Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, but thank Merlin's Beard that J.K. has such a wonderful imagination...
CHAPTER 11: A Dark Saturday (Three days earlier...)
Gently rapping on the large, ornate door of Professor Snape's personal quarters, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore could feel the wash of protective magic dissapate as he opened the door and stepped through the threshold.
The room was very dark and still. One may have found these rooms empty but Albus Dumbledore was no fool. At times like these, which has happened far too many times to count, the feared Potions Master woulddwell and brood in these dark rooms when deemed serious enough for deep, furrowed thoughts. Albus, stroking his long flowy beard, slowly advanced towards the wingback chair that faced the stone cold fireplace.
'Incendio', Albus muttered.
As a roaring fire erupted in the once empty hearth, the elder man spoke once more. ' You're going to turn into one of those muggle popscicles, Severus, in this chill. Since Hogwarts is in no need of another ordamental fireplace, I would greatly recommend using it every once and a while, my boy. Now what was it you wanted to speak to me about?' Albus spoke gently as he settled himself in the chair across from the younger man, observing him all the while.
Severus Snape lifted his head slightly, glaring through a curtain of raven straight hair and replied 'It appears your Deputy Headmistress allowed Miss Granger the use of an illegal time-turner in her third year.'
Peering at Severus with only an expression of mild amusement, the Headmaster chuckled 'Of course I knew, Severus. Minerva was very persuasive, I must say, in allowing one of our brightest students use her time even more efficiently while taking extra classes. i see no reason to bring this up now, almost four years later, is ther---'
Before the last word was uttered, Professor Snape shot out of his chair and advanced on his superior like a coiled snake while the flames from the hearth grew wilder with uncontrolled magic.
'Did you honestly believe, old man, that Hermione-sodding-Granger would just use the time-turner just to take extra classes? Attending them, studying, and still managing to write essays three lengths longer than necessary. I'm surprised she managed to keep up with everything, considering the half-wit wonders dragging her to go trapezing through old passages and shacks where they never belonged!' Agressively pacing the length of the rug in front of Dumbledore, he paused and turned to meet his blue eyes.
'She used it all year, Albus, and now she will age to the same extent I have within a few short weeks.' And with that, Snape dropped heavily into his chair and buried his face into his pale hands as Dunbledore watched the scene unfold.
'I should be furious at her for being so incredibly foolish, reckless, so.....Gryffindor.' he sneered. 'But, all I can feel is regret and remorse....for what she will go through and what she will lose. I should have told the ministry about my findings all those years ago and perhaps this may not have even to that buck-toothed brat.' and with that, Snape gazed back towards the dying flames, now slightly extinguished from the magical surge.
Professor Dumbledore looked pensive for a moment before a slight twinkle emerged behind the half-moon spectacles. He knew about Severus' ordeal those years past and was saddened by the emotional (and physical) changes it brought with it. His friend felt responsible for all those deaths, for not understanding the magic the time-turner held (or sapped, when knowledge was eventually discovered) and he never recovered from those years lost on himself. A young man forced to grow up much sooner than he was prepared for. Another part of his life that he has lost for bad choices and unfortunate circumstances...
Although saddened by Hermione Granger's predicament, thought Albus, it was also an opportunity of sorts to perhaps help Severus find his way through the abyss. He may be able to work with Miss Granger by observing her transformation, and maybe (just maybe) help find a reversal cure for the both of them. 'It would be a great chance for two great minds to tackle this problem head on with all the cunning of a Slytherin and the boldness of a Gryffindor.' mused Albus.
'Severus, my dear boy,' Albus spoke, grinning slightly, 'I want you to help Miss Granger find a cure.'