said Rose with a chuckle. "Why ask when Dobby can just steal it for me? Speaking of Dobby, I could eat a House-elf by now. What did you do with those rolls?" Tilly produced the food they'd scrounged on their way out of the Great Hall that morning and they feasted there on the grass, until finally Rose glanced at her watch. "We have about two hours until the Council starts," she said.
Tossing their leftovers to the squid (who waved one tentacle as if in salute), they headed back to the castle to change before meeting Tilly's parents in Hogsmeade. Outside the Three Broomsticks the Weasleys greeted them warmly, but Molly wore a troubled look. "Rose, I'm not sure I like you being a part of this Council," she said in a low voice, looking around to make sure no one was nearby.
"I think it's best if I know what's happening, Mrs Weasley," Rose said gently as they started down the road to Hogwarts. "The Headmaster said he wants to keep me safe, I'm sure he doesn't intend to put me in danger."
Molly frowned. "Any more than you're already in, you mean."
"Molly!" her husband remonstrated. "Hogwarts is the best possible place for Rose just now, you know that. Let's not upset her."
"I'm sorry, dear," Mrs Weasley said at once. "You know what a worrier I can be." But she still looked unconvinced.
Rose was glad when they were distracted by a voice hailing them from behind. They turned around on the empty road to see a pair of handsome wizards striding to catch up with them, one dark, one fair.
"Sirius!" Rose ran back to the dark-haired man and was swept up in a bearhug. "Rose," he said hoarsely, pulling away to look into her face. "I'm so sorry I couldn't be with you earlier. I'll never forgive myself for that."
"Oh, Sirius. You let a little thing like being chased down by dementors scare you from my side? How can I ever forgive you?" Rose gave him an extra hug. "You're here now, that's what's important. But is it safe for you to appear -- in human form, I mean?" She looked around anxiously, but the path was empty.
"One minute ago, I was walking my faithful hound," said a voice next to them dryly. "Then what does he do but see you, get all excited and resume his human shape without even thinking about it."
"I looked around first!" Sirius protested, but Rose was exclaiming, "Professor Lupin!" There he was, still looking tired, but not as thin or threadbare as she had last seen him four years before.
"I think you'd best call me Remus now, Rose," Lupin said with a smile. She took his hand to shake it in greeting, then impulsively gave him a hug too. "It's so good to see you. You were the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher we had, do you know that?" Rose said. "Remember teaching me the Patronus Charm? I may need it again soon, the way things are going."
"Don't say so, Rose," said Lupin quickly. He turned to greet Tilly and her parents, who were talking with Sirius. Tilly had told them the truth about Sirius Black's innocence some time before, but they had never met him until now.
Keeping their eyes open for anyone who might spot Sirius as they headed back to Hogwarts, they filled each other in on their recent doings. Sirius told them how he had finally shaken off the dementors by stowing away in a Muggle ship just leaving a Caribbean island port. "Sounds romantic!" Rose teased. "Meet any beautiful ladies?"
"No, I was much too busy staying hidden," he retorted. "But I have to say, I ate much better than I've been able to in months of being on the run. You should have seen the food they had on this ship. Morning, noon, and night, and I think half of it went to waste."
Rose grinned. "Were you actually a stowaway on a cruise ship, Sirius?"
He frowned, unfamiliar with this Muggle term. "I heard a couple of passengers say something about it being a 'Royal Empress' and 'five-star.'"
"Wow!" said Rose, impressed. "Good work -- a fugitive with first-class accommodations. But what happened to Buckbeak?"
"He didn't like the tropical weather the last time we went south, the heat made him miserable. I had to leave him with Remus."
"Who promptly sent him along to his eccentric Uncle Telemachus, who keeps magical pets on an isolated farm far away from the Ministry," added Lupin. "Buckbeak's very happy there, now I just want to get Hagrid together with my uncle. He could see Buckbeak again -- and Uncle Tell could use a friend who shares his reckless passion for dangerous beasts!"
"Such as yourself," Sirius joked. Lupin smiled.
"So you've been with your uncle?" said Rose.
"Yes, helping him out on the farm, and raising a few Sickles tutoring students by owl; sometimes Apparating when I need to give personal assistance with a lesson. It seems there are more wizard children than we think who can't make it to places like Hogwarts. Actually you gave me the idea, Rose."
"I did?" she asked in surprise. "How?"
"Tutoring you got me to thinking. I knew how much learning to summon the Patronus helped you against the dementors that year. What if you'd never learned it? What if there were other young wizards and witches who would benefit from some individual instruction? I thought maybe I could manage by agreeing to teach students one by one long-distance, and so still keep the secret of my monthly transformations. I put an ad in the Daily Prophet -- using a different name -- and I've had great success."
"That's wonderful," said Rose. "You're a born teacher, you know."
He thanked her, and then Sirius coaxed her to tell them everything that had happened the night of the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament.
Rose finally sighed. "This will take a little time. Want to sit down?" By this time they had reached a stand of birches near the castle, and they seated themselves on the stones of a huge bonfire ring in the center of an adjacent clearing.
Not even Tilly had heard the complete story of that night, so the Weasleys all listened too as Rose gave them the details. Her voice faltering, she concluded by telling them about bringing Cedric's body back. Sirius looked livid, Lupin very sober, and the Weasleys horrified when she was finished. "Rose!" Molly Weasley exclaimed. "I never dreamed ... show us your arm, how is it healing?"
A bit reluctantly, Rose rolled back her sleeve and held out her arm to show them the red mark. The swelling had gone down and the wound was no longer enflamed, but she would clearly be left with another scar.
Sirius surprised her by taking her outstretched hand and kissing it, holding it in both his own. "Rose, what kind of guardian am I? I should never have let you go through the Tournament," he said huskily, and she was startled to see his eyes misted over. "When I think what could have happened ... what did happen ... James and Lily would have been --"
"Sirius, you aren't at fault," Rose said urgently. "There was nothing you could have done. I'll be all right, I promise you." It was odd, but in a way she felt better seeing his pain. It warmed her to know her godfather cared that much.
She glanced around at the rest of the group. Molly Weasley was blowing her nose, and Tilly was turning away to wipe her sleeve across her eyes. Lupin was looking gravely at her, and Arthur Weasley looked troubled. It was Sirius who finally cleared his throat. "We have just about enough time to get to our meeting," he said, rising, and pulling Rose with him. They set off in silence, Tilly taking Rose's hand and squeezing it hard, just once.
Why had he agreed to attend this Council? He much preferred his former anonymity, working for Dumbledore in the shadows. However ... Snape strode into the Headmaster's meeting room and looked around the conference table -- and stopped short. "Miss Potter?"
"Professor," she said, a bit surprised herself to see him. Well, she knew Dumbledore trusted Snape, unfathomable as this was to many of his students; so it wasn't really surprising to find him at this gathering. But why did he look angry?
"Dumbledore, what is the meaning of this?" Snape demanded.
"Rose is just as much concerned in this affair as you are, Severus," said Dumbledore calmly, apparently unsurprised by Snape's attitude. "I have invited her to take part in our council because I feel sure she can offer a perspective no one else can. In fact, she will be staying at Hogwarts for the near future." He spoke casually but Rose thought he was watching Snape rather closely, as if gauging his reaction.
Snape silently took a seat, not glancing in Rose's direction again. He continued to look rather forbidding but that was fairly normal for him, so she tried to put it out of her mind as Dumbledore addressed the group.
"My friends," he began, looking around the table. "I believe we're all here? No -- one more is yet to join us, but I will begin nonetheless. I believe not all of you are acquainted ... this is Mundungus Fletcher, publisher of the Hogsmeade Howler." Dumbledore nodded to a tough-looking old wizard with grizzled sideburns.
"Tom Jenkins, landlord of the Leaky Cauldron," he continued, smiling at the elderly man, who grinned back from under wiry eyebrows. "Our own Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress ... Frederick Flitwick, Charms master and Head of Ravenclaw ... Remus Lupin, formerly a teacher here ... Arthur and Molly Weasley; Arthur works for the Ministry ... and Rose Potter, who has just graduated from Hogwarts."
Dumbledore had skipped over Snape, who was seated between Tom Jenkins and Professor McGonagall, and Rose had wondered why. Now he returned to Snape. "Not all of you may be aware," he said quietly, looking around the table, "that our Potions master Severus Snape played a key role for us once before in the fight against Voldemort, and at my request he has agreed to carry out that role again. But Severus, I think this time we must make you part of our circle."
"As you wish, Headmaster," Snape said tonelessly. He still wasn't looking in Rose's direction. She mentally shook herself; she must be imagining it. Why would he care that she was present? And what "role" would he be playing?
"And there is one more," Dumbledore said. A large black dog rose from where it had been curled up on the hearth-rug. "No, I have not acquired a new pet. I have instead a new member to add to our group. Sirius, please show yourself."
Sirius the dog instantly transformed into Sirius the man, and stood before them. Gasps were heard from some of the group, but Snape sprang to his feet. "What is he doing here?" Fury filled each syllable.
"He is here because I trust him to help us, just as I trust you, Severus," Dumbledore said patiently. Snape resumed his seat, fuming but silent, as Dumbledore continued. "Not all of you know this, but Sirius Black was framed for the murder of Peter Pettigrew all those years ago. I will explain more about that later, but for now, just know that Sirius is innocent of all the charges against him."
Rose saw Snape's lips move and could have sworn he muttered something like "Not all that innocent," but she was sitting too far from him to be sure. Sirius took a seat next to Rose, glowering at Snape.
"Now --" Dumbledore broke off as a knock was heard and the door opened. A young-looking woman stepped quickly into the room, cheeks pink and blonde hair a bit flyaway. "Sorry, Professor," she said in a rush, "I was delayed in Hogsmeade, there's -- " She broke off, getting her breath.
"Ah, Arabella." Dumbledore smiled at her. "Now we are all present. This is Arabella Figg, a former student of mine who graduated -- dear me, was it almost twenty years ago?" The woman nodded, still panting a bit.
Rose was looking at her closely. "Miss Figg? Are you related to ... no, I suppose you couldn't be -- " But this woman looked so much like a younger version of Rose's next-door neighbour on Privet Drive -- elderly Mrs Figg with the cats and the cabbage-smelling house.
Arabella winked at her. "Hullo, Rose," she said, taking a seat by Sirius. "Amazing what a good Aging Charm can do, isn't it? I actually get a bit tired of all those tabbies underfoot."
"You're Mrs Figg?" Rose asked, startled.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Rose, you've known your godfather for some time, now let me introduce you to your godmother -- Arabella Figg, who has kept an eye on you for us ever since you went to live with the Dursleys."
"But then -- " Rose was bursting with a hundred questions, but quickly realised this was probably not the time or place. "Sorry, Professor," she said.
"Quite all right, we'll allow you to renew old acquaintance shortly," said Dumbledore. "Now, you were starting to say about Hogsmeade, Arabella?"
"Yes, Professor," she resumed. "There's a bit of a panic there at the moment, someone just sent the Dark Mark into the sky." Exclamations were heard around the table.
"Nobody appears to have been harmed," she reassured them quickly, "we didn't find any damage. Just the Dark Mark. But there were no strangers about, nobody suspicious was seen, it was just apparently -- random."
Dumbledore was frowning. "So it begins," he muttered. "Mundungus, you'll need to keep eyes and ears open for any news -- or rumours."
"The Howler is founded on such, Headmaster," Fletcher's deep voice rumbled. "All the news the Prophet doesn't see fit to print. And what's more, rumour and opinion carefully differentiated from fact. More than I can say for -- "
"Ah, yes," Dumbledore said hastily, "thank you, Mundungus. Your territory will be Hogsmeade, of course. I need you not only to watch and listen, but also to inform the townspeople and those beyond who read your -- er, stellar publication, of the truth of our current situation."
"You have my word," said Fletcher.
"Tom," Dumbledore turned to the barkeep, "in a similar way, you need to be our eyes and ears in London. The Leaky Cauldron is the gateway for so many in the wizarding world, you are well placed to catch the latest doings -- and spread some news of your own."
"You can count on me, Perfesser," Jenkins said cheerily.
"Minerva, Frederick, with the summer here, you both have great freedom of movement. I want you to carefully sound out your friends, family, and the colleagues you've come to know over the years. Find out, as cautiously as you can, who will be convinced that the Dark Lord has returned -- and who will be willing to fight for us. Send me reports by owl, and go as far as you must in your search. We will need the help of everyone we can find." Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall nodded.
"Remus, I'm sending you back to Telemachus," said Dumbledore. The younger man looked nonplussed. "He has an important skill; he and Hagrid both, but Hagrid is currently on his way to parley with the giants. So I am counting on you and your uncle to help gain the support of those animals we can communicate the danger to."
"I myself have no particular gift with animals, Professor," Lupin protested.
"You can communicate with your fellows, Remus," said Dumbledore gently. "Severus will make the potion to render you and them harmless to humans, but in your animal form you may yet be able to do us great service." Lupin looked a bit stunned, but made no further argument.
"Arthur, Molly, naturally I'll need your help at the Ministry. Of course it can't look like we're trying to undermine Fudge, but I'll need you both to get as many of the Ministry and their families to work with us as you can. Go cautiously," he warned them. The pair nodded.
"Rose...." Dumbledore smiled at her. "I want you to prepare for the coming term, if you have made your decision. Have you?"
She nodded slowly; she'd really known from the first what she would decide, but it was hard to say yes ... so many doors were shutting as this one was opening. "Yes, Professor, I'll accept your proposal," she heard herself say.
Dumbledore turned to the group. "Rose has agreed to take the post of Mistress of Muggle Studies for Hogwarts, starting this fall." Sirius clasped her hand warmly; Mrs. Weasley and Arabella exclaimed in delight; Lupin, Mr Weasley, and Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were smiling, and the others looked politely interested -- except for --
"How is she qualified for such a position, Headmaster?" Snape asked in a tone of forced calm. He was still not looking in Rose's direction.
"Rose has been one of Hogwarts' finest students," Dumbledore said evenly. "If not for Matilda Weasley --" he nodded to Arthur and Molly -- "Rose would certainly have been at the top of her class in almost every subject. She has lived amongst Muggles all her life and knows more about them than any witch or wizard who's grown up in our world reading nothing but textbooks."
"Besides, I intend to help her prepare," came Arabella's voice unexpectedly. "I too have lived with Muggles for a long time." She glared in Snape's direction, but he appeared not to notice. As he had before, he once again leaned back into his seat, saying nothing further.
Now Rose was really mystified. I could've sworn he wished me well, she thought. Now I don't know what to think. She forced her attention back to the Headmaster. "Isn't there more I can do to help?" she asked. She didn't want to be a mere spectator in this business, although ... You're crazy, she told herself. Do you want to meet up with Him again?
"Rose, you'll be doing us a great service by staying here safely and giving us your ideas and perspective," Dumbledore said firmly. "Preparing for the fall term will be a sizable task, since you are only just embarking on a teaching career. And if something further comes up, you'll be here where I can ask you for assistance."
"Very well," she agreed, trying not to sound too disappointed. Surely she'd had enough excitement to last her the summer at least. Sirius squeezed her hand briefly; she saw his face had relaxed. The Weasleys too were looking relieved. Snape still looked as though he'd bitten a lemon. One that had been pickled in vinegar. Rose began to feel exasperated. Well, fine, she thought.
Annoyed, she barely paid attention as Dumbledore assigned Sirius and Arabella the task of spying (in their dog and old-lady disguises, respectively) around the towns nearby as needed, beginning in Hogsmeade where the Dark Mark was seen. Then Dumbledore began filling the group in on recent happenings. Rose looked down at the table as he narrated the events of the Triwizard Tournament.
As he spoke of the Third Task, Sirius put his hand over hers once more; the pressure gave her courage to look up. The Council members were regarding her with sympathy. Except Snape -- once more he was looking into the distance. But then as if he felt her gaze on him, his eyes met hers briefly and coolly. He glanced down at Sirius' hand covering hers and something froze in his face. He looked away again.
"And until the news of the Dark Mark today, things have been fairly quiet," Dumbledore concluded. "I will shortly release you to begin the work of gathering our forces. Does anyone have any questions or comments to offer at this time?"
None for you, Headmaster, thought Rose.
Nobody spoke. "Be careful to use different owls whenever you communicate with me or with one another," said Dumbledore. "Remember, code at all times; I have amended our previous code and will supply you each with a copy of it, which you are to guard very carefully. Better yet, memorise it and then destroy it. Nothing further? Well then, go with my blessing. I will summon you when we are ready to meet again."
The Council members stood one by one as the headmaster opened the door. It was odd to see sunshine streaming across the corridor; such a gathering seemed fit only for the dead of night. Rose saw Snape exiting the room and said hurriedly to Sirius, "I'll just be a moment --"
She caught him up halfway down the hall. "Professor --" she said.
He turned swiftly, his expression guarded as ever. "Miss Potter."
"If we're to be colleagues, I must know -- that we can work together," said Rose impulsively. Why had she bothered confronting him right now? Why not give him time to get over whatever snit he was in, and talk to him later? Ah well, too late, best go on with it. "Do you -- have some problem with my teaching here?"
He stood looking at her for a long moment. "No, Miss Potter, not with your teaching here," he said.
"With my being here, then." She'd hit it; she knew she had. But why?
"It's not your concern," he said freezingly and turned away.
"It bloody well is!" she said furiously. He turned, startled. Good to know I can shock you, she thought with an angry satisfaction. "You can't go acting like I'm -- some new kind of horrible creature Hagrid's dragged into the castle, and not tell me why."
His mouth quirked a bit; she almost thought he wanted to laugh. Impossible.... "It's really not you, Miss Potter," he said finally in a low voice. "Don't trouble yourself. I'll work with you when the need arises." He left her standing in the hallway looking after him, as puzzled as ever. She suddenly realised that Dumbledore still had not explained Snape's role in the Council, but now was obviously not the time to ask....
God, but she was as lovely as her mother, and no more so than when in a temper. He almost smiled. He knew how it irritated women to be told that.
He made his way back to the dungeons. So she would be here ... and she would be teaching alongside him ... but he couldn't let himself think about -- He couldn't. It was impossible.
A/N: Thanks for your kind reviews, everyone! -- excessivelyperky, Goddess Isis CXII, LeoGryffin, NotHomeYet (that was quite some compliment! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get this chapter up, everyone!), and Unicorn Lady (hope everything's OK with your family now) ... Watch for the next installment: with some disturbing developments in Voldieland, Snape's feelings come to the fore at last ... how will Rose react?