"I think I'll take a little stroll down to the dungeons…

At the twined snake portrait, Dumbledore hesitated. He had never entered Severus' private chambers before … so instead he cast an eavesdropping charm to see if he was even there. He could not believe what he heard…

sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Seeking refuge from the mirage of questions that would, undoubtly greet him on his return to the castle, he had sought to enter a side entrance. But that damn house elf was waiting for him. He had attacked him, Severus wanted to cast an unforgivable on the nasty creature, but was blocked by the house elf. Then what would the headmaster have thought of him. He could have still given report in less than an hour…after he had his emotions under tight control again. He would not be weak. He would never again be a coward! At that thought, Severus slid down the life-size painted surface as tears cascaded down his pale cheeks. "What have I done?" He groaned as he covered his face in shame.

"Severus?"

The potion masters' sobs only became more violent at the softly whispered inquiry.

"What ever is the matter, dear one?"

Severus looked up into deep obsidian eyes that were so like his own, the care and concern those eyes reflected only increased his pain.

"Oh, Mummy," How can you love me still? If you only knew… the monster I have become… He curled up, wrapping his arms around his knees and swayed back and forth as he had done when he was a small child in deep distress.

Eileencursed the blasted portrait for not allowing her to actually touch her child. How she longed to wrap her arms about him and shield her child from whatever new torment he faced. Yet all she could do was crouch closer and lay her hand over his bowed head all the while murmuring reassurances.

"It can't possible be that bad…tell me what troubles you, little one."

"The prophecy-two children were born then-a raid tonight on the one…he will find her! He will KILL Lily-"

"Sev, your not making any sense! What prophecy? Who is going to be killed?

"The Dark Lord knows where Lily is! Don't you see he found the Long bottom's -Alice and Frank, but the infant was missing…he had us t-tor-ture them. We used the crucatius curse tonight over and over…but they never revealed the location of the child. They chose insanity instead! Why?" the young potion master wept at his mothers' feet in despair.

"Severus, I do not know what your on about? Who is this Dark Lord? I refuse to believe you would torture anyone let alone your best friend, Lily." Eileen responded in a confused voice.

"Perhaps, Madame I can be of some assistance." Dumbledore offered from the doorway to this small storeroom.

"Professor Dumbledore?!"

"Hello, Eileen Prince, if I am not mistaken, class of 1942-"

The surprised younger wizard swiped at his eyes and rose to his feet leveling a hard glare at Dumbledore. "I don't want you here, leave MY quarters at once! You have no right being here-"

"Severus! Is that anyway to speak to the headmaster? Apologize at once, young man." Eileen scolded.

"But, Mother-" he protested.

"Now, Severus!" Giving her son a fierce scowl that spoke volumes.