Power in All its Glory

Chapter 24

The Inquisition, Part III

As she walked down the hallway, she reflected on the days' events. Everything had gone surprisingly well. She was almost giddy with relief!

Suddenly she felt herself being pulled into a darkened room. Immobilized with fear, she began to panic.

"It's okay. It's just me."

Amazingly, the familiar voice came from not only the darkness in the room, but also from inside her own head.

"Sibyll, are you all right?" Draco whispered with concern. His voice echoed in the small room, creating a strange yet intimate effect.

It was then that she realized she still had the pebble in her ear.

He turned her around to face him.

"Hey," he said softly, still trying to get her to focus on what he was saying.

Even though she could barely make out his form in the dark room, his presence had a familiarity to it that elicited an emotional response.

"Draco," she said breathlessly, throwing her arms around his neck. All the tension from the last few days melted away as she hugged the wizard who had amazingly helped her survive the wrath of Snape.

If Draco was surprised by the witch's unusual actions, he didn't show it as he took advantage of the opportunity to hold her in his arms.

"I can't believe it's over," she murmured.

Of course, he knew they were far from safe but he couldn't bring himself to ruin the moment for her by pointing out that obvious fact.

His eyes had adjusted to the dark, and he could now see her face clearly. She glowed with happiness, and he wished he could hold on to this moment for her. Before he could give himself time to think, he pulled her into a kiss. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and he could taste the sherry on her lips.

She kissed him back eagerly. Although she knew others might not approve of her actions, at that moment, she didn't care. After all, what was meant to be was meant to be. Who was she to fight destiny?


Professor Snape slowly paced in front of the figure sitting at the small table. He was like an animal toying with its prey, ready to pounce at any moment.

"Professor Black," he sneered in contempt.

"Snivillus," the other man replied in kind.

Unlike the other interviews, there would be no easing into this one. A quick attack was the best strategy.

He abruptly placed both hands on the table and leaned toward the dark haired man.

"You've given twenty detentions this year alone, Black …" he accused.

"Far less than you, I am sure."

Snape continued as if he had not spoken. "… and fifteen of those were with seventh-year females."

"Why isn't McGonagall doing these interviews with the staff? Why would Dumbledore pick you for this task?"

"I am asking the questions here, Black!" He gave the other wizard an evil look which appeared not to have any effect on him.

"It was only a few nights ago that you had a detention with Miss Granger," Snape continued.

"I seem to recall that she had three detentions this year with you, already."

Snape was tired of the other man's attempts to turn everything back on him.

"Just answer the question, Black!"

"And what question would that be?"

Snape realized at that point that he had not, in fact, asked him a question.

He recovered quickly. "Why are so many seventh-year females having detention with you?"

The dark haired wizard shook his head. "I don't actually know," he confessed. "It is almost as if they are doing it on purpose."

"So arrogant, Black!"

"So jealous, Snape!"

The Potions master paused in his questioning. He needed to think of something that would actually help him with his case.

"Tell me, Black," he said, changing tact. "Do you have any students with exceptional talent in your classes?"

"You mean besides Harry?"

"I am not talking about your pet students," Snape said snidely. "I mean those with true talent."

Professor Black ignored this obvious jab.

"Hermione, of course," he replied.

Not helpful!

"Anyone else?"

"All the DA members, actually."

Snape scowled at him.

"Potter and his band of merry followers."

"Yes, my godson has taught them well."

"So you don't have to," Snape replied in an undertone.

"I really don't see the point of all this," Professor Black stated in exasperation.

"Am I supposed to care?"

"I think you are rather enjoying this, Snivillus."

"Immensely!" Snape replied with a smirk.

Black gave him a calculating look. "Do you know what I wonder, Snape?"

"Why the headmaster chose me for this assignment instead of you?"

"No," Black began but was interrupted once again by the Potion's master.

"Why the werewolf chose a clumsy waif instead of you?"

This time Black ignored his comments and continued with his musings.

"I wonder what this is really about."

Snape avoided his insinuation. "So typical, Black, to think you are above any help."

"I just don't think Dumbledore would have you helping the staff."

"Obviously you are incorrect, as you so often are."

"Or," Professor Black continued, "As I said, this is all about something else."

Snape walked around the table. He pondered on the other man's words. There was something in his tone … something that made the Potions master pause. Did Black know more than he was telling? Was he playing a game with him? Perhaps the DADA Professor was the person they were looking for this whole time. He hated Snape, after all, and would love to poison Dumbledore against him.

"What is this about, Snape?"

"You tell me."

"How would I know?" he asked testily.

"You know more than you are telling, Black," Snape stated with confidence, sure that he was right.

The DADA professor had some ideas of his own and decided to test his theories.

"I know this has something to do with your … birthday party a few months ago which was not actually on your birthday," Black speculated.

"Go on," Snape encouraged him to continue.

"I know it somehow involves Miss Granger …"

"Interesting … continue."

"As well as Draco Malfoy and possibly Neville Longbottom …"

He must know something, Snape mused. He was so close …

"What else do you think you know?" he asked. If he could just keep him talking. That was the only way he could get him to slip up.

Professor Black decided to change direction. It wasn't going quite like he planned. Snape was not giving out any information, although he did look interested in what he was saying. Perhaps, he could use that to his advantage.

"I know what you want, Snape," he said cryptically. "I know your deepest, darkest, desire …"

Although Snape appeared stoic on the outside, on the inside he was frantic. What did Black know? Did he know about Hermione … and Snape's feelings for her? He was leery of going any further but if Black was the person that had orchestrated all of this, then Snape had to find out!

"Indeed, Black," he murmured, trying to look uninterested.

Professor Black was not fooled. "Your most fervent wish is …" he paused, enjoying the Potions masters not so obvious distress.

Snape was anxious to know and yet afraid of what the other wizard would say.

"You wish …" Professor Black began again.

Snape unconsciously leaned in to hear his every word.

Then horribly, inexcusably, the other wizard began to sing.

"You wish you were an Oscar Meyer wiener … that is what you truly wish to be … .for if …"

But Snape heard no more. He had walked out, slamming the door behind him.