Disclaimer: I own nothing but my imagination.
CHAPTER 7
In the impenetrable darkness of Snape's bedroom, the phoenix shaped patronus, that was floating there a few inches above the ground, looked inappropriate and ominous. It was gazing at Severus intently, as he got out of bed and tried to wiggle into his underpants using the touch as his only sense. He cursed darkly when he tripped over his own shoes and sent the pile of homework parchments, that were laying on his bedside table, flying all over the place. A quickly muttered spell rectified the situation promptly. A second later the torches on the walls lit up and illuminated the potion master's pale face. The patronus flapped its wings impatiently as if trying to express his displeasure with further delay. "Yes, I'm coming," Severus hissed in the bird's direction, "but I need to locate a few pieces of my clothing first. If Dumbledore wishes to see me without a proper attire, he should have chosen a veela rather than a plucked bird as his messanger."
Untouched by Snape's insult, the phoenix fluffed its feathers and vanished. Surpressing a sigh Severus fastened the last buttons of his cloak and marched out of his quarters. He quickly passed the scarcely illuminated dungeon corridors and ascended the stairs. As the area was deserted at this time of night he had time to contemplate on the reason of this late night (or rather early morning) randezvous with the headmaster of Hogwarts. With a little uneasiness he recalled the astronomy tower incident, that happened two nights ago. Had anybody seen him there and reported his unapropriate behaviour? And if yes, how was he going to explain to Dumbledore that he almost kissed the girl he was supposed to protect?
The memory of that night still haunted him mercilessly. What drove him to feel so protective towards the girl? And even worse, why did the need to kiss her emerge from within his soul with such a force he very nearly gave in? He felt ashamed of himself. Frustrated. And angry. Confused. And scared. He could not remember being so scared since learning Voldemort marked Potters as his primary targets. Then he was scared for Lilly. This time it was different. Now he was scared of himself. What kind of thirty-five year old man felt the urge to kiss a teenager? Was he not only cold-hearted but also perverted? Was it a sign of early senility? What was the next step on this dark path? Molesting the first-year students? Luring them into his murky room at the pretense of giving them sweets?
With that happy thought he knocked at the headmaster's door and waited for an invitation that came seconds later. "Thank you for coming at this late hour, Severus," tensely looking Dumbledore addresed him as he stepped over the treshold. "I hope I didn't disturb your sleep. Please, take a seat. I have some rather alarming news." Snape eased himself in the nearest chair and folded his arms. The atmosphere in the room was tense, there was a slight murmur coming from the portraits on the wall, but nothing indicated he was about to be fired, sent to Azkaban or castrated. Dumbledore's next words confirmed this presumption.
"There was an incident at the department of mysteries tonight. Arthur Weasley was gravely injured while performing his duties for the Order. We believe he was attacked by a giant snake." "Nagini?" Snape interrupted, surprise etched in his face, "I was not aware Voldemort planned to attack the ministry in the near future! Are you sure it was a snake?" Dumbledore nodded his head several times before he responded. "Although I do not believe Voldemort intended to murder Arthur Weasley tonight, I'm certain it is his pet that is responsible for Arthur's condition. It's probably safe to assume he sent the snake to get the clearer picture of the situation at the ministry, maybe he was trying to find a flaw in our defences. He gave him orders not to interfere. The incident with Arthur was an unfortunate coincidence, it was not meant to happen." "This must be the first time", Severus spoke slowly still contemplating all the information, "anybody is accusing Dark lord of trying to prevent violence." "Indeed", Dumbledore lightly chuckled, but the smile vanished as soon as it appeared. "What I wonder, however", Snape continued, "is how you got all this information so fast? If Weasley had a night watch he was suposed to be alone until at least 7 o'clock in the morning." He looked questioningly at the older man. Dumbledore rubbed his nose and cleared his throat. "That, dear Severus, is exactly the reason why I summoned you here at this hour. As you know from the prophecy when Voldemort attacked Harry he 'marked him as his equal'. In other words he established some kind of connection between himself and the boy. It seems similar connection exists between Voldemort and his snake. When Harry was sleeping tonight he somehow entered the snake's mind and saw the attack happen. Thanks to him rising alarm immediately the chance of Arthur's survival exists. On the other hand our fast reaction may draw Voldemort's attention to this bond between himself and Harry. If he didn't know already. No doubt he will try to use it to his advantage." "That's rather unfortunate," Snape acknowledged, "it means Potter can give Dark lord access to many of our secrets, in fact, he can lead him directly to us. It seems, Albus, your trust in the boys' abilities was undeserved after all." Severus could not help but feel a pang of satisfaction at this moment. He was after all the one who always pointed out Potter's flaws outweighed any talents he might possess. "Do not get ahead of yourself, Severus," Dumbledore commented his eyes suddenly turning icy. "Too often you blame me for embracing the boy with undeserved emotion yet you seem to mirror this very mistake. You cannot hold Harry responsible for his father's sins forever. Why, I ask you, do you so stubbornly refuse to appreciate the qualities he inherited from his late mother?" Severus clenched his fists and for a few moments refused to meet headmaster's eyes. "I promised I would protect Potter," he spat out finaly, "but do not ask me to like him, Albus." The silence in the room stretched for a few more minutes before Dumbledore finally spoke. "No, Severus, I promise I will never ask you to adopt Harry and treat him like your own son," mischief slowly crept back into headmaster's voice. "But I will require your assistance in severing this connection between him and Voldemort. You need to teach him how to close his mind. For the reasons I believe you understand I cannot do this myself and you are the only suitable candidate left. I tend to say this often lately, don't I?" Despite Dumbledore's light tone Snape sensed urgency, maybe even a slight fear, behind his words. He left the old man in uncertainty a bit longer before he raised his head and spoke. "I will need to borrow your pensieve."
A/N: I'm really sorry it took me so long to update. Being a single mother with two jobs leaves me somehow drained... I promise I will try harder.
As always, reviews are appreciated. Feel free to pinpoint any mistakes you find in the text. English is not my first language after all.