CHAPTER 12
A/N: Just a small note on the posting of chapters: I have got my exams in April and May; so from the beginning of April onwards, I will have to post only once a week. Once all the exams are over (please wish me luck that I do not only pass them, but pass them with good marks; I'm hoping to write a doctoral dissertation afterwards), I will definitely make up for lost time. Right now, I'm hovering over books and preparing for colloquia. BUT…I'd go mad if I didn't have my Snarry story to write – and didn't have all your reviews and comments to read! Also, thank you very much for visiting my blog The Snarry Files :-)
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Dumbledore surveyed the Potions Master sitting in his office with stern blue eyes. His half-moon spectacles were actually flashing as threateningly as Minerva McGonagall's glasses. Even Fawkes the phoenix seemed to be aiming a disapproving look at the black-clad figure sitting stiffly in the chair.
"I think I will forgo the niceties for once, Severus," Dumbledore said coldly, deviating from his customary offering of tea and sweets or biscuits.
The Head of Slytherin was silent. He dropped his eyes and studied his robed knees gloweringly.
"Is it such an impossible thing I have asked from you, Severus? It is such an impossible thing to stop seeing James Potter in Harry?"
Severus's jaw tensed at the sound of James's name.
"I do not mourn the destruction of your office. You asked for it."
No answer was forthcoming from Severus.
"I suppose you expect me to free you from your duties as a teacher of Occlumency and the art of duelling."
Severus looked up and spoke at last.
"Well, aren't you?" he asked coldly. "Your Potter pet has-"
"Do not use that tone with me, Severus Snape," Dumbledore said in a very quiet voice. "You saw how skinny he is after spending the summer with his relatives. You have caught flashes of his childhood during Occlumency. Acknowledge the fact that Harry is not what you want to see in him, Severus, instead of clinging immaturely to childish grudges."
Severus flushed with a mixture of anger and humiliation.
"You viewed the tasks I set you to help Harry as a punishment. That is how you have always viewed the task of protecting Harry. And I have always told you that it is not a punishment but something that shows that side of your nature which you are so desperate to hide. And this time, Severus, I have to order you to continue instructing Harry instead of asking you. You will also treat him with more respect than you have done so far. I am sure he will reciprocate your efforts by making his own efforts."
"He is as arrogant as his father, and-"
"Enough!" Dumbledore suddenly exclaimed in a loud voice, bringing his hand down on his desk with a deafening thud. Fawkes watched them keenly, feathers slightly raised.
"You are speaking of a teenage James Potter who still had some growing-up to do. But you, Severus, are hopelessly trapped in the past. You will probably not listen to me when I tell you, for the umpteenth time, that Harry is modest, caring and kind. How can you expect him to defeat Voldemort if you do not teach him properly? Tell me, Severus, do you enjoy the Death Eater meeting so much that you would want them to continue permanently?"
"No!" Severus spat, and he cupped his forearm with that unconscious gesture of revulsion.
"No indeed," Dumbledore said softly, noticing the impulsive movement. The wise wizard rose.
"That is it, Severus. I have nothing more to say because there is nothing you will listen to."
He sighed and approached the Potions Master; he was taller than him, and he placed his hands on Severus's shoulders, gazing at him with sorrow in his eyes.
"Severus, why do you make yourself so unhappy?"
The younger wizard flushed again and bowed his head; he didn't answer.
"Good night, Severus," Dumbledore said, turning his back on Severus and moving towards Fawkes's perch.
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"No, you may not see him," Madam Pomfrey snapped when Severus brushed past her wordlessly and stalked towards Harry's bed.
"Is he awake?" he asked glacially.
"Yes. He managed to have a little soup. He is sleeping, and you will not excite him into another outburst of uncontrollable magic, Severus," she replied just as icily.
"Worried that your precious hospital wing and the one and only priceless Potter will get destroyed in the process?" he sneered.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head slowly.
"You know, Severus, it is a pity to see how much trouble you take to make yourself disliked. Good night."
She took him by the elbow and guided him firmly out of the ward; then she shut the door in his face.
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"You blew up Snape's office? Well done, mate!" Ron chortled.
"He nearly blew himself up," Hermione said crossly.
Harry had been sent back to Gryffindor Tower in the morning; the three friends were sitting in the common room. Dobby the house-elf had informed Hermione and Ron about what had happened. Of course, this had alarmed rather than calmed the two of them.
"We were wondering why you were not coming back," Ron said; then he laughed again.
"Blew up that idiot's office…Wow! Ginny had already written a letter to the twins about your latest stunt, Harry."
"Stunt? It just…happened!" Harry groaned. "It just sort of…burst out of me."
"But why exactly then? Why not earlier?"
"It was simply time for it come out, I guess," Harry said.
"At least the extra lessons with that asshole are bound to be scrapped," Ron said happily.
Hermione raised an eyebrow but did not protest against the swear word.
"No such luck," Harry sighed. "Dumbledore came to see me himself before I left the hospital wing. He said that the lessons would improve now. That he had spoken with Severus. As if they're ever going to improve…as if he has never had a nice little chat with that idiot before…"
"Well, at least you ruined his office unintentionally," Hermione said, "it might prevent him from being nasty to you. And we'll practise in the Room of Requirement."
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There was a dull clang as Severus Snape slammed the door of the church behind him. He pointed his wand at the well of Holy Water; the contents turned into murky black ink. Striding forwards, he snatched the bouquet of flowers kept near the altar and shredded it to bits. He hurled the torn petals and leaves away from him. Finally, he went to the stand of votive candles and tipped it over with a hard push. The candles toppled onto the ground, their wax pouring over the tiles, smoke rising from their extinguished wicks in desolate cloudy wisps. Severus used a Blasting Charm to make the pews explode in a rain of wood; then he turned to leave.
"Severus."
He swivelled around, recognising the voice.
"You are entitled to your beliefs and views, Severus, but expressing them in ways which hurt people and destroy places of sanctuary is something only Voldemort would condone and encourage. I know who has been vandalising this church during the past few months. By all means destroy yourself if you insist on doing so; but exclude the others," Albus Dumbledore said; and with a flick of his wand, he restored order in the church.
"The Order is meeting in Grimmauld Place in an hour – if you are still interested, naturally."
"Do you doubt me?" Severus whispered hoarsely.
"That is up to you to prove or disprove."
He Disapparated. Severus stared at the place where he had been standing before following suit.
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