"I'm not sure whether to be flattered I'm below the radar or offended I was left out."
"Rather, Alastor, I expect that our dear Lily does not consider your power mine, and quite rightly. While I expect others to know you for my ally."
Alastor Moody coughed. "Well, we're here now. You sure this is the right place?"
"As sure as one can be, who has visited a place once. No glamour then could Tom Riddle have conjured, and no glamour now hides it." Dumbledore stopped in his steps, drawing from his sleeve an old sweatervest, somewhat moldy. "Can the Eye of Vance track his path?"
Moody didn't turn as the Eye did, to take in the residue of a young Tom's discarded garment. He could already see the path as the signature became clear. "Down toward the beach."
Lily arrived at the Headmaster's office only a minute late-not much notice for a meeting directly after class, and her classes would not be neglected, even for Albus' command. Where plots might fail, a populace might succeed.
But when she arrived, Albus was gone, and another witch sat in one of two comfortable chairs before the desk. Face nervous behind large, round-rimmed glasses, mouth opening to speak some timid hello.
"Wait here Alastor. I shall explore the cave alone first. Slytherin's secrets may reveal themselves to the Headmaster's office before the Eye of Vance."
"BY THE FALL OF THE GOLDEN PHOENIX, IT IS FOUND. HID FROM TRUE DARKNESS BY DEEPEST BLACK. AND AS ALL ARE REVEALED, STILL ANOTHER SHALL RISE AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES. ANOTHER SHALL RISE AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES."
Lily blinked.
"HOLD, Alastor! It is done. Endanger not yourself as well."
Albus walked slowly as he emerged from the cave, stumbling slightly, just close enough for Moody to catch him.
"Return to the tower, Sybill. I'll tell the headmaster off for keeping you waiting." Lily spoke softly, with a gentle smile.
"It isn't his place to play with our lives without arriving himself. I'm certain you've nothing to worry about."
He arrived soon after Sybill left, Moody at his side and a deep sickness on his face. Rage faded to fear as she thought of the words spoken, and from this confusion a question fell.
"Did you call Sybill Trelawney here?"
Albus did not respond, his face too tired to react, far beyond thrice masked questions. Old, he seemed, so old in that moment.
"No, I did." Moody interrupted her stare. "Albus dragging me off alone somewhere, it's best for someone responsible to meet with the seer. What did she say?"
"I think it is best if you tell me your results first, that we not poison the results of interpretation."
Moody dropped the locket of Salazar Slytherin on the Headmaster's desk.
Lily stood up in shock, wand unconsciously drawn in the same motion.
"Not to worry, it's a fake."
Lily relaxed slightly, but her brow remained heavily furrowed.
As Sybill Trelawney climbed the stairs to the astronomy tower, wear and fear shown heavily on her face. And shortly behind her, a disillusioned figure began composing a letter.
"Lucius,
It has happened, and I have missed it."