Dark Blood-The two new professors
Outside, he held a face of indifference with the exception of his eyes widening slightly. On the inside his heart was thundering against his chest. Did this mean Potter knew? How could he know? His palms grew sweaty and he tried to stop his knees from buckling from the suspense alone. This was too much.
Severus turned to face Albus and began to send him silent messages through legilimency.
He knows!
No he does not. It's not possible. Alder shook his head slightly.
But he does! What are we going to do? Damit Albus, do something!
Severus calm down! He cannot know . These charms are far stronger than the normal ones used by regular wizards. Have faith in me and my magic.
But...then why does he recognise me?
Patience. We shall soon know, child. And Severus?
What?
Do not worry.
Servine blinked and looked up to meet Harry's green eyes. Sweat trailed down his back as he faced those green eyes. God, it was as if Lily was staring right at him. Or through him, his very soul, if he had one. But why did the eyes look so accusing? His throat constricted as a wave of guilt crashed onto his heart. Oh Lily!
Minerva cleared her throat and said softly, "I take it you have met before?"
Harry, shaken out of his reverie, shook his head slowly. How could he say it here? He would have to tell them later.
"...No. No I don't. Sorry, I thought... I'm sorry" but he continued to stare at Servine. He stuck out his hand at Servine and spoke.
"Pleased to meet you professor Slade. I hope you enjoy your time here" As they shook hands, Servine felt like he was a specimen under a magnifying glass, being observed so close. He noticed the green eyes were still boring deep into him and attempted a smile. Harry didn't smile back. In fact, he seemed wary and if it weren't for his trained-to-spy instincts, Snape would never have noticed the touch of fear in the eyes as well.
Fear?
Did Harry fear him?
"Well if we are done here, perhaps Harry will escort you to the dungeons while Ronald and Hermione take the other students to their dormitories. Miss Lovegood, as there is no other student in your dormitory perhaps it would be best if you stayed with Hermione and Ginevra till the term begins. Professors, once you have settled youselves, I would like for you both to return here so that we can finalize the arrangements"
Luna nodded happily and Ron indicated for them to follow him to the Gryffindor common room. Harry stayed by the headmistress and watched them go. Then Harry spoke. His eyes were yet again trained on professor Slade.
"If you will follow me...professors...Slade" and he turned to lead them to the dungeons. Minerva just smiled and nodded to the two professors in encouragement, while the two kept their heads down and followed Harry, the suitcase trailing behind.
Harry couldn't believe it! The two new professors in front of him were, in fact the very two men from his dreams and because of that, Harry couldn't shake that underlying fear. For all he knew, these two men could be killers. Or worse, death eaters who are still loyal to the Dark lord. Harry silently led them to the dungeons, his hand on his wand in his pocket. As they turned more corners, the younger professor asked something.
"Is that your wand in your pocket?"
Harry turned swiftly and looked at the grey eyed man. His white trousers practically matched his paper white complexion. Though his overall appearance was darkened by the long black trench coat he wore, his eyes held warmth. But Harry wasn't fooled. So many people who claimed to want to help him, had been against him with that similar look in their eyes. If this man was anything like them, he was most probably dangerous.
"Yes it's my wand" Harry subtly tightened his grip on Severus' wand. He would not lose this wand to Anyone.
The professor, Servine Slade held out his hand.
"May I have a look?"
Harry was hesitant but realised that if there was any harm meant, they would probably have their own wands to create it. He handed over the slick black wand reluctantly.
Servine took the wand and held it firmly in his hand for a moment. He then twirled it between two fingers and tossed it in the air to catch it gently (Harry almost shrieked at the action) Alder leaned over his son's shoulder with curiosity. Servine stopped playing with the wand and looked at his father. They nodded and handed the wand back. Servine coughed and sneered.
"You ARE Harry Potter aren't you?"
Harry stared at him. Who was this guy, to ask him if he was Harry Potter!? Harry was hardly arrogant but there was no need to sneer like that.
"Yes. I am." He growled back. This was one rude professor.
"Well then Harry Potter, where is your famous wand? Don't tell me the vanquisher of the Dark lord actually steals wands" Servine crossed his hands and tapped his foot, silently demanding an explanation.
"This wand-"Harry grit his teeth. "-just so happens to belong to the bravest man I ever knew. Or did know. Severus Snape is unfortunately no longer with us. This was his wand. I don't steal wands, professor. His body was never found and I'm holding onto the wand until it is" Harry began to feel tears of pain and frustration forming in his eyes and he turned quickly before the professors noticed. Did the man even know how to speak nicely!?
But they already had noticed the tears. Servine just stopped and stood there silently, feeling dazed.
Had Potter just complimented him? What had he said?
The bravest man I ever knew.
The bravest man I ever knew. Severus Snape.
The sentence played in his mind over and over again till he felt a hand on his shoulder. Alder was twinkling madly and gently led Servine to catch up with Harry.
"I told you, did I not?" Alder whispered into his ear.
"You know nothing! He didn't mean it!" Servine hissed back but it lacked its usual venom.
Alder grinned and knew that Servine would ponder on what he had just heard for a long while yet. The revelation was probably shocking to Severus. The grin broadened.
As soon as they reached the dungeons, Harry led them through the potion master's quarters to the rooms. Servine felt somewhat thrilled that no one had changed his rooms. There was the living room with four comfortable sofas around a low mahogany table in the centre. Behind one sofa was the fireplace which connected to the floo network. Then the majority of the walls were blocked by book shelves filled with thick volumes about all sorts of things. Only two doors could be seen against the shelves and they clearly seemed to be the bedrooms . Inside the bedrooms the walls were green with wooden wardrobes. The king sized beds were centred against the wall as they should have been and the windows to the left of the bed next to a desk were bright and comforting. They were just as they always had been. It did surprise him however, that Harry knew where all the things were in the rooms. Servine couldn't help himself and again started to ask questions. He tried to be more friendly this time.
"Do you visit these rooms often? You seem to know a fair amount about them. Did you live in them before?" He said with a less harsh tone of voice.
Harry couldn't help but let the flash of pain show on his features. The number of times in the past few weeks he had walked in here and just cried his heart out. Cries for those who had died. Those who survived but suffer everyday from it. Who can't shake the pain. And especially those who shouldn't have died. Snape shouldn't have died. He shouldn't have.
"I didn't live here, but my old potions prof-"his throat closed involuntarily. He swallowed."professor Snape lived here. These were his rooms. I have been in them a lot though, recently so I know my way around. "
"I see."
Alder placed the luggage on the sofa in front of the fireplace and rubbed his hands together, almost with glee. He turned to Harry and smiled.
"Thank you Mr. Potter. For showing us the way. I think we will be very comfortable here. I look foreward to seeing you around the castle in the next couple of days."
Harry closed the door behind him and ran back to his common room, leaving Alder and Servine to sort out their things.
TBC :D