Power in all its Glory

Chapter 27: A Little Fun With Snape

Snape watched his other self as he billowed around the room. He managed to appear bored and irritated all at the same time. Across from him, the Herbology teacher fidgeted uneasily in her chair. She was nervous, that much was clear. Interestingly he hadn't noticed that the first go around.

During the interview, he had asked many of the same questions as in the previous ones. This time he listened more carefully to her answers.

No … no detentions.

Yes … she had students who helped her. Not because they had to but because they wanted to.

She had looked sheepishly over at Professor Snape at this point, afraid she had offended the Potions master. However, his memory self had not even noticed.

Who? Neville Longbottom.

Any exceptional students?

He again expected the usual answer, Granger, but was shocked, again, at her answer.

Neville, of course.

He still couldn't accept it.

Snape decided he was right the first time. No information gained from this interview.

As the day wore on, interview after interview, Snape noticed a certain gleam reappear in the headmaster's eyes during first Professor Hooch's interview and then during Professor McGonagall's, and an outright chuckle during that scoundrel Black's interview. Snape watched stone-faced, not happy to be experiencing that humiliation a second time.

It was also interesting to note the confused look on Dumbledore's face during Professor Trelawney's interview. That was how he felt the whole time he was talking to her. He realized, as he watched the scene again, that she really did seem to be talking to someone. He had to wonder if she was really that crazy, drunk, or could she actually talk to the other world? Not that it mattered; nothing relevant could come of it.

He again wondered at Draco Malfoy's behavior, though. Since only the interviews themselves were being watched, Dumbledore could not see the young Slytherin acting so strangely. Snape resolved to talk to Malfoy as soon as he was able. He thought the boy was somehow a key to the whole mess.

****

Hermione was frustrated. She was impatient to look through the information she had gathered. She went to the library and as she predicted it was deserted. However, just as she got started, Neville showed up looking for her and not surprised to find her there. He wanted to talk about their plan and how it was progressing. It was annoying really. How was she supposed to find out who it was doing this if she was stuck here talking to Neville?

Still she couldn't just ignore him.

They chatted for a while and soon it was time to go to supper. Hermione accompanied him to the Great Hall.

As she sat next to her boyfriend, she noticed Snape was not in his usual place at the head table.She figured he was still with Dumbledore going through the memories of the interviews.

****

The last interview was finally finished, and Snape knew he could take no more. His eyes were tired from watching all the interviews. His nerves were frayed from trying to find anything he missed the first time. All he wanted was the comfort of his rooms and a glass of firewhiskey. He would process everything tomorrow. It was Sunday. He would rest up from the last few days and then he would attempt to work it all out.

He was surprised to find, however, that he and Dumbledore were not alone when they exited the pensieve. Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch were both there, and they had looks of anticipation on their faces. Dumbledore did not seem surprised at this, though and Snape again wondered if there were something he was missing.

"Good evening," the headmaster said amicably but Professor McGonagall did not appear to be in the mood for pleasantries.

"Well, Albus?" she asked impatiently. "Which one of us is the winner?"

And in that moment Snape realized what was going on. Minerva was well known for her betting, and he realized what the contest was … who could humiliate him the most. What was worse … the headmaster was in on it.

"I must admit," the old traitor replied. "It was a difficult decision. You were both quite good but in the end I would have to give the prize to Professor Black."

"Black!" they cried in unison.

"But he wasn't in on it," McGonagall pointed out.

"And he wasn't even trying," chimed in Madam Hooch.

"Exactly why," the old man continued, "he was the best."

Unable to take anymore, Snape decided it was time for him to leave. Before he could make his escape Professor Dumbledore stopped him. He ushered the women out before turning back to Snape once more.

"There is one last thing for us to discuss, Severus," he said quietly. "The picture is almost complete. Professor Sprout has found a plant, whose juice reacts to the chemicals in the picture and is at this time speeding up the development. She assures me we will be able to see the picture clearly in approximately twenty-four hours. Perhaps less, if we are lucky."

The headmaster look somewhat pleased with himself at this announcement and clearly he expected the Potions master to share in his sense of accomplishment. Snape, however, was in no mood to indulge him further.

"So what you are telling me then, Albus," he said dangerously, "is that we no longer needed the interviews." He glared at the older wizard as he thought of all the countless hours spent needlessly with other members of the staff. "They were all a waste of my time," he finished accusingly.

"Nonsense, my boy," Dumbledore replied, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "I think we have learned a great deal this evening."

Without another word Snape stormed out of the room before he gave into his sudden urge to hex his employer and damn the consequences.

****

Neville wasn't hungry. He should have been. He was sitting beside his girlfriend, Hermione. Things were going well. Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape were both miserable. So he should have been ecstatic and had quite the appetite. Things were going according to his plan.

Except that Hermione was only pretending to be his girlfriend while she was obviously glancing at the head table looking for Snape. She still cared more for the greasy git than she did for him. But wasn't that part of the plan? To bring Hermione closer to Snape? Neville didn't know anymore. Things had gone perfectly and yet none of it was right. He should have been happier. He had felt such a thrill from the power but looking at Hermione's face he now wondered if it had been worth it.

****

Severus Snape stared into the fire as it crackled, seeming to taunt him. Twenty-four hours. Not enough time to find the culprit who had done all of this. He couldn't believe he had wasted a whole day reliving those horrid interviews. He could have been doing … well anything else really!

But what to do now?

He could look through the files. He had started that of course, but it seemed such a waste of time, and now he no longer had the luxury of time. He had to do something, and it had to be quick.

He also had to tell Hermione. Normally, he would be careful not to arise any suspicion but in less than twenty-four hours it wouldn't matter. The headmaster would have his proof: a picture of Hermione and himself in a most compromising position.

It was definitely past the time for caution. They had to figure out what to do next. It was just after suppertime. She would probably be in the Gryffindor common room.

Snape quickly made up his mind. He had to talk to her, no matter what the risk.