"Severus" Came a voice from behind.
He turned around in the direction the voice was coming from.
"Are you regreting your decision?" Asked Albus sternly.
"My mother kidnapped Harry... I'm afraid that its not the worst to come... If the Dark Lord regains his strength, whats going to keep him away from Harry? Albus you failed me once... Please don't turn your back on me now." Severus replied holding a fussing Harry in his arms.
"You know I can't promise anything, Severus."
"All I'm asking is to stay in the castle... There's no place safer than Hogwarts."
Albus inhaled deeply and let it out slowly, "I'm afraid I can't let that happen... You know the rules. Students and staff only."
"I'll teach!" He pleaded. "Madam Pomfrey can keep an eye on him between classes... Albus please. You owe Lily and James a debt!"
Albus thought for a moment and spoke, "As it turns out the position of potions master is open. I know you are gifted... I'm afraid that Harry will be an issue."
"He won't and you know that. Please. I beg you. Let us stay. You always say that Hogwarts will always be open to those in need. We need Hogwarts more than ever." Harry began to wail.
Dumbledore looked out the window. The sky was as gray and unforgiving. He stroked his beard a few times, mulling his thoughts over and again. "You can stay... On one condition..."
"Anything, Albus."
"We have found his whereabouts. We know he is recruiting. I need you to be my eyes and ears." Albus turned around staring Severus in the eyes.
"I don't understand what you are saying, Headmaster..." Severus asked quietly setting Harry down in a chair.
"Yes you do." Albus took Severus by the shoulders and pushed him against the wall. "I need someone on the inside." his voice lowered, "Voldemort doesn't trust easily."
"I can't! I won't!" He cried out.
Albus's face turned dark and twisted. "Then I'm afraid I have no room for you here withing the walls."
"What happened to the man I used to know?"
"He died the night Lily and James died."
Silence filled the room like a poisonous gas, choking Severus. After what seemed like an eternity Severus sighed. "I'll do it."
Albus smiled, "I knew you would come to your senses." He then handed severus a bit of parchment. "His location. Pomfrey and Minerva will look over Harry in the mean time."
Severus nodded and picked Harry up. "I prefer privacy in the dungeon." He left with Harry in arm and his wand in the other.
"Severus?" Albus spoke so softly it was almost dismissed by the man.
He turned around to face the old man who seemed to age by the second.
"I'm afraid you leave tonight. The sooner the better."
Minerva walked in, "You wish to see me, Albus?"
"Severus has some business to attend to, would be so kind to share your quarters with Harry for a while?"
She seen the fear in Severus's eyes, but with held her comments. "Of course." She cradled the sleeping baby. "He will be safe with me. You can trust me, Severus." She left with Harry, leaving Severus alone with his hatred towards Albus.
"It's best to go on foot. It would be too alarming to arrive by Floo or apparation."
"You have become the monster." Severus threw on his over coat and left with the paper in hand.
Outside the castle walls, he took out the parchment. "Lumos." The tip of his wand ignited, cutting through the velvet blackness. The map began to appear suddenly. He recognized it at once. "Albania." He whispered to himself. This wasn't going to be an easy journey. He would need help from an old friend. The night seemed long as he made his way to Wiltshire, England. He didn't want to appear abruptly.
Day started to break as he made his way to the Malfoy Manor.
He stood at the impressive wrought iron gates as a majestic peacock strutted safely behind. The gates opened allowing him to pass through. They must have known he was coming. Severus walked up the long drive gathering his thoughts. What was he to say to Lucius? Surely, he couldn't tell him the truth. He would have him murdered for that.
"Severus." Said a cold voice from behind him.
"Lucius." He froze in his steps.
"I had a feeling you would be joining me soon enough."
"Yes," He paused taking a deep breath. "I need your help."
"Let us discuss in private." Lucius patted him on the back, inviting
him willingly in.
