Chapter 2

Albus Dumbledore had just returned from a long frustratingly pointless meeting with Cornelius Fudge. The insufferable minister had finally acknowledged Voldemort's return but precious little was being done to address the situation.

Sitting down at his desk, he allowed his head to rest in a brief moment of fatigue, gathering energy for the next inevitable tasks that would demand his concentration. As if summoned by the thought, Fawkes appeared with a report from Harry, marked as urgent by the red symbol placed on the top of the report. Albus was immediately alert; Harry only used the 'urgent' marker when a person's life was in danger.

He noted that the introduction included a request for the report to be analysed in the presence of Severus Snape. Skimming further down the parchment, he quickly realised why. The headmaster closed his eyes momentarily as his mind processed the implications a single sentence held:

"B. Lestrange denounces S. Snape as a traitor and spy."

Looking at the clock, Albus found it was almost 10am. He knew that Severus had returned very early in the morning, and was doubtlessly still asleep. Enclosed in the report, he found another piece of parchment, with the words 'Severus Snape' at the top. He frowned. The parchment appeared completely blank, even after several revealing charms. Picking up the report and the unidentifiable piece of parchment, he left for the potion master's rooms.

Upon entering Severus' quarters, he couldn't prevent the sad smile that tugged at his lips. The infamous professor, feared by all non-Slytherins in the castle, was in a deep sleep on his couch, having been too exhausted to walk all the way to the bedroom. The Death Eater robes and mask were tossed in the corner, and several empty potions vials were scattered on the coffee table; post cruciatus potion and a sleeping draught, noted Albus absently. He sat in a nearby armchair, content to watch the man he thought of as a son.

Scarcely half an hour later, he was shaken out of his reverie by a soft groan from the man on the couch. Instantly he was by Severus' side, aiding the young man's attempts to sit up.

Severus had awoken to find himself on his couch, which meant, yet again, that he hadn't quite reached the bed. Struggling to sit up, he was surprised by the firm hands that supported him, which undoubtedly belonged to Albus. He could feel the small bursts of healing magic that was transferred through the hands, soothing the lingering ache in his body. Blinking his eyes clear of sleep, he looked up into the face of his mentor and friend.

"Albus?" he queried, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

"Some important information has come to light," said Dumbledore, worry clearly reflected in his blue eyes.

Taking the offered parchment, Severus read through the report. He was surprised by the detailed recounting of last night's Death Eater meeting. There were very few people that would have had access to any relevant information. His eyes quickly found the line that made the blood drain from his face. Seeing this, Albus wrapped a comforting arm around the younger man as the carefully erected emotional barriers crumbled.

Severus took a few moments to compose himself, accepting that death in the near future would be inevitable. When he sure he could speak in a normal voice, he voiced the question that had been piquing his curiosity.

"Who is the report from, Albus?" he asked distractedly, mentally discarding names.

The damned twinkle returned to the blue eyes, as Albus said one of the few names that had not been on Severus' list of possibilities.

"Harry Potter"

"Potter!" spluttered Severus. "How…why?!"

Albus chuckled at the reaction. It wasn't often that he saw Severus stutter.

"As you know, Voldemort shares a link with Harry. Since the events at the Ministry, Harry's visions have grown in their frequency and detail."

The scholarly side of Severus was intrigued. His mind began to analyse the possible reasons for a change in the link.

"Albus, do you know if Potter's visions are sent by the Dark Lord or whether the boy is inadvertently tapping into the link himself?"

"Actually Severus, I believe the change is due to Voldemort's brief possession of Harry at the ministry," said Dumbledore. "Harry tells me that he is able to feel the reflected pain of the victims, as well as Voldemort's emotions."

Severus was now surprised, and somewhat concerned despite his feelings towards Potter. Truth be told, he had never really hated the boy, the way he treated the boy in school was borne out of necessity due to his (now former) spying duties. According to the headmaster, Harry (when had Potter become Harry?), had been witnessing Death Eater meetings for some time; gatherings that often included torture, murder and rape, not to mention the cruciatus curse, which was as common as Longbottom messing up a potion. These were acts that filled most grown men with revulsion yet a not quite sixteen year old was not only seeing but feeling the pain of the victims. Severus winced, thinking back to last night. The Dark Lord had been extremely upset at not being able to find Harry. At least twenty cruciatus curses had been unleashed.

"You had better be providing some kind of relief for the boy" warned the potions master. "Repeated exposure to the cruciatus curse is not good for the brain, as shown by the Longbottoms."

'Not only that,' thought Severus, 'but the boy's nervous system had to be completely wrecked.'

"I am very much aware of that Severus," reassured Dumbledore. "Harry assures me that he is fine. Aside from that, there is another note for you that Harry has somehow managed to conceal from my eyes." The old man seemed rather baffled by the latter.

Unable to resist smirking, Severus took the separate sheet. His eyes widened as re read:

Dear Professor Snape,

First let me extend my greatest hope that you have received the report before Voldemort summons you. I've attempted to hide this letter from the old coot with a Masque potion combined with invisibility ink (the Headmaster really should leave his hair lying around; it's a big security risk). Hopefully, the combination has worked and he's unable to read this letter.

Intrigued by this rarely seen Slytherin side of Potter, he continued to read.

I would like to formally apologise for looking into your pensieve. I had no right to do anything of the kind, and what I saw has remained, as always will remain a secret. I have only mentioned the incident to Remus and Sirius, concerning the motivations of my father. I think I understand your attitude towards James Potter a little better.

Since the events of last term, I have been able to construct some type of occlumency barriers. The results seem to resemble the goals mentioned in "Protection of the Mind" by A. Nape but I would like to know who strong they are. I completely understand if you do not wish to even mention occlumency after the aforementioned incident, but I find myself preferring you over the Headmaster, with whom I am struggling to trust right now. Please do not feel in anyway obliged to respond, but I would like to resume our lessons, once more.

On another note, it has come to my attention that the basilisk I killed in my second year contains many valuable and rare potions ingredients. It will not have decomposed yet, due to the creature's venom, and I would like your expertise in harvesting it. You will, of course, be entitled to half of any ingredients you would like.

There are some other things that I have kept secret from the Headmaster. I have been brewing my own post cruciatus potion; however, I have been unable to find the instructions for the non-addictive dreamless sleep potion. I know such a potion exists, as it is referred to in the sixth year text, but I have been unable to procure any. I would be extremely grateful if you could send me a few doses, or if it is too much trouble, the instructions. The visions from Voldemort have been increasing in their physical toll, and I will soon run out of potions.

Once again, I hope you are well and safe from Voldemort's wrath,

Harry Potter.

P.S: Voldemort doubts Lucius Malfoy's loyalty due to his refusal to allow Draco to be marked.

Severus mulled over the letter for a moment. There was no denying that the Harry Potter who had written this letter sounded far more mature that the angry teen from last year.

Albus had remained silent, while Severus had been reading, although he was obviously curious about the contents of the letter.

"Any problems with Harry?" asked Dumbledore.

"None that concern you Headmaster," replied Severus. "It was a personal apology and a request concerning his potions work. I will be visiting Potter's house later today."

Albus nodded, standing up to leave.

"You may use Fawkes."

"Thank you Albus. If you will excuse me, I have some potions to brew…"

A/N: Thank you for your reviews. I am aiming to update regularly, but may be waylaid by RL occasionally.